Truth is above everything.
The highest is truthful living.

Guru* Nanak Dev was a successful shopkeeper in his village, Talwandi. Because of his honesty and integrity, he was appointed manager of the government stores at Sultanpur Lodhi, in Punjab, on the banks of the river Bayeen. This was a job of great responsibility since very large stores and stocks were involved. One could easily lose track of money or supplies. Junior officials were usually not very sincere. On the contrary, they were quite often dishonest.

All the town residents were satisfied with the good dealings of Guru Nanak Dev. His employees, however, resented the loss of opportunities to steal. Thus, they were always on the lookout for an excuse to complain against Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak often gave a lot of money and food to the needy. Whenever any person needed support, Guru Nanak was always ready to help him. The corrupt employees did not like the honest conduct of Nanak. Tired of him, they alleged that Nanak was giving away government stocks rather than his own. However, the populace knew about the greatness of Nanak and, therefore, did not believe these rumors.

Finally, the employees lodged a complaint with the Nawab that Guru Nanak Dev was misappropriating stores and stocks. Continued complaints regarding mishandling of the stores forced the Nawab to do an inventory and check the accounts. To the great embarrassment of the Nawab, everything was in order. There was no shortage at all, as doubted by the authorities. The complaining employees, who themselves were corrupt, were greatly embarrassed.

Yet, even after this incident, the employees did not mend their ways. They kept spreading rumors against Nanak. They became even more jealous because of his rising popularity. After some time, they again raised the same issue and started telling people that Guru Nanak was not keeping the accounts properly. The second inspection of stores proved once more that all complaints by the employees were false and malicious. The evil intentions of the employees became known to everyone. All the residents of the village appreciated the honest living of Guru Nanak and how he shared his earnings with other people. Even the Nawab of the town began to respect him as a holy man.

Through his truthful living, Guru Nanak demonstrated the principle of honesty to the world.

A Sikh earns his living honestly. Dishonest earnings are prohibited for Sikhs.



*This title was not ascribed to Nanak until later on in his life.