Once upon a time, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was teaching the Sikhs wonderful lessons about our own hearts. In the Sangam, there came a rich boy who really wanted to serve the Guruji. Of course Guruji, knew what was in the boy’s heart and to test it he asked everyone, “I am thirsty, who can get me water?”

And before anyone else could answer, the boy exclaimed “I will!” and left to get the water. Soon enough the boy proudly came back with a glass of water. Guru ji said, “Your hands look soft. What do you do for work?”

The boy replied, “My parents have plenty of money, so I don’t need to work. Whenever I want something I ask a servant for it."

It’s true that his parents had spoiled him, they never even had him do chores or even clean his room. He led a very soft and easy life while other people did everything for him. Guruji asked, “You never work?”

“That's true, you are such an inspiration. You are the first person I’ve even thought of serving! This is the first time I have gotten water for anyone.”

Then Guruji continued teaching without drinking the water. Eventually, someone asked, “Guru ji, you asked for water, now you are not drinking. Are you no longer thirsty?” Guruji replied, “I will not drink this water. It is dirty.”

The boy did not understand, “True King, I assure you that this water is not dirty. I cleaned the glass myself, then I put in water directly from the well. It is pure!” Guru ji explained, “Your hands have dirtied the water.” The boy was surprised and said, “No Guruji, I cleaned my hands first. I brought it directly to you. There is nothing that could have dirtied the water, it really is pure!” “ Guruji said, “My boy, hands are made pure by doing service. Your hands are dirty.”

Then Guru ji spoke to everyone there, “Listen fellow sikhs, if you do not work or serve others, it is like as if you become filled with dirt. If you are filthy who will want to be near you? Your feet are made pure by going to see your Guru. Your hands are made pure by service. It is our lifestyle to serve the Sangat. This is very important!”

These words pierced the boy’s heart. He had always been a good boy but he realized he wanted to be more than that. He was no longer comfortable just receiving from others. The boy bowed his head and he made a decision: “From now on I will not just be a taker, I will also give. I won’t just let people serve me like I’m royalty. I will also be a humble servant.”

Some time had passed and Guru Ji again saw him in the Sangat. He knowingly smiled, “I am thirsty, who will get me water?” Just like before the boy volunteered right away, “I will bring you water!” 

Chanting Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, the boy brought the water. Guru ji looked at his hands, which were rough and stained from work. He could see the boy was more humble. He could also see the water was different from last time. It had the vibration of love and service. This was because the boy's heart was shining now. Smiling, Guru ji said, “THIS is pure water!” And Guru ji happily drank the water. The boy felt a connection with Guru Gobind Singh Ji that he hadn’t felt before and his heart filled with more love than ever.

We should all work honestly and earn a living. Even the first Guru, Guru Nanak showed us the way to earn our living by farming. As a little child, you should, along with your studies, serve your elders and the needy. 

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