Following in His Footsteps

It is said that as Guru Nanak was getting older, there was increasing talk of successorship. Some of his followers even thought that maybe the guru in his old age was not in full possession of his senses.

One day Guru Nanak took three people who were all close to him to the edge of the forest. The sun was setting fast, and in the cold, twilight hour, they got lost. Guru Sahib asked the companions who were with him how to proceed.

His son, thinking the father has lost his mind, left the group to find his own way home.

Bhai Buddha used his intelligence to figure out which way was the quickest and safest to return home.

But Bhai Lehna, the third disciple, simply said, “Guru Sahib, whatever way you lead me must be the right way. I will just follow in your footsteps.”

So today, the son is known only as the son and nothing else. Bhai Buddha is known for his intelligence. And Bhai Lehna became Guru Angad, the successor of Guru Nanak, and is known as the true disciple.

Surrender the end of the string of your will
  into the hand of the Friend –
  gain release from endless pain and sorrow.
This dear life, so filled with cravings,
  now spend with the Friend,
  rather than in negligence.
_{Sarmad, Martyr to Love Divine}