The Arrogance of the Musicians

Satta and Balvand were two exceptionally talented rabab players (musicians) who performed Kirtan (devotional singing) in the court of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Their music was so beautiful that the congregation was often moved to tears.

However, praise inflated their egos. They began to believe that the Sikhs came to the Gurdwara not for the Guru's teachings, but solely to hear their music. When they demanded more money for a family wedding and the Guru offered what he had, they grew furious and walked out.

'Let us see how the Guru holds court without us!' they boasted. 'No one will come.'

The next morning, the congregation gathered, but Satta and Balvand were nowhere to be found. Guru Arjan Dev Ji did not panic. He calmly picked up a stringed instrument himself and instructed the ordinary Sikhs in the congregation to sing the bani. The devotion in the room was so pure that the atmosphere was more electric and blissful than ever before.

Satta and Balvand's arrogance turned to ashes. They lost their voices, and sickness overtook them. Realizing their colossal ego had disconnected them from the source of their talent, they begged a devoted Sikh, Bhai Ladha, to intercede. Bhai Ladha blackened his own face and rode a donkey backward to the Guru to beg for their forgiveness.

Seeing Bhai Ladha's extreme humility on their behalf, Guru Arjan forgave the musicians instantly. He reminded them: 'Music is a vehicle for the Divine, not a pedestal for the ego. Talent without humility is a dry well.'