Hukam is the Core of Sikhi

Baabaa Nanak’s Sikhi is established on the acceptance of reality he called HUKAM. Since divine Hukam permeates our very existence, Hukam is the lifelong mentor of a Sikh — living entire life within and conforming to Hukam.

Hukam is an Arabic word and its nearest Punjabi word is ‘Bhaanaa‘. In the SGGS, the word Hukam means Cosmic Law (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature), Guru’s teachings or temporal law. It is also interpreted as order, command, decree, mandate, permission and
sanction. Also interpreted as the divine writ, Bhaanaa etc., compliance or living in Harmony with Hukam is called Rajaa (ਰਜ਼ਾ), which is also an Arabic word.

Infinite Hukam permeates existence

In the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), ‘HUKAM’ (reality) means the Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature with which the Kudrat functions (ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). Put simply, it is the Law of consequences.

What distinguishes Sikhi of Baabaa Nanak from all man-made religious schools of thought is ‘HUKAM‘. As explained by Baabaa Nanak below, the reason Creator’s secret can only be understood by recognizing the HUKAM is:

• ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਆਕਾਰ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਕਹਿਆ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੋਵਨਿ ਜੀਅ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਮਿਲੈ ਵਡਿਆਈ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਉਤਮੁ ਨੀਚੁ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਲਿਖਿ ਦੁਖ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਈਅਹਿ ॥ ਇਕਨਾ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਬਖਸੀਸ ਇਕਿ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਸਦਾ ਭਵਾਈਅਹਿ ॥ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਹੁਕਮ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੈ ਜੇ ਬੁਝੈ ਤ ਹਉਮੈ ਕਹੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥੨॥ : Creation is by the ONE who is the embodiment of Hukam (ਹੁਕਮੀ-Hukami), even if the Hukam cannot be stated (in its entirety). Life is created by the embodiment of the Hukam (ਹੁਕਮੀ-Hukami), as is its glory. The consequences – joys and sorrows – of my deeds are within the Creator’s Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ). (Depending on our choices or deeds in life) the embodiment of the Hukam (ਹੁਕਮੀ-Hukami) blesses some with Realization within; while multitude remain astray in constant search without (i.e. outside). Everything is within Hukam, none is exempt from Hukam. Nanak, if one Realizes he/she is to obey Hukam, then one does not talk in ego — one does not boast of being outside/beyond/exempt of Hukam, or does not talk arrogantly and do things in own will or Manmukhta…). ॥2॥ (sggs 1).

Aptly, in the Following SHABAD, after listing all rejected methods that people of all other religions are using to realize the Creator, GURU SHABAD teaches us that the Creator’s secret can only be understood by recognizing the ‘HUKAM‘!

• ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਿਨਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਤਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਕਾ ਤਿਨਿ ਭੇਦੁ ਜਾਤਾ ॥੫॥੯॥ : Says Nanak – one who has recognized the Hukam, that person has understood the mystery of ‘Prabh Saahib‘ (i.e. Universal Energy…). ॥5॥9॥ (sggs 885).

In a nutshell, Cosmos is the manifest or visible form (Sargun) of God, whereas Hukam is Its invisible form (Nirgun) that pervades the Cosmos.

• ਥਾਪਿਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ਕੀਤਾ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਸੋਇ ॥ ਜਿਨਿ ਸੇਵਿਆ ਤਿਨਿ ਪਾਇਆ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਗਾਵੀਐ ਗੁਣੀ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ॥ : (God’s Hukam) cannot be created (conceived, installed etc.) and operated by His creation. (God’s Hukam) is created and operated by Him and it remains Unblemished by creation. The honor (of spirituality) is attained by those who internalize the Hukam. Nanak, (to internalize the Hukam is to) accept the Treasure of the Divine Virtues (i.e. live daily life of Godly Virtues). (sggs 2).

The foregoing verses make it clear that one cannot wakeup someday and say he/she wants to create his/her own Hukam! In other words, one cannot change Hukam; alter Hukam; redirect Hukam; or deflect Hukam. Sikhi is all about Hukam being ‘Niranjan‘.

That being said, no change can be made in the Divine Hukam by any worldly cleverness, by any belief (ਮੰਨਤ ਮਨੌਤ), by giving to any charity (ਦਾਨ ਪੁੰਨ), by any pleading or beseeching (ਮਿੰਨਤਾਂ ਤਰਲੇ), by any recitations of scriptures (ਪਾਠ ਪਠੰਤਰ), by any bribe (ਸੁਖਣਾਂ ਸੁਖਣ) etc. The Gurbani says:

• ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਘਿਣਾਵਣੇ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਬੇਦ ਪੜਾਵਣੇ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਤੀਰਥਿ ਨਾਈਐ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਧਾਈਐ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਕਿਤੈ ਸਿਆਣਪੈ ॥ ਨਾ ਤੂ ਆਵਹਿ ਵਸਿ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਦਾਨੁ ਦੇ ॥ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਤੇਰੈ ਵਸਿ ਅਗਮ ਅਗੋਚਰਾ ॥ ਤੂ ਭਗਤਾ ਕੈ ਵਸਿ ਭਗਤਾ ਤਾਣੁ ਤੇਰਾ ॥੧੦॥: O God, You are not be swayed by begging before You. You are not won over by reading or teaching Vedas (or any scripture for that matter). No one can please You by bathing at the so called locations of pilgrimage. You cannot be won over by wandering all over the world. You cannot be won over through any cleverness. You can not be influenced by giving huge donations to charities. O Inaccessible and Incomprehensible God, every being is under Your control. (But) You are only won over by Your Bhagat (Daas, Jan, Gurmukh Mindset) and they depend only upon Your support. ||10|| (sggs 962).

Baabaa Nanak also reveals to us that the divine Hukam (reality) is limitless, infinite, ineffable (incomprehensible in totality), immutable, and it sustains and supports the Cosmos.

• ਪਾਤਾਲਾ ਪਾਤਾਲ ਲਖ ਆਗਾਸਾ ਆਗਾਸ ॥ ਓੜਕ ਓੜਕ ਭਾਲਿ ਥਕੇ ਵੇਦ ਕਹਨਿ ਇਕ ਵਾਤ ॥ ਸਹਸ ਅਠਾਰਹ ਕਹਨਿ ਕਤੇਬਾ ਅਸੁਲੂ ਇਕੁ ਧਾਤੁ ॥ ਲੇਖਾ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਲਿਖੀਐ ਲੇਖੈ ਹੋਇ ਵਿਣਾਸੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਡਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਆਪੇ ਜਾਣੈ ਆਪੁ ॥੨੨॥: There are hundreds of thousands of netherworlds under netherworlds and skies above skies. Those searching for limits of Creation ultimately get tired (i.e. give up), the Vedas say that efforts to find limits of Creation do not succeed. The Semitic texts say that there are eighteen thousand worlds, but their Creator is One. However, the Cosmos is so vast that it is beyond the scope of counting or measurement, one would run out of numbers if one were to undertake such a task. Nanak, call the Creator Great, the Creator alone knows Its Greatness. ||22|| (sggs 5).

Gurmat teaches us everything in the Cosmos is subject to Hukam and nothing is beyond it. Every action and reaction and happening occurs according to Hukam. It is ignorance of the Hukam, which makes people say that such a phenomenon or happening is a miracle.

Hence the Message of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) teaches us that – except the ONE Creator – everything in this material universe is dynamic, in motion, changeful etc. Only the ONE Creator or God is Permanent, Immovable, Lasting, Eternal etc.

• ਦਿਨ ਰਵਿ ਚਲੈ ਨਿਸਿ ਸਸਿ ਚਲੈ ਤਾਰਿਕਾ ਲਖ ਪਲੋਇ ॥ ਮੁਕਾਮੁ ਓਹੀ ਏਕੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਸਚੁ ਬੁਗੋਇ ॥੮॥੧੭॥ : The day and the sun are in motion (vanishing, fleeting, impermanent etc.), the night and the moon are in motion, millions of stars (i.e. everything in the universe) will also vanish or disappear. O Nanak! Only the ONE Creator is Immoveable (i.e. Permanent, Lasing etc.). ॥8॥17॥ (sggs 64).

In other words, everything our physical eyes see in this world is moving, perishing, diminishing, fading, fleeting, impermanent, in flux, movable, unsteady, mobile, inconstant, transient, and so on (ਚਲ, ਚਲਣਹਾਰ …).

• ਘਟੰਤ ਰੂਪੰ ਘਟੰਤ ਦੀਪੰ ਘਟੰਤ ਰਵਿ ਸਸੀਅਰ ਨਖ੍ਯ੍ਯਤ੍ਰ ਗਗਨੰ ॥ ਘਟੰਤ ਬਸੁਧਾ ਗਿਰਿ ਤਰ ਸਿਖੰਡੰ ॥ ਘਟੰਤ ਲਲਨਾ ਸੁਤ ਭ੍ਰਾਤ ਹੀਤੰ ॥ ਘਟੰਤ ਕਨਿਕ ਮਾਨਿਕ ਮਾਇਆ ਸ੍ਵਰੂਪੰ ॥ ਨਹ ਘਟੰਤ ਕੇਵਲ ਗੋਪਾਲ ਅਚੁਤ ॥ : Beauty, islands, sun, moon, stars in the sky come to pass (i.e. diminishing, perishing etc.). Earth, high mountains and trees come to pass. Spouse, children, siblings and relatives come to pass. All forms of Maya – gold pearl etc. – come to pass. Only the Eternal Creator / Hukam is IMPERISHABLE (i.e. Fixed, Permanent, Lasting – ਅਟਲ). (sggs 1354).
• ਕਈ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਕੀਨੋ ਬਿਸਥਾਰ ॥ ਕਈ ਬਾਰ ਪਸਰਿਓ ਪਾਸਾਰ ॥ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਾ ਇਕੁ ਏਕੰਕਾਰ ॥ : (The Creator) has expanded many ways; and has expanded many times. The Eternal Creator exists within His Creation. (sggs 276).
• ਨਾਨਾ ਬਿਧਿ ਕੀਨੋ ਬਿਸਥਾਰੁ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਏਕੰਕਾਰੁ ॥ : (The Creator) has expanded the Creation in many ways. The Eternal Creator exists within His Creation. (sggs 284).

Since this material world is ever changing, among other names, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) describes it as ‘ਮਿਥਿਆ-Mithiaa‘ etc.

In short, calling this material world ‘ਮਿਥਿਆ-Mithiaa‘ etc. the Gurbani does NOT mean it is non-existent. If this world was nonexistent then it would not have been experienced by us.

However, the Gurbani (SGGS) also tells us there is the Ageless Universal Energy / Creator / Hukam that pervades everywhere in the creation — the driving force within the Creation.

• ਹੁਕਮੀ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਚਲਾਏ ਰਾਹੁ ॥ : The Creator’s Hukam is the Force Within His Creation. (sggs 2).
• ਏਕੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਵਰਤੈ ਸਭ ਲੋਈ ॥ ਏਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਸਭ ਓਪਤਿ ਹੋਈ ॥੭॥ : The One Hukam operates every celestial body (including the Earth) of the Universe. Everything appeared from that ONE only. (sggs 223).

Baabaa Nanak explains this through the use of word ‘Bhai-ਭੈ’ which literally means fear. But here it is fear of the ‘Hukam‘ — Cosmic System-Rule-Law-Order-Jurisdiction of Nature which governs the Universe. In a nutshell, fear of the ‘Hukam‘ means compliance with the Hukam. In other words every thing in the Cosmos is fearful (subject to) of the Hukam:

• ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਪਵਣੁ ਵਹੈ ਸਦਵਾਉ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਚਲਹਿ ਲਖ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਅਗਨਿ ਕਢੈ ਵੇਗਾਰਿ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਧਰਤੀ ਦਬੀ ਭਾਰਿ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਇੰਦੁ ਫਿਰੈ ਸਿਰ ਭਾਰਿ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਰਾਜਾ ਧਰਮ ਦੁਆਰੁ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸੂਰਜੁ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਚੰਦੁ ॥ ਕੋਹ ਕਰੋੜੀ ਚਲਤ ਨ ਅੰਤੁ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਸਿਧ ਬੁਧ ਸੁਰ ਨਾਥ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਡਾਣੇ ਆਕਾਸ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਜੋਧ ਮਹਾਬਲ ਸੂਰ ॥ ਭੈ ਵਿਚਿ ਆਵਹਿ ਜਾਵਹਿ ਪੂਰ ॥ ਸਗਲਿਆ ਭਉ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਸਿਰਿ ਲੇਖੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ਸਚੁ ਏਕੁ ॥੧॥ : Under the the ‘Hukam‘ — System-Rule-Law-Order of Nature or universe — air always blows. Under the the ‘Hukam‘ thousands of rivers flow. Under the ‘Hukam‘ fire (energy) performs. Under the ‘Hukam‘ the earth stays at its place (in the Solar System) according to its weight (its Gravity). Under the ‘Hukam‘ clouds move across the sky. Under the ‘Hukam‘ is the so-called Dharm Raj. (mythical king of death and judgement). Under the ‘Hukam‘ the Sun and the Moon (planets) move millions of miles, endlessly. Under the ‘Hukam‘ are all Siddhas, Buddhas, Deities and the Naths. Under the ‘Hukam‘ the sky is stretched or spread above (in fact, the sky is not an entity but the blue color we see is because of the Sunlight passing through a thick layer of air around the Earth). Under the ‘Hukam‘ are all warriors and the powerful heroes (i.e. all beings are subject to the ‘Hukam’). Under the ‘Hukam‘ multitudes take birth and die. Everybody and everything in this universe is under the ‘Hukam‘ as if the ‘Hukam‘ is written in their head (i.e. inherited). Nanak, Only the ONE FORMLESS CREATOR is not under any ‘Hukam‘. (sggs 464).

Hence, the Gurbani (SGGS) explains to us that the Creator is ‘REAL’, His creation is ‘REAL’ and He is ever present within His creation as Hukam (Cosmic System-Rule-Law of Nature). However, Baabaa Nanak tells us that the Creator Himself is not subject to His own Hukam!

• ਆਪਿ ਸਤਿ ਕੀਆ ਸਭੁ ਸਤਿ ॥ : Creator Himself is ‘SAT’ (REAL) and whatever He has Created is also ‘SAT’. (sggs 19).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਗਸੈ ਵੇਪਰਵਾਹੁ ॥੩॥ : Nanak, the Creator Himself operates above His Hukam. ॥3॥ (sggs 2).

Since the Creator is omnipresent, His Hukam therefore is also within all of us.

That being said, Realization of Hukam is the Realization of the Creator.

• ਹੁਕਮੇ ਆਵੈ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਜਾਵੈ ਹੁਕਮੇ ਰਹੈ ਸਮਾਈ ॥ : The origin of life is by way of the Hukam (Universal System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਕੁਦਰਤੀ ਨਿਯਮ); its ultimate destination is by the Way of Hukam; it is to be lived in Realization of the Hukam. (sggs 940).

Hukam is the lifelong mentor of a Sikh

This concept of Hukam is the fundamental of Sikhi and it redefines the whole spectrum of Spirituality — Spirituality of Anand, true Contentment, divine Virtues, discerning intellect or Bibek, knowing oneself, fearlessness etc. In short, it’s a Spirituality of HERE AND NOW.

It thus establishes the UNIQUENESS of Sikhi

This term Hukam appears in different forms in the SGGS. For example:

• ਹੁਕਮੁ – Hukam(u) = The Hukam of Creator
• ਹੁਕਮਿ – Hukam(i) = Witthin the confines of the Hukam
• ਹੁਕਮੀ – Hukam(ee) = The Creator
• ਹੁਕਮ – Hukam = Political Power, Jurisdiction, ਹਕੂਮਤ
• ਹੁਕਮੇ / ਹੁਕਮੈ – Hukmay/Hukmai = Realization, ਹੁਕਮ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਜਾਂਣਾਂ

Since the Creator is Infinite (Apaar), His Hukam is also Infinite (Apaar).

Although Hukam cannot be described but what’s happening in the Hukam can be understood a bit.

• ਜੰਮਣੁ ਮਰਣਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥ : It is Hukam (i.e. System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਨਿਯਮ), which causes birth and death — birth and death occur according to Hukam (i.e. according to the biology of birth and death). (sggs 472).
• ਹੁਕਮੀ ਆਇਆ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਬੂਝੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਵਾਰਣਹਾਰਾ ॥ : One comes into this world according to Hukam, yet one does not understand that improvement or progress comes through Hukam (compliance). (sggs 688).
• ਨਾਨਕ ਆਪਿ ਕਰਾਏ ਕਰੇ ਆਪਿ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਵਾਰਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੭॥ : Nanak, Hukam acts and causes others to act and It controls improvement or progress. ॥7॥ (sggs 141).

All forms, materials and beings of the universe have been created or will be created according to the Hukam. To abide in Hukam is to follow the Hukam.

That being said, the thought of ‘Hukam‘ is very essential part of the Gurmat (Giaan, Wisdom, Upadesh or Way of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, SGGS). It’s to become ‘SACHIAARAA‘ – a person of divine Qualities/Virtues, a God-Realized being!

• ਕਿਵ ਸਚਿਆਰਾ ਹੋਈਐ ਕਿਵ ਕੂੜੈ ਤੁਟੈ ਪਾਲਿ ॥ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥੧॥: How then can I become God-Realized being within (‘Sachiaaraa‘)? How can I remove the obstacle of my non-realized state within? O Nanak! (The way to realize Creator within is to) remain within the confines of His Hukam (the System or Law of Nature…) and abide in Sahaj , as (Creator and His Hukam) is contained with us. ||1|| (sggs 1).

To become Sachiaaraa is to ‘Hukam Rajaaee chalanaa‘ (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ)!

This declaration of ‘Hukam Rajaaee chalanaa‘ (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ‘) is the Core of Baabaa Nanak Spirituality. Hence it’s the Central concept of Sikhi and the summary of entire SGGS. In other words, the SGGS is the elaboration of this Central Point of Sikhi — ‘Hukam Rajaaee chalanaa‘ (‘ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ‘).

• ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਅੰਧਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿ ਹੁਕਮਹੁ ਅੰਧਾ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਬੁਝਈ ਅੰਧਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥ : Why call a sightless person blind? Blind is the one who does not comprehend the Hukam. ||3|| (sggs 954).

This universe is the grant ‘Darbaar‘ or Court of ‘Kudrat‘ (System-Rule-Law of Nature) — the common (Saanjhaa-ਸਾਂਝਾ), Universal ‘Darbaar‘ of all beings.

We all are in this Universal ‘Darbaar‘ of the Hukam. We all are born in it; we all die in it. We have to establish a deep bond and get along with this ‘Darbaar‘ — Realization of the Creator / Hukam.

• ਵਡਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ਸਚਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਤਖਤੁ ॥ : (O divine!) Your Darbaar or Court is great (i.e., Limitless). Your ‘Takhat(u)‘ or throne is True (Note: ‘Takhat(u)‘ mentioned in the SGGS is NOT a building; it is the divine Hukam. Aptly, the word ‘Takhat(u)‘ used here is in ‘Singular’ sense, Not ‘Plural’ sense). (sggs 964).
• ਊਚ ਤੇ ਊਚ ਤਾ ਕਾ ਦਰਬਾਰਾ ॥ : The highest of the high (i.e., Limitless) is (Rabb’s) Darbaar or Court. (sggs 740).
• ਨਵ ਗ੍ਰਹ ਕੋਟਿ ਠਾਢੇ ਦਰਬਾਰ ॥ : The myriads of the groups of nine stars stand in whose ‘Darbaar’ or Court. (sggs 1163).
• ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਖੈ ਏਹੁ ਬੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਿਫਤੀ ਗੰਢੁ ਪਵੈ ਦਰਬਾਰਿ ॥੨॥ : Nanak says this after deep reflection: Through the Praise (living daily life by the Divine Virtues…), we establish a bond with the Divine (the Universal Energy, Rabb, Hukam-Law or System of Nature…). ||2|| (sggs 143).

Other aspects of the Divine ‘Hukam‘ as indicated in the Gurbani include: (a) beyond any mundane description, (b) All-pervading, (c) Naam, (d) Shabad, (e) Truth or Sach, (f) cannot be undone or erased, (g) Infinite or Unlimited, and so on.

• ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਅਪਾਰ ਹੈ ਕੋਈ ਅੰਤੁ ਨ ਪਾਏ ॥ : The Divine Hukam is Infinite; no one can find its limit. (sggs 396).
• ਤਿਸ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਮੇਟਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕੋਈ ॥ : No one can undo the Divine Hukam. (sggs 118).
• ਸਭੁ ਹੁਕਮੋ ਵਰਤੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ : The Hukam pervades everywhere, and all are contained in Hukam. (sggs 1188).
• ਹੁਕਮੇ ਆਡਾਣੇ ਆਗਾਸੀ ॥ : By the Hukam, the sky is spread above. (sggs 1037).
• ਏਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਦੀਆ ਬੁਝਾਇ ਜੀਉ ॥੫॥ : O Nanak! The Satigur has given this Understanding that One Naam is the Hukam. ||5|| (sggs 72).
• ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥੮॥ : Through the Gur-Shabad, recognize the Hukam. ||8|| (sggs 223).

Hence, to live Hukam is to live according to the Virtues and Giaan (Wisdom) — live or follow the Divine Way of life using our senses or physical receptors.

• ਮਾਨੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਭੇ ਗੁਣ ਗਿਆਨ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੫੬॥ : (Spiritual success is the) Realization of the Divine Virtues and Internalization of His Hukam. Nanak, the spirituality of the Shabad provides the Honor (of Realization) within my Conscience. ॥56॥ (sggs 944).
• ਹੁਕਮੁ ਬੂਝੈ ਸੋ ਸਾਚਿ ਸਮਾਣਾ ॥ : One who understands the Hukam is absorbed in Truth (i.e. the One Creator). (sggs 1270).

The one who lives or follows the Hukam are called Hukamee Banday (Enlightened – Gurmukh-Hood State of the Mind).

In short, Internalization of the Shabad or Gurmukh-hood is the State of the Mind which is characterized by Wisdom, Enlightenment, God-centeredness, bravery, Goodness, Virtues, truthfulness, fearlessness, blissfulness (Anand), piety, Joyfulness, positivity, Happiness, balanced and poised life, Living Liberated, Mool-Abidance etc.

• ਸਚਾ ਤੇਰਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਣਿਆ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਆਪੁ ਗਵਾਇ ਸਚੁ ਪਛਾਣਿਆ ॥ : Your Hukam (System-Rule-Law of Nature, ਨਿਯਮ…) is Permanently in Existence (i.e. Hukam cannot be changed or violated); this is the Guru’s Realization. The Recognition or Realization (that the Creator / Hukam is Permanently in Existence) comes through the Gurmat (Giaan or Wisdom of the SGGG) removing Haumai (false ego-sense, ਖ਼ੁਦੀ). (sggs 144).
• ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕਾਦਰ ਕਰਣ ਕਰੀਮਾ ॥ ਸਿਫਤਿ ਮੁਹਬਤਿ ਅਥਾਹ ਰਹੀਮਾ ॥ ਹਕੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਚੁ ਖੁਦਾਇਆ ਬੁਝਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਬੰਦਿ ਖਲਾਸ ਤਰਾ ॥੧੫॥੩॥੧੨॥ : (Understand) the Kudrat of Kaadar (Creator…) and the Merciful Rabb’s created world. Love and praise of the infinitely deep merciful Rabb. O Nanak! Understanding the eternal Rabb and the eternal Hukam enables one to be free from bondage (of Maya) and get across the world-ocean. (sggs 1084).
• ਜਿਸੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਸੋਈ ਬਿਧਿ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਹੋਇ ਤ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ॥੧॥ : He alone knows the ‘Bidhi-ਬਿਧਿ’ (method, technique, ਜੁਗਤ, ਢੰਗ, ਤਰੀਕਾ) who blends with the Gur-Wisdom (Giaan-ਗਿਆਨ). With Gurmat (Guru‘s Giaan, Wisdom…), one understands Hukam (one recognizes that System-Rule-Law of Nature goes on as it goes on, no one can change it). (sggs 904).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਣੈ ਮਾਨੈ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਸਮਾਇਦਾ ॥ ੯॥ : Gurmukh Hoi Su Hukam Pachhaanai … (sggs 1036).
• ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤ ਸੋਹਹਿ ਦਰਬਾਰੇ ॥ : Gurmukh Bhagat Sohahi Darbaarae. (sggs 1055).
• ਚਾਲਹਿ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ॥ : A Gurmukh follows the Hukam faithfully. (sggs 227).
• ਤਾ ਕਉ ਬਿਘਨੁ ਨ ਲਾਗਈ ਚਾਲੈ ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ॥੩॥ : One who follows the Hukam does not face obstacles (troubles). (sggs 421).

Those who don’t live the Hukam or oppose (ਵਿਰੋਧ) the Hukam are called Manmukhs-Saakat-Mayadhaaree mindsets – whose Akkal (intellect) follows the dictates of their fragmented mind (ਮੰਨ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ, etc.

• ਮਨਮੁਖ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਸਾਰਾ ॥: The self-willed Manmukh do not know the value of the Divine Hukam. (sggs 1054).
• ਕਪੜੁ ਰੂਪੁ ਸੁਹਾਵਣਾ ਛਡਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਜਾਵਣਾ ॥ ਮੰਦਾ ਚੰਗਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕੀਤਾ ਪਾਵਣਾ ॥ ਹੁਕਮ ਕੀਏ ਮਨਿ ਭਾਵਦੇ ਰਾਹਿ ਭੀੜੈ ਅਗੈ ਜਾਵਣਾ ॥ ਨੰਗਾ ਦੋਜਕਿ ਚਾਲਿਆ ਤਾ ਦਿਸੈ ਖਰਾ ਡਰਾਵਣਾ ॥ ਕਰਿ ਅਉਗਣ ਪਛੋਤਾਵਣਾ ॥੧੪॥ : The outer body (‘Kapparh‘) and the subtle Inner body (‘Roop‘), both can become charming or beautiful if you give up worldly ways (corrupt ways and thinking) and GO WITHIN (join the Giaan-Guru or ‘Dhur ki Bani‘ WITHIN). Each person gets the fruit of his / her own good and bad deeds. One may follow his own mind’s dictates or commands (ਅਪਣੀ ਮਰਜੀ, ਅਪਣੀ ਇਛਾ, ਮੰਨਮਾਨੀ ਕਰਨਾਂ…), but this would make his future life difficult (i.e. he would pay for his transgressions etc.). The wrongdoer is exposed of his bad deeds or transgressions, (thus, at the level of his mind) he falls into hellish existence (Here and Now – as punishment of his own wrongdoing) and at that time he looks very awful. By committing transgressions one regrets in the end. ॥14॥ (sggs 470-471).

A Sikh needs to accept Hukam on its own terms

But how can one do or live the Divine ‘Hukam‘? In other words, how can one establish a bond and get along with this ‘Darbaar‘ or Court of ‘Kudrat‘?

To be abided in the divine ‘Hukam‘ — law of consequences — is accepting or respecting life as it presents to oneself. It is simply saying ‘Yes, I accept’. In other words, it is just accepting one’s all joy and suffering with even mindedness…

• ਸੋਈ ਸਿਆਣਾ ਸੋ ਪਤਿਵੰਤਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਲਗੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਮੀਠਾ ਜੀਉ ॥ : Only that person is clever (i.e., wise, intelligent etc.) wise and honorable, unto whom the Hukam seems sweet (sggs 108).
• ਕਬੀਰ ਕਸਉਟੀ ਰਾਮ ਕੀ ਝੂਠਾ ਟਿਕੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥ ਰਾਮ ਕਸਉਟੀ ਸੋ ਸਹੈ ਜੋ ਮਰਿ ਜੀਵਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੩੩॥ : Kabeer, no false person (one who pretends / Pakhandee) can stand a chance when tested on the touchstone of ‘Raam‘ – when tested on the touchstone of true Divine Love / Virtues. Only that person who has become living dead (i.e. who lives in the world but NOT of the world – who has become ‘achiaaraa‘), has a chance when tested on the touchstone of ‘Raam’. ||33|| (sggs 1366).

We reap what we sow. This is the Law of Nature (Hukam…) – law of consequences. Hence, the Gurbani tells us that the man himself is responsible for any calamity or joy in life, he cannot blame anybody else for it. We harvest exactly what we sow in the field (‘Khet‘) of life or body. After all, our actions are the louder expressions of our thoughts!

• ਜੋ ਮੈ ਕੀਆ ਸੋ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ਦੋਸੁ ਨ ਦੀਜੈ ਅਵਰ ਜਨਾ ॥ : What I have done, so have I reaped, I do not blame another for the fruits (of my doings/desires). (sggs 433).
• ਜੇਹਾ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋ ਲੁਣੈ ਕਰਮਾ ਸੰਦੜਾ ਖੇਤੁ ॥: Life is the field of actions; I alone will reap all that I sow. (sggs 134).
• ਦਿਨੁ ਰਾਤਿ ਕਮਾਇਅੜੋ ਸੋ ਆਇਓ ਮਾਥੈ ॥ : Day and night what you have done (good and bad) becomes a fortune on your forehead or mind (i.e. ‘Kismat’, luck, ਭਾਗ etc.). (sggs 461).
• ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਕਰਣਾ ਲਿਖਿ ਲੈ ਜਾਹੁ ॥ ਆਪੇ ਬੀਜਿ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਖਾਹੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਹੁਕਮੀ ਆਵਹੁ ਜਾਹੁ ॥੨੦॥ : (The Internal cleansing is by a spirituality of) Internalizing (the Naam: Shabad, Hukam, Virtues, Giaan-Wisdom) through sustained deeds. Whatever you sow, you will reap. Nanak, (to reap as one saw) is the Hukam of the Creator pertaining to my cycle (of spirituality at the mind’s level). ॥20॥ (sggs 4).
• ਪਾਇ ਕੁਹਾੜਾ ਮਾਰਿਆ ਗਾਫਲਿ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਹਾਥਿ ॥੧੩॥ : An imprudent (senseless, inattentive, stupid, ਲਾ-ਪਰਵਾਹ…) strikes his own foot with the axe by his own hand ((ਭਾਵ, ਆਪਣਾ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਆਪ ਹੀ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ). ||13|| (sggs 1365).
• ਆਪਣ ਹਥੀ ਆਪਣਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੀ ਕਾਜੁ ਸਵਾਰੀਐ ॥੨੦॥ : (So long there is breath — Praan) accomplish the task (of God Realization) yourself ( i.e. with self-efforts: Shabad-Vichaar …). ||20|| (sggs 474).

We all are endowed with Vivek-Budhi (an innate sense of right and wrong, discerning intellect, discriminating intellect…). Animals lack it. This is what separates us humans from animals. Therefore, we humans carry tremendous responsibility, and must live by the Hukam.

In nutshell, to live, accept or do the Hukam is simply living according to the divine Virtues, Wisdom or by one’s True Nature (Jot Saroop).

To put it otherwise, to abide in the Hukam is, in essence, the same as to be connected to the Shabad, Naam, Bani, Virtues, Giaan (Wisdom), True Nature (Jot Saroop), System-Rule-Law of Nature etc. In other words, understanding of Hukam is the Realization of the Shabad, Naam, Bani, etc.

But, as the Gurbani tells us, to realize the Hukam, one has to give up his mind’s Hukam (dictates of the mind or Mann matt-ਮੰਨ ਮੱਤ, ਮੰਨ ਦੀ ਮਰਜੀ) and become the Hukamee Bandaa.

• ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਬੋਲੈ ਆਪਣ ਭਾਣੈ ॥ ਮਨਮੁਖੁ ਦੂਜੈ ਬੋਲਿ ਨ ਜਾਣੈ ॥ : Everybody speaks as they please (ਬੰਦੇ ਦੇ ਮਨ ਦੇ ਅਪਣੇ ਭਾਣੇ/ ਮਰਜੀ/ ਇਛਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ…). On account of duality, the Manmukh knows not how to talk. (sggs 1033).
• ਜੇ ਕੋ ਦਰਗਹ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਬੋਲੈ ਨਾਉ ਪਵੈ ਬਾਜਾਰੀ ॥ ਸਤਰੰਜ ਬਾਜੀ ਪਕੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਚੀ ਆਵੈ ਸਾਰੀ ॥੩॥ : If a person raises a lot of voice against the Hukam (i.e. if he opposes the Hukam gains nothing but) he comes to be known as ‘Baajaaree‘ (i.e. homeless, talkative, vulgar, joker, cheap, ਬੜਬੋਲਾ…). (The game of life is like) the game of chess. It will not be won (by opposing the Hukam). The dice remain ‘Kachee‘ (ineffective, unripe, unfinished, incomplete, unready etc. and only that dice is said to be) ‘ripe’ that reach their goal (i.e. win). (sggs 359).

Some Related Posts:

• Opening Verse of the SGGS
• Mr. God or Madam God!
• Sargun Nirgun – Visible and Invisible
• Gurbani Defines Form of God
• Realize God’s Presence Within
• Omnipresent God
• Bridge that Links Human Mind to God Within!
• Who is Greater?
• Sukh Saagar
• Sach Khand
• Sikhi: a Way of Life
• It’s the Mind that Needs to Become a Sikh
• Opening Verse of the SGGS – Concept of God in Sikhi
• Seven Days of a Sikh
• True Guru in Sikhi!
• Sikhi of the Clergy – Pujaaree
• Gurbani Defines True Teerath-Pilgrimage in Sikhi
• Gursikhs Solve the Riddle
• Target of a Sikh in Life Per the Gurbani
• Jaat Paat – Madness of Casteism in Sikhi
• Sikhs who Believe in Caste or Jaat Paat are Brahmins in Sikh Masks