Guru Angad, Mana And The Robber

Mana, a devout Sikh of Guru Angad, served in the langar of the Guru's kitchen. Mana was a very hard working man and always remained engrossed in his duty. But due to Mana's hard work he became conceited and thought their was no other hardworking sewak in the Darbar of the Guru.

Though Mana did his duty well, he became very rude and didn't hesitate to abuse other Sikhs. When the hungry Sikhs would ask Mana for meals, he would curse them saying, "I'm not your servant, I'm the Guru's Sikh and only serve him. I can't serve people of your caste."

Caste Is Not Equality

Sikhs complained to Guru Angad about the behaviour of Mana. Guru Angad spoke with Mana and asked him to treat all Sikhs alike. A persons social, family or professional status is not a reason to discriminate. There is no castes in Sikhi as such there is no place for discrimination between Sikhs whatever their family background (despite the misguided principles of some Punjabi people). Unfortunately, many other religions do believe in caste and inequality between men and women. Guru Angad also told Mana to improve his behaviour and attitude.

Hearing such words from the Guru, Mana became even more rash. He cursed and abused the Sikhs that had complained about him. Mana became so self-important, conceited and rude that instead of Serving the Sikhs according to their needs, he asked them to take their requests to Guru Angad.

God Has Created All As Equals

The Sikhs told Guru Angad that Mana's behaviour was becoming worse. This time the Guru called a congregation and summoned Mana. Addressing the congregation Guru Angad emphasized, "The first duty of a Sikh is to serve the needy. One should serve the Sangat becoming lowest of the lowest. One who feels proud of his service, is in darkness. God has created all as equals. All castes are equal. There is none high or low. In reality, it is those who are humble that are the greatest. Humility even wins over enemies."

Guru Angad asked why Mana had not been serving everyone as instructed. Mana said, "I'm nobody's servant. I am your Sikh and will only do what you order me." Guru Angad decided to test Mana and said, "Your services have become useless because those who don't serve the Sangat don't serve me. I don't need your services. Leave the Langar, gather some firewood, go to the forest and cremate yourself." Mana asked, "But I will die...?". Guru Angad said, "If you are willing to change, and have faith, you will be saved."

Have Faith And Change Before It Is Too Late

Accordingly, Mana collected wood, went to the forest and made a pyre. On setting fire to it and seeing the flames Mana became afraid. He did not relish the idea of death. Meanwhile, a thief arrived and asked why this great fire had been lit. Mana related his whole story. The thief on hearing of the Guru Angad's greatness began to repent, and concluded that, at last, he had an opportunity of wiping out the sins of his past life.

The thief said to Mana, "Take this casket of gems from me. In exchange, I will obey the Guru's order." Mana became greedy man and loving life, struck the bargain. Mana left and the thief, who obtained faith, stepped into the fire to cremate himself. The fire left the thief unharmed who thereafter became a Sikh and joined the Sangat at Khadoor. Meanwhile, Mana went to the bazar to sell the gems and was arrested on suspicion of having stolen them. The result of his trial was that he was hanged and the stolen gems returned to their owner. So it is true as Guru Angad subsequently said, "Those that do no good, lose both worlds, this one and the next."

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