Guru Nanak Dev Ji s Tera-Tera Principle

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Tera-Tera Principle: A Divine Perspective, Everyone should follow them

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Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, imparted teachings that emphasized equality, charity, and selfless service. Among his many lessons, the story of the “Tera-Tera” principle holds a special place. It inspires humanity to embrace generosity and faith in the Almighty even today.

The Essence of the Tera-Tera Principle

When Guru Nanak Dev Ji resided in Sultanpur Lodhi, he worked at the grain store of Nawab Daulat Khan.

  • The Story of Counting and Sharing:
    • While measuring grain for customers, Guru Nanak counted aloud: “1, 2, 3…”.
    • Upon reaching 13 (Tera in Punjabi), he began saying, “Tera, Tera, Tera,” meaning “This is Yours, O Lord.”
    • He then continued distributing grain without stopping, believing everything belonged to God and should be shared freely with all.

This act led to the depletion of the store’s stock, but a divine miracle replenished it. This event symbolized faith in God and the power of selfless service.

Meaning and Spiritual Significance of Tera-Tera

  1. “Tera” Means “Yours”:
    • “Tera” signifies that everything in this world belongs to God.
    • It reminds us that all our actions should be dedicated to the Almighty.
  2. The Importance of Service and Charity:
    • Guru Nanak taught that resources should be shared with others.
    • Acts of service (Seva) and charity (Daan) are foundational to a meaningful life.
  3. Faith in the Divine:
    • The Tera-Tera principle emphasizes unwavering trust in God, who provides for all our needs.

Relevance of the Tera-Tera Principle in Modern Life

  1. Adopted in the Langar Tradition:
    • The concept of Langar (community kitchen) in Sikhism is deeply rooted in the Tera-Tera principle.
    • Anyone, regardless of religion, caste, or class, can partake in free meals at Gurudwaras worldwide.
  2. Charity and Equality:
    • Tera-Tera inspires us to share resources with the poor and needy.
    • It promotes the creation of an inclusive and equitable society.
  3. Collaboration and Social Service:
    • Organizations like Khalsa Aid embody this principle, providing relief during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
    • It encourages Sikh followers to actively participate in community service.
  4. Application in Personal Life:
    • We should acknowledge that every achievement is a blessing from God.
    • By following the Tera-Tera principle, we can contribute to the welfare of others selflessly.

Impact of the Tera-Tera Principle on Society

  1. Message of Equality:
    • Guru Nanak’s principle fosters a sense of equality and brotherhood in society.
  2. Helping the Poor:
    • This principle has established selfless service as a central tenet in Sikhism.
  3. Culture of Sharing:
    • It teaches that wealth and resources are not for personal ownership but for communal benefit.

Conclusion

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Tera-Tera principle is not merely a story; it is a profound message for humanity. It reminds us to live with kindness, selflessness, and devotion to God.

Even today, this principle stands as a beacon of service, equality, and faith in Sikhism and society at large. If we incorporate this teaching into our lives, we can achieve personal fulfillment and contribute to the betterment of the world.

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