n this article, we will dive into part one of Saakhi #6 of the Sikha Di Bhagat Maala, Sikher (Seeker) series, exploring how charitable acts affect our personal wealth.

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Meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji

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ਦਉਲਤ ਖਾਂ ਲੋਦੀ ਭਲਾ ਹੋਆ ਜਿੰਦ ਪੀਰੁ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ॥

Daulat Khan Lodhi was a good person, who then became the Jinda Pir. 

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Daulat Khan Lodhi resided in Sultanpur, where he held the position of the town's mayor. He was also the brother-in-law of Baba Jai Ram Ji, who was married to Bebe Naanki Ji - sister of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Daulat Khan was the proprietor of a government-owned provision shop known as the Modi Khaana. Upon Guru Nanak Dev Ji's arrival in Sultanpur, Guru Sahib Ji was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the shop. Daulat Khan arranged all the weights before Guru Sahib Ji for the purpose of weighing provisions. When Guru Sahib Ji lifted the pao weight (the smallest stone weight, weighing approximately 250 grams), they humbly bowed to this weight. Guru Sahib Ji said, “How remarkable is this little weight, choosing to identify itself as the smallest of all.”

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A Lesson in Humility

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Guru Sahib Ji reflected further, explaining the importance of humility. They said, “The head is the highest part of the human body, yet no one bows to the head, everyone bows to the feet, which are the lowest. Everyone touches the feet of the saints.” 

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In this Shabad, Guru Nanak Dev Ji explains that our strength comes from humility.

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ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਨਿਵੈ ਆਪ ਕਉ ਪਰ ਕਉ ਨਿਵੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥

Everyone bows down to himself; no one bows down to another.

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ਧਰਿ ਤਾਰਾਜੂ ਤੋਲੀਐ ਨਿਵੈ ਸੁ ਗਉਰਾ ਹੋਇ ॥

When something is placed on the balancing scale and weighed, the side which descends is heavier.

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Working at the Modi Khaana

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Through Bhai Jai Ram Ji’s reference, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was given the job of managing Daulat Khan’s Modi Khaana. When Guru Sahib Ji took control of the shop, if any Sadhu or saint came to the town, Guru Sahib Ji would wholeheartedly offer provisions to them. If a needy person came to the shop, Guru Sahib Ji would ensure that they don’t leave empty-handed. Over time, the charity given by Guru Sahib Ji became more than the shop expenses of Daulat Khan. Daulat Khan realized that his costs to run the town had significantly decreased. 

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One day, Daulat Khan’s Divaan (government official) spoke to him and said, “Bhai Jai Ram Ji’s brother-in-law has given all our wealth to the poor and Fakirs. We are unable to meet the daily expenses of the army, which were coming from the shop.”

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Daulat Khan called Bhai Jai Ram Ji and said, “You have spent all the town’s wealth! Meet my Divan and settle the accounts.”

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Bhai Jai Ram Ji went to Guru Sahib Ji and explained that Daulat Khan is asking to settle the accounts. Guru Sahib Ji affirmed, “I will settle the accounts.”

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The Astonishing Check

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When Guru Sahib Ji conducted a stock check to reconcile the accounts, it was discovered that the shop's inventory had doubled compared to its previous state. Upon further examination of the accounts, an additional 10,000 rupees were identified in the budget beyond the designated expenses for operating the shop.

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Observing this, Daulat Khan remarked, "Guru Nanak is no ordinary individual. He must be a Wali (saint). Please bestow upon him the position of Divaan."

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However, Guru Sahib Ji declined the job offer, expressing a preference for alternative endeavors, as they perceived that Daulat Ram lacked confidence in their shop management abilities. Guru Sahib Ji left the job at the provisional shop and went to pursue their higher purpose. They would go to where the ascetics, saints and yogis sat and spend time with them, healing the world, one person at a time. 

Closing Thoughts..

The story of Daulat Khan Lodhi and Guru Nanak Dev Ji highlights the profound effects of humility and giving on personal and communal wealth. Guru Sahib Ji's selfless management of the shop showcases how generosity can lead to unexpected abundance. This Saakhi teaches us that through acts of kindness and a humble mindset, we not only enhance our lives but also create a positive ripple effect that transcends mere material wealth.