________________
of the situation, and offered the position of Diwan (Minister of Commerce) to Nanak. He also sent his heartfelt apologies to Nanak, pleading with him to become the Diwan. Nanak respectfully declined, and so began his life's true work—the
divine mission
of Guru Nanak.
The Divine Mission
The next day, Baba Nanak went to take his morning bath in the river. But, after his first dip in the waters he remained submerged and remained as such for three days. When people found out about this incident they became overwhelmed with great concern and confusion. The Nawab and Jairam (Nanak's brother-in-law) called out for the boatmen and ordered a search with nets in the river, but the search proved futile. Nanak's sister Nanaki, his wife Sulakshani, and his two little sons became flooded with grief.
But just as swiftly as Nanak had disappeared, after three days he suddenly emerged at the same place where he had entered the river. His face was gleaming with peace and radiance. News quickly spread of this miraculous event and people began to recognize Nanak for the great sage that he was. It is thought that during those two days he was immersed in the Samadhi of the
280
