Self-Imposed "Suffering"

[Wicked Warrior]

Okay perhaps not as severe as what goes on in the world in the form of "true" suffering but...

We go through suffering/pains because of past karams and it is one way in which they can be paid off. But what about self-imposed suffering or hardship? Does this have any merit?

Talking about things like: limiting anything that causes pleasure be it certain foods, hobbies, sleeping on a hard floor without a blanket/pillow etc? Denying yourself pleasures or comforts that you could afford to provide?

Or is this something that you should not do, given that Guru Ji has allowed us to lead comfortable lives because of our karam?

[SarabjeetS]

Okay perhaps not as severe as what goes on in the world in the form of "true" suffering but...

Talking about things like: limiting anything that causes pleasure be it certain foods, hobbies, sleeping on a hard floor without a blanket/pillow etc? Denying yourself pleasures or comforts that you could afford to provide?

Or is this something that you should not do, given that Guru Ji has allowed us to lead comfortable lives because of our karam?

What a pathetic way of thinking ! There is something called your magnetic field and "receivership".. To receive from the world in abundance , you should be willing to receive .

Don't have guilt feelings for receiving gifts and luxuries of world ! Whenever your mind says "Who am I to deserve all this ?" , backslash it by saying "Who am I not !"

You ( like every other human ) deserve the comfort and luxury of this world ... But , are you willing to receive ?

There is no empirical evidence to suggest that its your Karam . Think in real world terms ; You have internet connection and perhaps good family , because someone provides you for all that ! maybe your loving dad who earns hard day and night & pays for your luxuries and internet also !

Don't put the credit on Sky daddies ! coz' that same sky daddy is apparently unable to feed starving to death kids in Africa !

[Guest Comfort king]

Its ok to use a mattress as far as i know. Sikhs had comforts we just dont make a big thing about them . There r loads of things that r new inventions coming who cam decidi wot is good and bad only guru ji guides us.

[SarabhaPanjab]

Many gursikhs abandon luxuries in life to allow them to focus on Waheguru.

Gurbani emphasises to eat little, sleep little. Rehtnamas say to have cold baths, waking up early, keep in shape. I wouldn't say these are "hardships" it is discipline.

In any game to be the best you require discipline. How many sacrifices do athletes make to keep on top of their game? Sikhi is the most disciplined game of all.

I know some senior Gursikhs who even avoid too much contact with families and grandchildren keep detached.

[Guest Guest]

Waheguru ji ka khalsa

Waheguru ji ki fateh

Each and every person in the world receives both Dukh and Sukh,

probably due to one's past Karma.

Gurbani gives no importance to Karam in terms of Spirituality.

ਸੂਹੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ॥ ਕਰਮ ਧਰਮ ਪਾਖੰਡ ਜੋ ਦੀਸਹਿ ਤਿਨ ਜਮੁ ਜਾਗਾਤੀ ਲੂਟੈ ॥ ਨਿਰਬਾਣ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਗਾਵਹੁ ਕਰਤੇ ਕਾ ਨਿਮਖ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਜਿਤੁ ਛੂਟੈ ॥੧॥(SGGS jeeo - Ang 747)

Deed, Religion, Hypocrisy which are seen; will be plundered by Yama the tax-gatherer. Sing thou the pure praise of the Creator, contemplating whom, even for a moment, thou shalt be emancipated.

ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਰੀਐ ॥ ਜੇ ਕੋ ਬਚਨੁ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਸੰਤਨ ਕਾ ਸੋ ਗੁਰ ਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਤਰੀਐ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥

O Saints, cross over the world-ocean. One who practices the Teachings of the Saints, by Guru's Grace, is carried across. ||1||Pause||

Waheguru ji ka khalsa

Waheguru ji ki fateh