WHY DID THIS HAPPEN

A group of young very successful professionals were in conversation with a spiritual leader. In their interactive session they had questions like; If God exists then why do bad things happen in our lives. Many had personal questions about their sufferings, on matters of abusive relationship, absence of satisfaction in life, carrying a lot of guilt of past etc.

The elderly spiritual master interrupted them, yes I understand and in fact it would not be wrong to say world over is having large mental health related issues. The young minds do not find themselves in control and are lost seeking answers in darkness. The concerns are that most spend their lives living in one’s own mind and expect the universe to behave how their mind thinks it should behave. This applies to the smallest or to the biggest of things in one’s life. When people live with their mind and not with reality the conflict has begun. What exists in mind and is not available in real world is called fantasy. It’s high time we treat our minds, treat our hearts and treat our souls with wisdom of our holy scriptures.

‘Hukum’ is the power of acceptance in overcoming suffering and Gurbani gives much importance in Knowing Hukum. Another word to relate with Hukum is ‘Reality’. Hukum is described as Pavitar Niyam, like every country has its laws by which they govern people. Likewise a larger authority commands the Divine law (cosmic law) which is a universal law and about Oneness. Hukum is usually translated to mean command and everyone is subject to the creator’s command and no one or thing is beyond His command.

If you know Hukum you will know what God is. “Sab Gobind Hai Sab Gobind Hai”… God is everything, God is everything, without God there is nothing at all” these lines are by Bhagat Namdeo in Gurbani Ang485. Simple lines but few understand it’s meaning, importance and relevance in our daily living.

The very first lesson, the first question in the first Ang in Gurbani is; “Kiv Sacheara Hoeeia….” How can you become truthful and how can the veil of illusion be taken away”. The answer that follows is “O Nanak it is written that you shall obey the Hukum of His command and walk in the way of His will”.

Life is unfolding the way Life has to unfold, a Reality by HIS command. Our ego (Humai) fails to see others in command. Now when things do not happen in our favor, we consider ourselves a victim. Actually all is not against you, we go against it and react to blame the universe, God, a person, people, communities and sometime in blame fight nations. We forget Oneness and do not realize who is blaming who. Actually ‘God is blaming God’.

Do we have to suffer Hukum, do we sit back & accept what happens. The answer is ‘No’. Hukum under disguise often carries lessons and conditions. Gurbani teaches us to take action where appropriate and do something about it. The ability to do something is you’re Hukum.

When you blame others for your circumstances you surrender your control of the present and are avoiding some truth about yourself. Trust the Hukum and your ability, take appropriate actions to cope and overcome the pains sufferings, illness, failures, past traumas and disappointments in life.

For today's topic, limiting the post to 600 words has been challenging. For those liking the subject can read (Chapter 2) an extension to this article, to follow in few hours.