Based on the teachings of Giani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen
Religion is a great power. It is truth, inner light, passion, and a source of deep internal bliss.
The physical body depends on physical resources, and these resources come from wealth. Therefore, wealth (material sustenance) and religion (righteousness) are the two essential pillars of human life. Our external life depends on wealth, while our internal happiness comes from religion.
For centuries, the sadhus of our land emphasized the importance of religion. They had discovered the secrets of inner happiness. However, even with complete spiritual illumination, the physical body still suffered; they had to knock on the doors of the wealthy to fulfill their bodily needs. Meanwhile, the wealthy would bow before the sadhus seeking inner peace. Thus, society lived like a being with only one strong leg—unable to reach the highest summit.
Western nations, on the other hand, focused completely on strengthening their external life. They became wealthy, and their physical needs were fulfilled. Yet a deep inner emptiness remained, resulting in high levels of stress, mental illness, suicide, and complex diseases. These societies now recognize this imbalance.
In our own land, many sadhus taught that the material world is an illusion and withdrew from it completely. As a result, society fell into economic poverty. Leading a balanced life is extremely difficult.
We consider a person who kills another with a knife to be a murderer. But Maskeen Ji explains: one who obstructs another’s ability to earn wealth destroys their outer life. One who obstructs someone from following the path of religion destroys their inner life—and is thus a far greater murderer.
Today, some block others from earning wealth; others block them from pursuing spirituality. As a result, some people suffer externally, others internally.
Dharam (righteousness) is the right foot, and wealth is the left foot. Both must be strong for a person to walk steadily through life.
The following Gurbani Tuk provides guidance for such a balanced life:
ਉਦਮੁ ਕਰੇਦਿਆ ਜੀਉ ਤੂੰ ਕਮਾਵਦਿਆ ਸੁਖ ਭੁੰਚੁ ॥
Make the effort, and you shall live; by your actions, you shall enjoy peace.
ਧਿਆਇਦਿਆ ਤੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਮਿਲੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਉਤਰੀ ਚਿੰਤ ॥੧॥ (ਅੰਗ ੫੨੨)
By meditating, you shall meet God, O Nanak, and your anxiety shall vanish.
