By Sukhjit Tony Singh

This line, part of daily Sikh prayers, recited twice at the conclusion of the morning and evening prayer, offers a timeless wish for universal well-being: The full line reads, “In the name of God, may everyone be in high spirits; By Thy will, may all prosper.”

These words resonate deeply as people across the globe are exchanging greetings of happiness and prosperity to welcome the new year, 2025.

Yet, despite countless prayers and heartfelt wishes for a better world, humanity seems far from achieving peace. From the mental health crises plaguing individuals to the unending wars that destabilize nations, the challenges are daunting.

This state of affairs reminds me of another Clergy Corner article contributed by Father Jonathan B. Molina of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In it, he recounted a London-based newspaper’s essay contest titled “What’s Wrong with the World Today?” The winning essay, penned by G.K. Chesterton, was striking in its brevity and insight. It simply read: “I am.”

The wisdom behind this answer finds echoes in the teachings of Saint Kabeer, a Muslim weaver whose verses are enshrined in the Sikh holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Kabeer reminds us, “What can the Almighty do when His followers are at fault? The blind followers do not heed His teachings, rendering their prayers as useless as blowing into a hollow bamboo.”

Kabeer’s message emphasizes the need to look inward rather than outward for true prosperity. Modern society’s obsession with wealth, often pursued by any means—whether ethical or not—fuels a range of issues at every level: familial, societal, regional, and global. Competing to amass material riches blinds individuals to the importance of internal peace and humility, which are the foundations of true well-being.

Humility, born from self-reflection, encourages selfless service and the pursuit of spiritual growth in the form of practicing true religion. It brings joy and fulfillment, fostering connections with the divine and with others. Such a mindset can shield individuals from the metaphorical fire of worldly chaos, much like an infant thrives within a mother’s womb, while hanging upside down and still safe amid its natural heat.

Acquiring material wealth is not inherently wrong, but it must be accompanied by gratitude and a recognition of its divine source. Rather than taking pride solely in personal effort, viewing wealth as a blessing can inspire humility and generosity.

As 2025 begins, let us collectively shift our perspective. By attributing our achievements to the blessings of the Almighty, we can embark on a journey of spiritual growth and selfless service. In doing so, we transform our prayers for prosperity into meaningful actions that contribute to a more harmonious world.

True prosperity lies not in the accumulation of wealth but in the cultivation of inner peace and humility—qualities that bring lasting joy to ourselves and to those around us as well as qualifies us to prosper in the true sense.

By Sukhjit Tony Singh | Yolo County Sikh Community