Karma and the Ontological Event Stream – The Science of Consciousness & Transpersonal Psychology – School of Gurmat Metaphysical Science & Gurmat Psycho-Spiritual Psychology

Karma and the Ontological Event Stream: Understanding the Role of Karma in the Unfolding of Hukam in Gurmat Psycho-Spiritual Wisdom

Intro: This article explores the intricate relationship between karma, Hukam, and the psycho-spiritual journey from egoic identification (Haumai) to ontological merger (Samaaia) within the Gurmat Therapy framework. Drawing upon scriptural insights and ontological psychology, it presents a comprehensive view of karma not as moral retribution, but as energetic residues within the unfolding event stream (Hukam). We outline various types of karma, their psycho-spiritual implications, and their place within the transformation process leading from Jaania (knowing) to Samaaia (merging). The article offers both academic and experiential insights for postgraduate and professional students of consciousness, metaphysics, and psycho-spiritual development.

Introduction: Karma within the Ontology of Hukam

In Gurmat, karma is not a linear ledger of moral action, but an embedded mechanism within the Hukam—the self-unfolding ontological process that constitutes reality. Karma represents the energetic imprints or sanskars generated by egoic identification (Haumai) and enacted within the field of apparent separateness. These karmic residues shape perception, behaviour, and rebirth, until they are recognised, purified, and transcended through alignment with Naam and Hukam.

“ਕਰਮੀ ਕਰਮੀ ਹੋਇ ਵੀਚਾਰੁ ॥ ਸਚਾ ਆਪਿ ਸਚਾ ਦਰਬਾਰੁ ॥”
“By karma, one’s actions are judged; the True One Himself sits upon the True Court.”
Jap Ji Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Types of Karma in Gurmat Ontology

While Sikh metaphysics does not strictly categorise karma as in classical Indian systems, Gurmat articulates similar layers within its ontological context. Here are the primary types, contextualised in light of the unfolding Hukam:

2.1 Sanchit Karma (ਸੰਚਿਤ ਕਰਮ) – Accumulated Karma

These are karmic impressions gathered across lifetimes. They form the unconscious tendencies (vasanas) and deep patterns stored in the subtle body.

“ਪੂਰਬਿ ਕਰਮ ਲਿਖੇ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥”
“Liberation comes only through the karmas written from before.”
Ang 8

Sanchit karma creates the ontological momentum that shapes the birth context of a being.

2.2 Prarabdha Karma (ਪ੍ਰਾਰਬਧ ਕਰਮ) – Destiny Karma

This subset of Sanchit karma has ripened and is now being experienced in the present life as pre-set circumstances—health, family, lifespan.

“ਜੋ ਕਿਛੁ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਆਪੇ ਆਪਿ ॥”
“Whatever happens, happens through His Hukam alone.”
Ang 904

These are seen not as punishment, but as the unfolding of a script within Hukam for the evolution of consciousness.

2.3 Kriyamaan Karma (ਕ੍ਰਿਯਮਾਨ ਕਰਮ) – Current Actions

These are actions being performed now through thought, speech, and behaviour, which generate new karmic seeds and affect future unfolding.

“ਅਹੰਕਾਰਿ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵਣੇ ਬਾਧੋ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥”
“Acting in ego, one is bound to the cycle of birth and death.”
Ang 560

These actions are critical for transformation when done in awareness and surrendered to Naam.

2.4 Agami Karma (ਅਗਾਮੀ ਕਰਮ) – Future Karma

These are karmas being created now that will shape future births, timelines, or realities. In Gurmat, transformation dissolves the seed of karma before it bears fruit.

“ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਨਾਵੈ ਹੀ ਤਰਨਾ ॥”
“Imbued with Naam, one crosses over (karma, illusion, birth).”
Ang 1145

Karma and Haumai: The Root of Cyclic Existence

Haumai (egoic I-am-ness) is the engine of karma. All karmic creation begins in the illusion of doership:

“ਹਉਮੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਮਾਵਦਾ ਜਿਉ ਬੀਜੈ ਤਿਉ ਖਾਇ ॥”
“In ego, one acts; as he sows, so shall he eat.”
Ang 466

Ego, believing itself to be the doer, becomes entangled in cause and effect. Naam, by contrast, restores awareness of non-doership and dissolves karmic bondage.

Karma and the Five Stages of Transformation

4.1 Jaania (Knowing)

Awareness of the cycle of karma and suffering. Recognition that reality is shaped by unseen forces.

4.2 Pashaania (Recognising)

Insight into personal karmic patterns—emotional triggers, relationship cycles, inner compulsions.

4.3 Samjhia (Understanding)

Deep comprehension of the law of karma, impermanence, and the need for purification through Naam.

“ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਸਭੀ ਲੇਖੇ ਲਾਵਣਿ ॥”
“All karmas and duties are recorded and accounted for.”
Ang 747

4.4 Mannia (Accepting)

Surrender to the Hukam that is unfolding one’s karmic storyline. Release of control and egoic resistance.

4.5 Samaaia (Merging)

Transcendence of karma. One lives as Akarta (non-doer), flowing with Hukam. Karma is neutralised through Naam Simran.

“ਨਾਮੁ ਮਿਲੈ ਤਾਂ ਕਰਮ ਵਿਛੋੜੈ ॥”
“Receiving Naam, one is freed from the bondage of karma.”
Ang 38

Naam and the Transmutation of Karma

Naam is not merely repetition but alignment with the vibrational frequency of Being. Through Naam, karmic impressions are not suppressed but dissolved through presence. This enables Sahaj (effortless awareness) to emerge.

“ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਪਾਪ ਸਭਿ ਖੋਏ ॥”
“Imbued with Naam, all sins (karmic residues) are destroyed.”
Ang 118

Subjective Insights: The Living Experience of Karma

Practitioners report the following experiential signs of karmic activation:

Repeating life patterns despite conscious intent
Deep irrational fears or attractions
Resistance to presence
Emotional overwhelm or blockages

Through Simran and Shabad contemplation, these are witnessed and released. True spiritual practice becomes a karmic purification field.

Liberation and the Unfolding of Hukam

Liberation (Mukti) is not post-mortem, but occurs within the field of Hukam through Naam. One who lives in harmony with the event stream becomes liberated from karmic cycles:

“ਹੁਕਮਿ ਰਜਾਈ ਚਲਣਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਲਿ ॥”
“Walk in the Will of the Hukam, O Nanak, as it is inscribed with you.”
Jap Ji Sahib

This is the state of the Gurmukh, the one who abides in Sat (truth), above the ripple of karma, as pure awareness.

Conclusion

Karma is not antithetical to Hukam but part of its unfolding logic. Through the lens of Gurmat, karma is understood as energetic entanglement generated by Haumai. The purpose of karma is not punishment but evolution, and its transcendence is possible through deepening awareness, Naam Simran, and surrender to Hukam. The fivefold path from Jaania to Samaaia enables the transformation and ultimate merging into the field of conscious being where karma dissolves, and only Presence remains.

Further Reading:

Panesar, D.S. (2023). Gurmat Psycho-Spiritual Psychology and Karma
Bhai Vir Singh: Jap Ji Sahib Steek
Sukhmani Sahib: Shabad analysis on karma, Naam, and liberation
Guru Granth Sahib: Primary source texts on karma and mukti