How should I handle money and success?

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“One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has” (Guru Nanak, Ang 1245) “Greed is a dog; falsehood is a filthy street-sweeper. Cheating is eating a rotting carcass.” (Guru Nanak, Ang 15) “Do not take pride in your wealth and youth; you shall crumble apart like dry paper. ||1||” (Bhagat Ravidas, Ang 1106) “I have accumulated the true treasure, the wealth and riches of the One Name.” (Guru Arjan, Ang 760) These lines frame money as something to earn honestly, share, and hold without pride. Guru Nanak on Ang 1245 joins work with generosity: one works for what one eats and gives from what one has. On Ang 15, he sharply contrasts this with greed, falsehood, and cheating, warning against success built through corrupt means. Bhagat Ravidas on Ang 1106 cautions that wealth and youth are temporary and should not become grounds for pride. Guru Arjan in Raag Soohee on Ang 760 then broadens the meaning of success: the enduring treasure is the One Name. Taken together, the emphasis is not on rejecting money, but on honest livelihood, sharing, humility, and refusing to treat material achievement as the highest or lasting wealth.

How should I handle money and success?

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