Guru Nanak and the fake Sadhu

When Guru Nanak along with his companion Mardana were at Jagannath Puri,they saw a huge gathering of people. The people had assembled around a Sadhuwho was sitting in a trance. It is usual for such fake Sadhus to come to holyplaces and receive charity from devotees in the name of false practices andrituals. This Sadhu also pretended to meditate keeping his eyes, nose and ears—allclosed. He seemed to view the entire world with his inner vision.. A begging bowlwas placed before him and the devotees put their offerings of money in it.

After every brief interval the Sadhu would open his eyes have a glance at thebowl and thento close it at once again. Once when he had just closed his eyes, theGuru removed the bowl from before him and put it behind him.

When the Sadhu reopened his eyes soon after, he was puzzled to find the bowlmissing. The people also noted his nervousness. The Sadhu said, ‘Where is my bowl?’

Guru Nanak said to all those present, ‘This is how these fake Sadhus cheat thepeople. He pretended that he was viewing the three worlds. Whereas the fact is heeven could not see his own bowl behind him.

Guru Nanak advised the peoplethat in Kaliyuga God’s name alone is the saviour. Beware of the treacherous wayssuch fake people. They cannot help you in any way.