Guru Nanak Dev Ji, while spreading the message of universal welfare, once arrived in Bikaner, Rajasthan, during his travels with Bhai Mardana Ji. There, they encountered some Jain monks. Guru Ji noticed that the monks kept their mouths covered with a cloth. Curious, Guru Ji asked them, “Why do you cover your mouths with cloth?”
The Jain monks replied, “We cover our mouths to prevent tiny organisms in the air from entering our bodies while breathing, so that they do not die because of us.”
Guru Ji then asked another question, “Why do you always carry a broom with you?”
They answered, “We use the broom to clear the path of small creatures, so that we do not accidentally step on them and cause their death.”
Guru Ji further inquired, “You do not cut your hair but pluck it out by hand. Why is that?”
The monks explained, “We believe that even hair contains life. If we cut it with scissors, the hair would feel pain.”
Guru Nanak Dev Ji then asked, “You do not bathe for long periods. Why is that?”
They responded, “Because water contains countless living beings, and by bathing, we might harm them.”
Guru Ji’s Teachings
After listening to their explanations, Guru Nanak Dev Ji gently explained to them, “You believe you are protecting life, but life and death are in the hands of the Divine. Without the will of the Almighty, not even a leaf can move.”
Guru Ji continued, “True goodness does not lie in causing yourself pain, but in serving others, remembering the Divine, and performing righteous deeds.”
He further elaborated, “Water is the source of life and a gift from the Divine. How can you think that avoiding water is virtuous? Every human being bathes at birth and after death as well.”
The Impact of Guru Ji’s Wisdom
Hearing these profound words from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Jain monks were deeply moved. They accepted Guru Ji’s teachings and became his followers. Spreading the light of wisdom, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, accompanied by Bhai Mardana Ji, continued his journey onward.
