HUKAM: The Cosmic Law

Laozi called it Tao, Buddha called it Dhamma, and Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, called it Hukam. Literally translated, Hukam means a command or an order. But for Guru Nanak, Hukam is a much deeper concept—a practical philosophy for life. It’s about living every moment in harmony with the cosmic law, or divine will. In simpler terms, it's the complete dissolution of the ego.

Struggle vs. Surrender: Two Ways to Live

Nanak teaches that accepting Hukam helps you navigate life with more ease than resisting it. Broadly speaking, there are two ways to live: struggle or surrender. We struggle when we fight against painful situations and try to control everything. The alternative is to surrender—not in a way that makes us passive or gives up on dreams, but by letting go of expectations and accepting what life brings.

What It Means to Live by Hukam

Living by Hukam allows you to fully engage with life. It’s about embracing everything—whether you lose a loved one, a job, or money, face heartbreak, or achieve wealth and success. All of it falls under Hukam. Nothing is outside of it. When you truly accept this, neither suffering nor success will sway you. So, don’t demand that the universe change its course just because your $2 million home no longer feels good enough or you think you need a $1,200 Arc’teryx jacket.

Personal Journey with Hukam

I came across Guru Nanak’s teachings a few years ago, at what I believe will be the toughest time of my life. Now, I firmly believe that at every stage, I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. I accept it. If I’m in a situation that doesn’t align with my expectations, I still embrace it and do my best to move forward. Accepting Hukam has helped me handle both the highs and lows of life with equanimity. When I stopped trying to fix myself and instead accepted Hukam, I began to accept myself as I was. I stopped pointing out others’ flaws and telling myself stories that fed my ego but didn’t serve me. Switching to acceptance helped me let go of the past. Hukam empowered me to release my attachment to it. I stopped judging myself for failures and superficial successes.

The Trap of Material Success

Some of the unhappiest people I know are those society would label as highly successful. They have great jobs, loads of money, families, exotic vacations, fancy cars, and big houses—but they’re anxious. Why? Despite all their success, they’re never content. They’re always chasing the next shiny object—a bigger title, a larger house, more exotic vacations. It’s clear we’ve been sold the wrong dream.

Why Do Bad Things Happen? A Deeper Look at Hukam

But if everything is the will of the divine, why do bad things happen to people? Nanak says our understanding of the cosmic law is limited. What seems unjust at the surface level is part of a bigger plan. It’s about belief. And look, I’m not here to change your beliefs. With this or any article I write, my goal is to bring the teachings of the sages to light. I encourage you to have an open mind, read, or listen, and then make your own choice. But remember, billions before us have suffered, billions will continue to, and once in a while, a Buddha, a Nanak, or a Jesus comes to enlighten the world. The path they show is hard, and each of us must walk it individually. Their teachings make sense intellectually, but internalizing them is incredibly challenging.

Hukam and Free Will: Finding Empowerment

Accepting Hukam doesn’t mean you lose your ambition or goals. It doesn’t mean giving up your free will either. In fact, Nanak teaches that we are empowered to make choices and respond according to our inner moral compass. When you see injustice, rise up against it. Do what is in your power but realize all this is part of the bigger plan.

Give it a try. Align yourself with Hukam.

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