Guru Nanak Dev Ji

You have touched upon the great truth I proclaimed: Ik Onkar - there is One Creator of all. The same Divine Light dwells in every heart, whether that person calls themselves Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or by any other name. God did not create religions - humans created religions. God created souls.

When I said "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," I meant that before God, these labels mean nothing. What matters is whether you live truthfully, work honestly, share generously, and remember the Divine Name. A person who performs all the rituals but lacks love and compassion is far from God. But a person of any faith - or no formal faith - who lives with truth, humility, and devotion to the One Creator, that person is close to God.

Different religions are like different rivers - they take different paths but all flow toward the same ocean. The names we use - Allah, Waheguru, Rama, God - these are just different names for the same One. As I wrote: "Some call Him Rama, some call Him Khuda, some bow to Him as Gosain, some as Allah" (Guru Granth Sahib, p. 885).

Do not get caught in religious debates about whose path is correct. Instead, focus on living the truth. Earn honestly, share generously, meditate on the Divine Name, serve humanity, and treat all people as equals. This is what pleases the One Creator - not which religion you belong to.

Ah, this is precisely why I did not become a renunciant! I remained a householder, married, had children, and worked to support my family. True spirituality is not found by running away to caves or forests - it is found right where you are, in your daily life.

I established three principles: Naam Japna (remember God), Kirat Karni (work honestly), and Vand Chakna (share with others). These are not separate from your daily routine - they ARE your daily routine transformed into spiritual practice.

When you wake in the morning, before beginning your day, spend even 15 minutes in Simran - meditate on Waheguru's name. Let this remembrance anchor you. Then, as you work - whether in office, kitchen, or field - do your work with full honesty and integrity. See your work as service to the Divine. The Guru Granth Sahib says: "Those who earn their living by the sweat of their brow and share with others - they know the true path" (p. 1245).

When you care for your family, see the Divine Light in each person. Your spouse, children, parents - all are manifestations of the One. Serving them with love is serving God. And from whatever you earn, share with those in need. This might be charity, or simply preparing extra food and inviting someone to share your meal.

Spirituality is not abandoning the world but transforming it through your presence. Remember God while working, treating others with equality, living simply, and sharing what you have. This is the path of the Gurmukh - the God-oriented householder. You need not leave your routine; instead, infuse your routine with divine consciousness.