The Source Book On Sikhism

NANAK AND DUNI CHAND

A banker name Duni Chand lived in Lahore in the times of Nanak. He flew many flags over his house, each flag representing ten millions. One day he came to see the Master, and Nanak gave to him a needle, which he said he would receive again from him in the world beyond this after death. Duni Chand took the needle home, and told his wife of the Master’s strange speech, and still stranger request to keep a needle for him in his books. Both went to the Guru again, and said, “Sire, how can we carry a needle with us beyond death, when all we have shall be left behind?” “Of what use is your all, then,” said Nanak, “if it will be of no use to you in regions beyond death, where you will have to pass long centuries?” “Pray, then, tell us what we can take with us,” said they.

“The wealth of loving Him,” said the Guru; “Hari Nam will go with you.”

“How can we have that wealth,” said they.

“Just as you have this, if the Guru so pleaseth, if He giveth the grain of life, if He favoureth ye,” said the Guru.

Both Duni Chand and his wife entered the path of discipleship.