Guru Nanak and the Holy Name
Guru Nanak’s Travels:
Guru Nanak traveled extensively across India, encouraging people to chant the Holy Name.
Encounter with Liquor Brewers:
During his travels, he once encountered a group of people brewing liquor. They offered some to him, claiming it would guarantee ecstasy for 12 hours.
Question of Temporary Ecstasy:
Guru Nanak inquired, “What do I do after 12 hours?” They replied, “Then you come back for some more!”
Holy Name’s Eternal Bliss:
Guru Nanak responded, “Why should I do that when the Holy Name gives me all the ecstasy I want—and all the time! I don’t need to come back for refills; it is a constant feeling of ecstasy!”
Contrast in Taste: He also added, “The taste of the liquor is bitter, but the Holy Name has a sweet feeling to it!”
Lessons to Be Learned
The Superiority of Spiritual Joy: True and lasting joy comes from spiritual practices, not temporary material pleasures.
Permanence of Divine Ecstasy: The ecstasy derived from chanting the Holy Name is constant and does not require repeated external stimuli.
Bitterness vs. Sweetness: Material pleasures may seem appealing but often have a bitter aftertaste, whereas spiritual joy is inherently sweet.
Simplicity in Spiritual Practice: The Holy Name is accessible and provides continuous spiritual fulfillment without the need for additional substances or actions.
Inner Satisfaction: True contentment and happiness come from within, through spiritual connection, rather than external, fleeting experiences.
