Internally a hermit, and externally a prince

The Dharmic religion Sikhism focuses on the harmonious balance of spirituality and materialism. This concept is also known as Rajarshi in Hindu philosophy with Rajarshi meaning a 'royal saint'.

The kings Rama, Krishna and Janaka are considered as ideal Rajarshi's in Hinduism , somewhat similar to Plato's concept of the 'philosopher-king'.

As per Guru Nanak of Sikhism, anyone who makes a honest and virtuous living in remembrance of Waheguru (God), and shares his wealth with his fellow beings as charity need not perform any other rituals or austerities.

This fact was highlighted when the sixth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion, Guru Hargobind met the Hindu saint Samarth Ramdas in the seventeenth century and conversed with him.

When Ramdas questioned Guru Hargobind on his fine horse and elegant attire and asked what kind of saint was he, Guru Hargobind replied thus, "Internally a hermit, and externally a prince. Arms mean protection to the poor and destruction of the tyrant. Baba Nanak had not renounced the world but had renounced Maya".


Hinduism too considers the virtuous and saintly householder superior to the monk. The sage Tiruvalluvar commented that the monks too depend on their sustenance on the saintly householder who provides them with the necessities of food, medicine and shelter. Thus a part of the spiritual merit acquired by the monks is gained by the householder who supports them.

Where-ever there is a Sikh Gurudwara anywhere in the world, you can also find a Langar or community kitchen where food is prepared and given freely to those in need.

In Syria, a Langar was set up by Sikh aid groups to feed the numerous refugees and Yazidis, a persecuted minority .

Sikhs set up 'langar' in IS territory to feed Yazidis - Times of India