When our minds are overwhelmed, stories are like a balm for the soul. They speak not only to our intellect but also to our hearts. Stories are heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next—in the courtyard, on journeys, at mealtimes, or as sacred instructions. They carry with them the wisdom of living well, cautionary tales about the dangers of human existence, and practical tips for navigating life’s challenges.
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The Life of Baba Bahlol: Looking Within, Not Without
Guru Nanak spent many years spreading the message of the Oneness of all creation. He traveled far and wide—from Kashmir to Sri Lanka, and from Assam to Mecca —sharing the message of love, unity, and spirituality. During his travels in the Arab world, Guru Nanak engaged in deep discussions with local people. He spoke about…
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Sheikh Fareed’s Mother
It is said that there are only 2.5 true mothers in the world. One of them is Baba Fareed’s mother, another is Dhruv’s mother, and half is Gopi Chand’s mother. Gopi Chand’s mother is considered only half because, while she initiated him on the path of devotion, she later fell into despair over their separation.…
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Tansen and His Teacher | The Shadow and the Spark
Tansen, the legendary singer, was one of the nine jewels in Emperor Akbar’s court. It is said that when he sang Raag Malhaar, it would begin to rain, and when he sang Raag Deepak, lamps would light up. One day, after a mesmerizing performance of Raag Darbari, Emperor Akbar was spellbound. Praising Tansen, he said,…
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Ekudana the Arahat: One stanza of wisdom
In a grove near the ancient city of Savatthi, there lived a monk named Ekudana. He was an arahat—a term in the Buddhist tradition used to refer to enlightened beings who have achieved freedom from worldly desires and suffering. There was a special reason why he was known as Ekudana (Ek-Udana): he knew only one…
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What Do We Work For? | Lessons from the Pianist
What do we work for? If you’re a student, perhaps you work to gain knowledge or build a career. If you’re in the workforce, maybe you work to earn money, support your family, or bring a dream project to life. But how do we measure success? Is it the ability to provide for loved ones,…
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The Innocence of the Bhakta
One of the famous saints from the bhakti tradition was Bhagat Dhanna ji from Dhuan Kala village, near Tonk district in Rajasthan. He was a simple man born in a farming family. One day, while heading to his fields, he observed a priest performing his daily rituals with what appeared to him as ordinary stones.…
The Sabad Project - Wisdom stories 