We often pray because we are seeking help — a solution to a problem, or the fulfilment of a desire.
There are many forms of worship we follow: we pray to a deity, visit a Guru, bow to a scripture, read wisdom texts, or commit ourselves to certain principles.
As part of this worship, we also make offerings.
But what is a suitable offering to the Divine?
The answer to this question carries a quiet secret — not just about fulfilling one wish, but about discovering joy in every moment of life.
Mansukh – The Trader
Mansukh was a merchant who travelled to different ports, trading goods. One day, his ship docked at Ceylon. After disembarking, he began preparing a meal, lighting a fire.
Seeing smoke rise into the air, the local people were outraged.
“Who has lit a cooking fire? It is Ekadashi today! The King has ordered that everyone fast on this day.”
Mansukh was arrested by the king’s soldiers.
Raja Shivnabh
That night, the king himself could not sleep. There was news of an impending attack, and preparations for battle were underway for the next day. Despite dancers and musicians performing in his chambers, his mind remained restless.
Well past midnight, the music stopped—but the king was still awake.
Suddenly, he heard a melodious song coming from a cellar near his chambers. Curious, he stepped out and asked the guards who was singing.
“Sir,” they replied, “this is the man arrested today for lighting a cooking fire.”
Surprised, the king asked the merchant, “How are you so calm and peaceful, sleeping on this rocky floor? I cannot find rest even amidst all the luxuries of my palace.”
Mansukh replied, “I am singing the praises of the Divine, as taught to me by my Guru.”
A deep peace settled over the king—something he had never experienced before.
“Who is your Guru?” he asked. “Can you teach me these hymns too?”
Mansukh agreed.
A Single Spark
A single spark is enough to light a fire. Mansukh’s devotion kindled a flame in the king’s heart. Over the next few days, Mansukh shared the teachings of the Guru with him.
When it was time for him to leave, the king expressed a desire to travel with him to Punjab. “I want to place myself at the feet of the Guru.”
Mansukh replied gently,
“The Guru would not be pleased if you abandoned your duties here. Rule with love and service. Meditate on the Master’s words and deepen your bond. The Guru is drawn to the disciple’s love—He Himself will come here one day.”
The king followed this advice. He ruled with fairness and compassion, and every morning and night, he prayed for the blessing of meeting the Guru.
Meeting the Guru
A few years later, Guru Nanak travelled to Ceylon. The king’s wish was fulfilled.
The king went to meet the Guru along with his wife and young prince. Overcome with devotion, he placed his head at the Guru’s feet. The royal family was filled with joy at being graced by his presence.
The king invited Guru Nanak to visit the palace and bless the kingdom.
The Guru asked gently, “What can you offer?”
The king replied,
“All the wealth of my kingdom is at your disposal. Pearls, gold, diamonds—what may I offer you?”
The Offering to the Guru
Guru Nanak responded, “Give me something that is truly your own.”
“These are mine, Master,” the king said. “This is my kingdom.”
The Guru smiled. “That is what your father believed. And his father before him. They are no longer here—and another will claim it after you.”
“Then I offer my body,” said the king. “This body is mine.”
“And where are the bodies of your father and grandfather?” the Guru asked. “They too had to leave them behind.”
“Then I offer you my mind, O Master.”
The Guru smiled again. “Do you think it is yours? You sit here, yet your mind runs in ten directions.”
The Realisation: The True Offering
The king was deeply unsettled.
“This wealth is not mine. This body is not mine. This mind is not mine.
Then what is mine? What can I give you?”
Guru Nanak looked into his eyes and said, “There is one thing that is truly yours. Give me that—this ‘I’. Give it to me, and I will lead you to the door of the Divine.”
Overwhelmed with gratitude and insight, the king said, “Please take this ‘I’. Give me ‘You’.
I am nothing. Nothing is mine. Everything is Yours.”
The Guru replied, “Now continue ruling this kingdom.”
The king was confused – “If there is no ‘I’, who will rule?”
The Guru replied, “If someone asks whose kingdom this is, say —it belongs to Guru Nanak.
If someone asks who you belong to, say — you belong to Guru Nanak.”
Living a Life Led by the Guru
Life brings both highs and lows.
When things go well, we credit the ‘I’.
When difficulties arise, we lose our balance.
Faith does not stop problems from coming. It helps us stay steady when they do.
A verse by Guru Amar Das Ji offers a powerful image—one that can serve as a daily meditation:
हसती सिरि जिउ अंकसु है
Like the ankush placed on the elephant’s head
अहरणि जिउ सिरु देइ ॥
Is forged by beating iron on the anvil
मनु तनु आगै राखि कै
Let us place our mind and body before the Guru
ऊभी सेव करेइ ॥
Standing alert, ready to serve the Will
इउ गुरमुखि आपु निवारीऐ
By letting go of the ‘I’, becoming Guru-centred
सभु राजु सृसटि का लेइ ॥
One comes to rule the world
नानक गुरमुखि बुझीऐ
Says Nanak, this truth is understood through the Guru
जा आपे नदरि करेइ ॥
When the Divine bestows Grace
This idea echoes across spiritual traditions. Life does not always follow our plans. But when we learn to go with the flow, even seeming setbacks help build inner strength. Every resistance carries a lesson. When we stay steady, we begin to trust that the Divine takes care.
Consider Hanuman—often depicted standing with folded hands, alert and ready to serve. His posture itself is a teaching: no complaints, no resistance. In wholehearted service to the Master, he discovers immense strength.
Reflection Question
Is there something today that did not go as planned? How can you go with the flow and stay steady?
References
- Katha by Giani Pinderpal Singh
- Raja Shivnabh, SikhiWiki
- Janamsakhis: An Analytical Study – Dr. Kirpal Singh
The Sabad Project - Wisdom stories 
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