Being In Debt - Earlier Than We Think

When we search what age a child should learn about debt, most scholarly guidance points to the early teens. Around 11–13, children can grasp the basics of credit, interest, borrowing and budgeting. By 16–18, they can understand student loans, credit cards, and legal responsibilities.

But these discussions usually refer only to financial debt. There is another kind of debt- older than money, deeper than currency – rarely spoken about in modern education.

Scriptures remind us that a human being is born already carrying debt. Not a bank loan, but karmic and spiritual obligations. Human life itself is described as a sacred loan – an opportunity granted by the Divine, to be lived consciously and returned with awareness.

The earliest debt begins even before birth.

When a jivatama takes form in the mother’s womb, nine months of sacred protection is  given – a time only a mother carries, and chosen by the Creator to assist Him in bringing the miracle - gift of life. A mother endures discomfort, medicines, precautions and pain. The child can offer nothing in return and the account quietly begins to grow.

After birth, helplessness continues. Parents provide nourishment, protection sleepless nights, education, guidance. The debt silently grows – not as a burden, but as responsibility.

Repayment begins in simple ways: obedience, respect, learning well, helping in the home. Later when parents age, the testing period arrives. Care offered then is not charity – it is settlement.

Scriptures speak of Prarabdha Karma – the portion of past actions that shape this present life. Each soul arrives wearing what is poetically called a “garland of Karma.” Circumstances, challenges, gifts – all are part of that unfolding account.

Beyond parents there are greater debts.

Debt to the Divine – who grants breath, sun, water, air, fire. and space.

Debt to the sages and teachers – who preserved wisdom across generations.

Debt to humanity – because none of us survives alone.

Debt to nature – whose resources sustain our body daily.

These are not repaid through fear. They are repaid through alignment. Gratitude, Service, Right Conduct, Compassion.

Teaching a child. Donating books. Sharing a meal. Protecting a tree. Offering time to someone in distress. Living so that no being fears your presence. Even a small act of plucking a flower unnecessarily- creates imbalance. Awareness reduces new debts.

In SGGS on Ang 402 Guru Arjun ji cautions that humans often rush forward toward indulgence in sins and ego "losses" while neglecting spiritual profit. The Guru advises us to obtain the invaluable yet freely available treasure – the Divine Naam –to escape the debts of karmic sins.

The Sikh path 0ffers a clear compass: Naam Simran (remembrance of the Divine) Kirat Karo (Honest living) Vand Chhako (sharing with others) Seva (selfless service).

If financial literacy is taught at eleven, spiritual literacy must begin even earlier.

To know early that we are in debt is not to feel burdened – it is to live responsibly. When awareness begins, repayment become joy.

Be blessed with Naam Simran – and let the accounts settle in grace.