Many scriptures mention the Four Treasures, char padarth. These are spiritual principles (dharma), economic prosperity (arth), fulfilment of worldly desires (kaam), and salvation (moksh). These treasures come together to give a life based on good principles, with reasonable economic means that sustain satisfaction of reasonable desires, and finally salvation.
Guru Granth Sahib mentions another set of Four Treasures too. The first treasure is Life itself (janampadarth), for without this body full of life, there is no achievement.
Even gods and angels long for this body
Use it well in His service.
What use a body without wisdom? The next enriching treasure is Knowledge (gyanpadarth), attained in the presence of the Teacher. Bhai Gurdas guides us:
O brother! There is no knowledge without the Teacher,
Ask Brahma, ask Narad, ask the great saint Ved Vyas – they also agree.
Of the Teacher, Guru Granth Sahib says:
If a hundred moons and a thousand suns were to rise at the same,
Even with all this light, there will only be complete darkness without the Teacher.
Knowledge is a double-edged scalpel, and very sharp. Unguided knowledge gives rise to arrogance and ego. Random jabs of this scalpel will not heal, but instead cause further sickness. This leads to the next treasure, His Name (naampadarth). Guru Granth Sahib mentions this as the prime purpose of Life itself:
This merchandise, which you have come to obtain,
the Lord’s Name, is gathered from His saints, and in holy company.
The devotee is reminded:
You are blessed with Life and Body,
This is your chance of Salvation.
Keep good and holy company, and meditate on His Name.
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