The universe, with its infinite expanse, is often considered the greatest bank. Unlike traditional financial institutions, this bank does not only engage in monetary transactions, but rather accepts investments in the most valuable asset: Goodwill. Goodwill comes in many forms—money, love, care, empathy, mental support, and selfless service. This bank accepts all forms of investment, and in return, it offers the highest returns, many times greater than the original investment. The most remarkable feature of this bank is that it can never go bankrupt, as it is managed by the universe itself. The bank is open 24/7, 365 days a year, with no formalities required and no initial sum necessary. All that is needed is the willingness to invest.
One of the best examples of an investment in the Goodwill Bank of the Universe, is the investment made by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose investment in a True Trade (Sacha Sauda) at the age of 12 continues to impact humanity across the world, transcending time and space.
Guru Nanak’s True Trade: A Divine Investment
In 1481, at the age of 12, Young Nanak was given Rs 20 by his father, Mehta Kalu, with the intention of investing it in a True Trade. When we think of traditional trade, it usually refers to an exchange of goods or services in return for money. However, Guru Nanak’s concept of True Trade went beyond this. On his way to the market, Guru Nanak saw a group of hungry saints (sadhus). In a moment of selfless compassion, Guru Nanak decided to spend the entire Rs 20 to buy food for the hungry men, placing their needs above his own.
When his father learned of this, he initially felt disheartened, believing that Rs 20 had been wasted. But this decision was not a waste—it was, in fact, an investment in the Universe’s Goodwill Bank. This simple act of feeding the hungry not only changed the course of history but also laid the foundation for a system of free community kitchens, known as Langar; which would later spread across the world.
The Mathematical Reflection of Guru Nanak’s Investment
The power of compound interest is well-known in the financial world, where invested money grows exponentially over time. But the concept of Goodwill, when invested in a True Trade, operates on a similar principle—it grows exponentially, though not always in measurable monetary terms.
Let us now examine Guru Nanak’s investment from a mathematical perspective. Had he deposited the Rs 20 in a traditional bank at an 8% annual compound interest rate, the amount would have grown immensely over 543 years (from 1481 to 2024).
The formula for compound interest is:
\[A = P \times (1 + r)^n\]
Where:
– A is the final amount
– P is the initial investment (₹20)
– r is the annual interest rate (0.08 or 8%)
– n is the number of years (543)
Putting in the values and calculating and converting to US Dollar value,
This would equal to 282,289 billion USD, which is more than the combined GDP of the world today.
This astronomical growth reflects the principle that the power of Goodwill, when invested in selfless service, grows infinitely, just like compound interest.
Langar: The Free Community Kitchen with Infinite Resources
Guru Nanak’s act of feeding the hungry saints with the Rs 20 not only represented an investment in the Goodwill Bank, but it also led to the establishment of Langar the free community kitchen system.
Langar is more than just a kitchen; it is a symbol of an eternal system of selfless service. The resources of Langar are infinite, not just in terms of material wealth, but in the form of selfless service. Whether it’s a simple meal given to the needy or the deep moral and emotional support extended to others, every small act of kindness is invested in the Goodwill Bank of the Universe.
The Langar system demonstrates how the Goodwill Bank of the Universe operates: it accepts all forms of investment—whether they are food, time, money, or care. And just like compound interest grows wealth, these acts of service multiply exponentially, benefiting millions of people around the world.
What started with a small investment of Rs 20 in 1481 has now become a self-sustaining system, providing nourishment to millions across the globe. The Langar system teaches us how the Goodwill Bank of the Universe works: it benefits not just individuals but humanity as a whole.
Other Avenues of Investment: Good Wishes and Empathy
One of the most powerful aspects of the Goodwill Bank is that you do not have to invest in monetary terms. You can invest through your good wishes, love, care, empathy, and positive thoughts. These intangible investments are just as valuable as monetary contributions, and they grow exponentially.
When you show compassion for a stranger, offer a kind word, or dedicate your time to a great cause, you are investing in the Goodwill Bank. These investments, regardless of their form, are compounded in a way that benefits not only the recipient but the world as a whole.
The act of praying for the welfare of all Sarbat da Bhalla is the essence of this universal investment. As we invest in the well-being of others, the universe returns these investments in ways that we often cannot fully comprehend.
Conclusion: Investing in the True Trade
What may have seemed like a small investment of Rs 20 in 1481 was, in reality, a deep investment in the Goodwill Bank of the Universe. This investment laid the foundation for the establishment of Langar, which is now an eternal system of service, benefiting millions across the world.
The Goodwill Bank of the Universe, with its infinite resources, shows us how selfless acts grow exponentially. Just as compound interest grows wealth in traditional banks, good deeds grow exponentially, benefiting not just the individual but all of humanity.
So, invest in the Goodwill Bank, whether through material contributions, good thoughts, or acts of service. These investments never go to waste; they grow into an endless source of blessings, kindness, and goodwill, benefiting future generations.
Sarbat da Bhalla, may all be blessed!
Guchi.
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