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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Gangu Teli and the Scholar: When Knowledge Becomes a Weapon
How do you treat someone with immense wealth? Now, how do you treat someone who not only flaunts their wealth but constantly reminds others of it? Imagine that they constantly challenge those with lesser wealth with the intent to grab theirs as well! Most of us would agree—enjoying one’s wealth and to an extent celebrating…
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Making Peace with the Opposite: Lessons from Ram Leela
When asked to describe yourself, you might begin with details about your family, work, or education. But eventually, you’ll arrive at the values that define you — those guiding principles that shape how you think, act, and interact with the world. These values vary from person to person. For some, honesty is the foundation of…
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Finding time for the Divine: Bhagat Trilochan questions Bhagat Namdev
Bhagat Kabir, Bhagat Namdev, and Bhagat Trilochan were contemporary saints from the Bhakti movement. These seekers courageously challenged the rigid boundaries of caste, ritual, and formalism, carving a path to Truth that transcended these artificial constructs. In their pursuit, they often engaged in dialogues—humble, sincere inquiries to learn from one another’s spiritual insights. One such…
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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,…
The Sabad Project - Wisdom stories 