The Source Book On Sikhism

NANAK AND TWO CITIES

Once Nanak was the guest of the City of Light, where lived good people. At the time of departure thence, the Guru cursed them: “Be ye scattered, and may there be no city here!” After a while the Guru was the guest of the City of Darkness, where lived evil-minded persons. Nanak, on leaving the city, blessed them: “May this be your settlement for a long time to come!”

NANAK AND THE FOOLS

Once he was at Multan. Many false hermits lived there, and they were all afraid of some true one coming and disillusioning the crowds that assembled and worshipped them. They thought Nanak had come to deprive them of their living. It is said they sent Nanak a bowl of milk too full to have another drop, meaning thereby there was no room for him. Mardana wished the Guru to accept it, for he was thirsty and hungry after a long dusty tramp. He smiled, and returned the bowl, placing a little flower of jesamine on the surface of the milk. “There is room for me everywhere,” said the jesamine flower.