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Three Golden Rules
Living Sikhi, Lesson Ten

by VERONICA SIDHU

 

 

THREE GOLDEN RULES

 

Lesson Objectives:

1   To review the meaning of "good values."

2   To learn how Guru Nanak behaved in his job as modi to the Nawab of Sultanpur, Daulat Khan.

3   To learn that a Sikh follows three golden rules or principles -Tunn, Munn, Dhunn.

 

Teachers, ask the students to say the Sikh greeting with you; then fold hands and do simran with the students.

Ask each student to take a moment to think of one thing that is important to him/her. This could be something they do, something they have, or someone they know. Ask them to tell the class what it is and briefly why they value it. Ask the students the difference between Nanak's definition of a good bargain and his father's idea. Why was Nanak's a better "value"?

Read aloud from pages 37-39, to end of paragraph, Stories From Sikh History.

The job of "modi" was part storekeeper, part banker. Can you imagine how careful Guru Nanak had to be to do a good job? He had to count carefully, and record the work without making an error. To do these things, he had to pay very careful attention to things and numbers because he put a high value on being honest and hard working. This is the basis for the golden rule called "Tunn" in Punjabi. Tunn means 'the physical body'. That is, we must apply ourselves - our body and senses - to good deeds.

To what else was Nanak paying close attention? Pause for answers. Right! He listened to the people and their problems because he valued helping others. He was kind and generous. He took money and rations from his own pay to help those who needed them more than he did. He knew that in reality, everything belongs to God. "Teraa, Teraa, Teraa!" Nanak was heard to say when he reached the number thirteen, which is prounced  'teraa(n)' in Punjabi. "Teraa" means 'Everything is Yours!" This leads us to the next golden rule called "Dhunn" in Punjabi. "Dhunn" means wealth or possessions. That is, we must apply our possessions, our wealth, to the service of those who are in need.

Read pages 39-41.

So to what else did Nanak pay attention? Right! He paid attention to keeping his connection with God. In the morning, his first thoughts were of God. By keeping his mind focused on Waheguru during the day, he was practicing the third golden rule by applying his "Munn" - his mind, his thoughts - to God.

When we practice the three golden rules involving Tunn, Munn, Dhunn, we will also be happy.

 

Return the corrected exam to the students.

 

For homework, complete the study guide.

Shabad: Keeta lori-ay kumm so har pay akhee-ay

 

Study Guide for Three Golden Rules

 

1  Who was the Governor of Sultanpur?

2  What job was Nanak given in Sultanpur?

3  Who got the job for Nanak?

4  Instead of cash or money, with what did people pay their taxes?

5  Why did people think Nanak was stealing?

6  What was Nanak actually doing?

7  What does the golden rule "Tunn" mean to you in your own life?

8  What does the golden rule "Munn" mean to you in your own life?

9  What does the golden rule "Dhunn" mean to you in your own life? 

10  Extra credit:  Ask your parents for the meaning of Naam Juppna, Kirat Karnee, and Wund Chhakna. Do these meanings sound familiar?

 

June 18, 2010

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Living Sikhi, Lesson Ten"









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