One was a book I read by Mahatma Gandhi. In it was a passage

"One was a book I read by Mahatma Gandhi. In it was a passage where he said that religion, the pursuing of the inner journey, should not be separated from the pursuing of the outer and social journey, because we are not isolated beings." – Satish Kumar.

In these words, Satish Kumar reflects on the wisdom imparted by Mahatma Gandhi, a man whose life was a testament to the belief that religion—or the inner journey—cannot be separated from the world around us. Gandhi taught that our spiritual path is not a solitary, isolated pursuit but is intrinsically connected to the outer world, to society, and to our roles within it. To seek inner peace, enlightenment, or divine connection, Gandhi believed, must not come at the cost of ignoring the suffering, injustice, or inequality that surrounds us. Religion and social action are intertwined, and one cannot achieve true harmony or understanding without considering both.

The ancient sages also understood this interconnectedness between the inner self and the outer world. Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, taught that one must cultivate virtue within the self to bring about a just society. For him, the journey of self-improvement and inner peace was directly linked to ethical conduct and a responsibility to the community. Confucius’ idea of a virtuous ruler was one who not only possessed personal wisdom but was also dedicated to bringing peace and justice to the lives of others. His teachings emphasized the balance between the inner journey of self-cultivation and the outer journey of social responsibility.

Similarly, Gandhi’s life embodies this very principle. He was a man whose inner faith in non-violence and truth fueled his outer struggle for Indian independence. Gandhi did not separate his spiritual practices—such as prayer, meditation, and fasting—from his public actions. For him, the pursuit of a righteous life was not just an inward quest but a living testimony that manifested in social activism, peaceful protest, and service to others. His Salt March, a defining moment in the struggle for Indian independence, was a sacred journey, one that embodied both the inner quest for truth and the outer journey toward justice and freedom.

The intertwining of inner and outer journeys can also be seen in the story of Nelson Mandela, whose spiritual journey and commitment to justice led him to a life of profound sacrifice. Mandela’s years in prison were not just a physical trial, but a spiritual test of his beliefs in reconciliation and equality. Though he spent 27 years incarcerated, he never separated his personal commitment to freedom and dignity from the external struggles of the people. His inner journey, defined by the values of forgiveness and unity, inspired a nation and a global movement toward racial equality. Mandela’s life exemplified Gandhi’s principle that religion—the inner journey—must be lived in the world through the outer journey of social action.

Gandhi’s vision, as described by Kumar, reminds us that religion is not just a matter of private devotion or personal enlightenment. It is a living force that should propel us to create a just and compassionate world. When we separate the two—our spiritual practices and our social actions—we risk becoming disconnected from the very essence of what it means to be human. Inner peace is not a static achievement but a dynamic force that propels us toward action in the world. To walk the path of truth and non-violence is not only to cultivate peace within, but to work tirelessly for peace in society.

The lesson from this teaching is clear: to pursue spiritual growth without engaging with the world around us is an incomplete journey. True spirituality must be expressed through action, through a commitment to making the world more just, compassionate, and loving. Gandhi’s life shows us that the pursuit of inner peace and social justice are not separate endeavors—they are deeply intertwined. It is our duty to live out our spiritual beliefs through our actions, ensuring that we are not isolated in our personal quest, but connected to the suffering and needs of those around us.

In our own lives, we must embrace this balance. As we engage in our spiritual practices, we must also ask ourselves how we can bring that inner wisdom into our daily lives. How can we apply the compassion, truth, and non-violence we cultivate within to our interactions with others? How can we contribute to the social good and work toward a more just and peaceful society? In every action, no matter how small, we must live the integrity of our beliefs. By doing so, we fulfill the greater purpose of both our inner journey and our outer journey in the world.