We put in effort of many kinds to meet our goals. We learn a skill, make plans, gather resources, work hard, and seek support from others. But sometimes, even after repeated effort, success seems uncertain.
What are the feelings we go through in such moments?
- Disappointment
- Worry
- Fear
- Anger
Here is a story about a brick maker who went through a similar cycle. The story ends with an insight that offers hope in difficult circumstances.
The brick maker
Bhai Buddhu was a brick maker living in what was then Lahore, in undivided India. He had been struggling for some time. A devout Sikh of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, he went to his Guru and made a plea:
“Please bless my upcoming project. I have set up a large kiln this time. I will employ labour with the loans I have taken, and hopefully make a good profit.”
The Guru replied, “Whenever you begin something important, start with a plea to the Divine. Come together in prayer as a congregation. Serve a simple meal (langar) as an offering. And set aside a tenth of what you earn for the welfare of others.”
The project begins
The process of baking involves preparation of the soil, moulding it into bricks, drying them in the sun and then firing them in a kiln. This process of baking is crucial – if the bricks are not baked properly, they remain soft, absorb moisture easily, and cannot be used for building. They must be discarded.
Bhai Buddhu started the project as planned – organising materials, arranging thousands of workers, and firing the kiln. He also organised a prayer gathering and generously served langar to everyone present.
The prayer
Around this time, an ordinary-looking man in worn-out clothes arrived at the gate. The staff did not allow him to enter the gathering because of his appearance.
Despite his insistence that he too was a devotee of the Guru, the doors were closed to him.
The prayer service concluded, and food was served. As was the custom, the sangat offered a collective prayer on behalf of Bhai Buddhu, repeating:
“Buddhu ka āvā paccā… Buddhu ka āvā paccā…”
(May Buddhu’s bricks bake well.)
At that very moment, from outside the gate, the man called out:
“Buddhu ka āvā kacchā… Buddhu ka āvā kacchā…”
(Buddhu’s bricks will remain half-baked.)
The half-baked bricks
When the kiln was opened, the bricks were indeed half-baked.
Bhai Buddhu was devastated. He had taken large loans, and now the entire batch seemed useless.
“How will I repay the money? Forget profit— I have lost even the principal!”
With no way out in sight, he ran to the Guru.
“I did as you advised. I began with a prayer, offered prasad, and served the community. Yet my bricks have turned out half-baked.”
The Guru listened patiently and then asked,
“Did you serve everyone with respect at your langar?”
“Yes, Guru Ji… I did as you said.”
Realizing the mistake
Then a thought crossed his mind. “There was a shabby-looking man at the gate. He came late… I told him the service was over.”
His face filled with regret. “He did say the bricks would remain half-baked…”
Bhai Buddhu grew despondent again.
The Guru replied, “That man was no ordinary mendicant. He is Bhai Lakhu – a deeply devoted disciple, very dear to me. Even the Guru does not turn away the word of such a devotee.”
Bhai Buddhu realised his mistake.
It is easy to serve when it fits our plans. But when the opportunity to serve comes at an inconvenient moment, we often lose patience – especially with those who seem like a burden.
Repairing the wrong
The Guru said, “You must go and seek forgiveness from Bhai Lakhu.”
Bhai Buddhu wondered how he would find him. The Guru then called Bhai Ladha, a kind-hearted man, who was well respected by the community.
“Please help mediate between them.”
Bhai Ladha agreed. Bhai Buddhu apologised sincerely.
Before leaving, Bhai Ladha also advised Bhai Lakhu, “You too must guard against anger. Anger is a fire that burns the fruits of our spiritual practice.”
The bounty
“But what about my loss?” Bhai Buddhu wondered.
“The bricks will remain half-baked.”
Things had gone horribly wrong. But the Guru reminded him
Grace can set right even what seems beyond repair.
“Do not worry. So what if the bricks are half-baked? The Divine works in mysterious ways. Your half-baked bricks may fetch the price of perfectly baked ones. Have patience.”
That year, there were heavy rains. No kilns in the region could complete their baking.
At the same time, the ruler needed bricks urgently to rebuild his palace walls. The officials searched everywhere but found none.
Then they heard of Bhai Buddhu’s half-baked bricks. They bought them at full price – with gratitude. Bhai Buddhu earned so much from just one half of the kiln that he did not even need to use the other half. For a long time, that unused half of the kiln remained – serving as a reminder that,
Our plans and efforts have limits.
The grace of the Divine does not.
Reflection question
Can you think of someone who reminds you to remain hopeful — even in the most difficult times?
The Sabad Project - Wisdom stories 
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