Guru Nanak and the Jasmine Flower

The city of Multan was known as the city of Pirs and Fakirs (saints and holy men). When Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his companion Bhai Mardana arrived outside the city gates, the local holy men felt threatened. They thought this new Guru would steal their followers.

To send a polite but firm message, the Pirs sent a messenger carrying a bowl of milk filled to the absolute brim. The symbolic message was clear: 'Multan is already overflowing with holy men, just like this cup of milk. There is no room for you here.'

Bhai Mardana saw the milk and wanted to drink it, but Guru Nanak stopped him. Without saying a word, the Guru plucked a single, delicate jasmine petal from a nearby bush.

He gently placed the jasmine petal on the surface of the milk. The petal was so light that it floated perfectly, and not a single drop of milk spilled over the edge.

The messenger took the bowl back to the Pirs. They immediately understood the Guru's profound silent reply: 'I will not displace anyone. I will live among you lightly and add fragrance to your lives, just as this flower floats on the milk without displacing a drop.'

Deeply moved by his humility and wisdom, the Pirs of Multan came out of the city to welcome Guru Nanak with immense respect.