Guru Nanak first started the practice of community singing. When many voices join together and pray as a single voice, it is called community bhajan. He started this and it spread throughout the nation. Such holy persons took birth in India and taught many such good things. How delightful is the sound when so many sing together in unison. That is nothing but unity in diversity. We must do the same and enjoy real happiness. Bhajans may also be sung by getting together family members or a small group of people and derive happiness from it. (S S B 2002 p. 208/209)

Guru Nanak’s parents were Tripthadevi and Srikala. He taught that valour coupled with compassion and love are the qualities of a human being and God can be attained by truthful service and performing duties ordained on one. He also taught that stealing is a great sin and is contrary to humanness. Hence, a man shall possess courage and valour to put down injustice, indiscipline, evil practices and righteous behaviour. It is the foremost duty of a human being to lead a life of non-violence/. He also emphasised that the right royal road to Divinity is through right conduct and behaviour. Those who follow his teachings are called Sikhs and their religion is Sikh religion. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, p. 195)

Emperor Akbar heard the greatness of Guru Nanak. He decided to invite him in his court and felicitate him. Accordingly, he sent a word to Nanak through Ministers. Nanak, However replied, : I am waiting for the call of King of Kings, that is God. I will not go anywhere.’ Akbar heard his reply and developed a feeling of veneration for Guru Nanak. He sent another message through his Ministers inviting Nanak to come to Maajid for prayers along with him.

As per the understanding, Guru Nanak, Akbar and his Ministers went to the Masjid to attend the prayers. The Moulvi in the Masjid started the prayer as usual. He closed his eyes and prayed to Allah with a loud voice. Nanak suddenly burst into laughter, The people around looked at each other, wondering what had happened to him. After the Moulvi, Akbar stood up and prayed loud by bending on his knees. Guru Nanak again laughed loudly. The Ministers were very angry. After conclusion of the prayers, Akbar approached Nanak and enquires very calmly, ‘Sir! Is it proper on your part to laugh like that during the prayer?’ Nanak replied, ‘ How can I remain silent without laughing? Are they prayers really? The Mouli was thinking all the while about his sick son, while praying. Your attention was diverted to the Arabian horses that were gifted to you, during the prayer. Is it not? You are praying to God and your thoughts were centred on worldly matters. Tell me, how we can remain silent without laughing at these ignorant acts.’ The Moulvi and Akbar realised their mistake and fell at the feet of Guru Nanak and prayed ‘Swami! Kindly pardon us. We are really enlightened.’ According to Guru Nanak, Prayer is not mere exercise in uttering words. It ia an individual’s yearning to awaken the Divinity in one’s heart. (Beacons of Divine Wisdom, Part 1, pp. 198-199)