Mere adulation is poor adoration
Akbar as we all know, is one of the greatest Moghal Emperors. He was a
lover of mankind and respected the great and pious souls of all
religions.
He had heard of Guru Nanak's reputation and his attempts to unite the
Hindus and the Muslims. He desired to welcome him and honour him in
his court. So he sent word to him through his minister, paying his
respects and requesting him to grace his court. Guru Nanak replied to
the minister: "I shall only respond to the call of God, the Emperor of
Emperors and shall enter only His court."
The minister conveyed this message to the Emperor. Akbar's respect for
Guru Nanak increased and so he sent word again to meet him at the
mosque at least. Nanak consented and did come to the mosque at the
appointed hour. Both Akbar and Nanak were welcomed by the mullah with
due honour. According to the custom, the mullah should say the prayers
first. So he sat on his knees and prayed loudly. Nanak laughed loudly.
All the muslims in the temple got angry but dared not say anything
because of the Emperor's presence. Then Akbar sat on his knees and
prayed. Nanak at once laughed even more loudly. The atmosphere in the
mosque was becoming tense. The faces of the devotees became red and
their lips twitched to pounce upon Nanak. Akbar controlled them by way
of silent gesture. Both of them came out. Akbar questioned Nanak with
all humility: "Oh revered one!, may I know why you laughed loudly
during the prayer session? Does it become you?"
Guru Nanak replied: "Oh king, how could I withhold my laughter when I
could see clearly that neither the mullah nor your majesty where
thinking of God while praying. The mullah was thinking of his ailing
son and you were thinking of the pair of beautiful Arabian horses that
were gifted to you. Is it worthy of either the mullah or your majesty
to call that prayer? Is it not hypocrisy? The mullah and emperor
sought pardon from Nanak and thanked him for opening their eyes to
their own weakness.
Remember that prayer is not just a string of words of praise to God to
be recited mechanically. It is an earnest attempt to awaken and arouse
the divinity in us. We should say prayers with full concentration.
What matters is the feeling, not either the voice or words. "Mere
adulation is poor adoration".
Category: Chinna Katha
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