JAPJI Sahib tells me to (One):

"Live (as per) Almighty’s ordains,

(that are) written (in) life."

Inherent in this direction of the way to lead human life, conveyed to us by Guru Nanak, are the questions that who or what is the Almighty and what are his ordains.

Guru Nanak explains in the Mool Mantra of JAPJI Sahib that Almighty - whatever the different religious paths may say - is 1. He has presented Himself as this entire existence and He Himself is the ultimate / everlasting truth. Every occurrence / happening is in accordance with the rules framed and made applicable to this creation.

Concept of Hukam (Divine Ordain / Decree / Writ):

Almighty is both formless as well as in form.  To the true seeker, He is available in any or every form.

An example may be considered.  The fire in Sun, travels through light and warms the seed – a matter of Earth and combines with air & water.  All the four jointly fuse into each other and take the shape of a plant, which grows into a particular shape and occupies a definite space.  The plant matures and produces fruit & seeds, which are ready to repeat the cycle.  Parts / fruits of the plant are consumed by insects, birds, animals and the four elements then convert themselves into their flesh, bones, blood etc. taking separate shapes and occupying different spaces.  Some of these species are also then consumed by each other.  They too reproduce their own species.  When these creations end / die, they get dissolved and return back to the original elements.  In this way the entire cycle moves on and on.

It needs to be understood that all this does not happen on its own or by chance.  Every particle of each basic element is manifestation of Almighty Himself.  He is present in miniature / invisible form everywhere & in everything.  A system of interconnection like gravitational pull exists, not known to us, whereby every activity takes place according to a pre-programmed order.  On this account a great many features of this creation are able to move jointly or in combination with each other and often create upheavals.  This pre-programmed order is the Almighty’s ordain/decree/writ for all happenings and is called ‘Hukam’.  There is no good or bad in this Hukam.  It is the will of the Almighty.  There is no element of remorse or punishment in this order.  It should, therefore, be respected as such.

Human being is the special creation of Almighty.  It has been created as His own Self though with limited powers.  However, he has been given independence of decision making and provided with the liberty to perform in the environment of ‘Maaya’ & ‘Haumai’ (explained separately).  Depending upon the quality of one’s performance, his future opportunities are enhanced or restricted. 

It is thus possible for a human being to break the shackles of worldly existence.  Guru helps him by showing the way through the tools of ‘Naam’ & ‘Simran’ (explained separately) to reach the position of culmination.  In this manner he is one with Almighty and breaks free from the cycle of doing the actions and reaping the results as per the Hukam.

Third Step:

Awesome grandeur and magnificence

Great is the glory of The Lord of the Universe.  Such enormous is His power that it can not be equalled by anyone else.  As per one’s own understanding / capability, everybody describes the quality and praise shaped ordains of Almighty. 

(Those) who have strength,

they sing (of Almighty’s) strength. 

Some sing (of His) creations,

considering (them as His) symbols. 

Some sing (of His) virtues,

(and) beauteous praises. 

Some sing (of Him through) knowledge,

(though His) comprehension (is) difficult. 

Some sing (that He) creates,

(and then) converts body (to) dust. 

Some sing (He gives) life,

takes (back and) gives again. 

Some sing (He) appears,

(and) looks (to be) far (away). 

Some sing,

seeing (His) presence everywhere. 

However, despite making effort at great length, the complete explanation of Almighty eludes everyone. 

Describing (His) description,

can’t be overdone. 

(Even by) saying over (and) over (again),

many million times. 

Any attempt to say everything about that great Almighty would finally result in expression of one’s helplessness.  It is so because complete explanation can only be given if what is being described has a limit.  How is it possible to describe the limitless?  The whole Universe is progressing in accordance with His wishes.  His power of creation and expansion is unlimited.  This realisation itself would, in part, be enlightening.

Almighty makes provision for everyone at all times. 

(Almighty) continues giving,

(those) receiving (may) get tired. 

Through (the) Ages,

(they) continue availing (His bounties). 

It is Almighty’s will that prevails.  An individual has been given limited choice of option.  It is not possible for him to totally break away from the influence of The Almighty.

(The) Ordainer,

(through) ordain,

(makes everyone) follow,

 (the chalked) path. 

Almighty cheerfully takes care of all.  

Nanak (says,

 He) merrily (is) carefree. 

Almighty is independent and free of all kinds of bondages.