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Summary of Question:	What Did I Do???
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 11/26/2001 12:10 AM MST

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

My question is to do with the concept of karma. I have recently discovered that I have a mental illness, and am struggling to put the pieces of my life back together and cope with a life-altering realization. My question is this - does this mean that my actions in a past life were bad, or is this a particular challenge that is the will of God? Is God testing me by placing this obstacle in my path?


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REPLY
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Sat Sri Akal,

I think the notion that "God" (I like to use the term Waheguru) tests people by putting obstacles in their lives is a Western way of thinking. Sometimes things happen just because they do. You past deeds/karma will come back to you in hardships or comforts. You have probably heard that if you do paath and believe in Waheguru, do good deeds, help others and live a humble, respectful Sikh way of life, then you will get what ever you want in tenfold. The opposite is also true, if you do bad deeds, hurt people, etc. then it will come back to haunt you tenfold.

So if you have a mental illness, it can be for a variety of reasons. These days, there are medicines for everything so I hope you have seen a doctor about this. I would suggest that you start living a humble, true Sikh life and try to help others (friends, family, anyone) in any way, big or however small, you can. Start doing paath (little by little, start slowly and gradually increase). This will make you feel better, and give you good karma.

Gur Fateh,
HSD