The Beads of Life

kharkoo4life · #1 (**permalink**) 22-Jun-2006, 01:23 AM

For anything to function properly a certain order and structure must be maintained. If the order is disrupted then chaos ensues. Any progress will become difficult. This principle exists in every corner of the universe. From the arrangement of electrons and protons in the tiniest atoms to the pinpoint precision and organization of spacecraft engines. Each depends on a unifying order and arrangement for its proper functioning. Even if only a few bolts or clamps break off or a few neutrons collide or tear apart the results could be catastrophic. Satellite collisions. A nuclear explosion. Complete destruction.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/spiritual-articles/8978-the-beads-of-life.html

A similar principle exists in man’s life. In fact it is the very SAME principle which operates in the whole universe. Einstein was one of the first scientists to search for a single unifying principle/theory to explain the universe. A law which exists and operates in every spec of matter and non-matter in the universe. Which binds all together. He searched and searched but remained without success. It didn’t mean such a law didn’t exist. He had died with the firm belief that it did exist out there. And he was right.

The only problem was that the law he searched for was not an ordinary law of science. It wasn’t a lengthy physics or mathematical theorem. It was a Divine Law. A law which can never be completely analyzed and documented. Only experienced.

Gurbani refers to this law as Hukam (Divine Will). So how does this law operate? What is its role in our life? The Guru uses a beautiful example of rosary beads to answer these questions. The beads on their own are scattered all over the place. Without any order or arrangement. In complete disarray. But if one puts a thread through them they will be brought together and given beautiful form. A new existence. Gods Will is like a thread. It runs though the entire universe, including man. But we shouldn’t be so careless to assume everything is Gods doing and we are without any responsibility. It is not the thread which moves but the beads which move along the thread. The thread can’t force the beads to move. It is up to the beads to decide if and when and in which direction to move. They can try moving along the direction of the arranged thread or against it. If it goes along it, it moves smoothly. Effortlessly. Against it, it will face stiff resistance. It will struggle. But no matter how much it struggles and fights the thread it will eventually be brought back into line. It can not escape it.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=8978

Such is man’s life. Gods Will is there. We can not separate from it.

hukmY AMdir sBu ko bwhir hukm n koie ]
Everyone is subject to His Will; no one is beyond His Will. (p.1)

What we can choose is how we respond to it. Whether we choose to live in accordance with His Will or try going against it. And this option to choose is what is called free will. If we use our free will to go against it sure we can make some progress in life. But if will be difficult. Painful. Filled with struggles and anguish. The price we pay will be severe. If however we choose to live attuned to His Will rather than oppose to it, than our lives will blossom. All struggles will disappear. All pains and sorrows vanish. We will flow effortlessly through life enjoying and celebrating every moment of it. And one who is able to develop this love and acceptance towards His Will (instead of objection and hatred towards it) they will lose all sense of “I” (ego) and its associated problems.

nwnk hukmY jy buJY q haumY khY n koie ]2]
O Nanak, one who understands His Command, does not speak in ego. (p.1)

And thus they will have found true permanent bliss!