Destined, or Designed? Interrogating the Blueprint of Our Lives.
Bhargav Jois | 13-Jun-2024
Have you ever thought if you are ever capable of achieving greatness? So, is greatness destined? Is it predetermined? Or maybe anyone can achieve it if tried hard enough. If that is true, why there are so less people who have achieved greatness, while most of the world suffers in the middle ground? Is our destiny already written or do we own the pen to write it ourself? This question has captivated humanity for millennia, sparking endless debate about free will, fate, and the very nature of existence.
The concept of a predetermined destiny has cast a long shadow across human history, weaving its way into the very fabric of our myths and religions. It's a comforting notion for some – the idea that our lives have a preordained purpose, even if it remains shrouded in mystery. We are but characters in a grand cosmic play, with lines already penned by a higher power, be it the capricious whims of fate or the benevolent hand of a divine being.
In Hinduism, the concept of destiny is intertwined with the law of karma and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Here, fate is not dictated by some capricious force, but rather by the consequences of our actions in past lives. Lord Brahma, the creator god, is often depicted with four heads, symbolizing his omniscience. He is believed to keep a record of every soul's karma, influencing their birth, circumstances, and potential in their current life.
This belief offers a sense of cosmic justice – our present is a reflection of our past actions, and our choices in this life will shape our future. However, it also presents a challenge. If our path is heavily influenced by past karma, does that leave room for free will?
The ancient Greeks, for instance, believed in the Moirai, the three Fates – Clotho who spun the thread of life, Lachesis who measured its length, and Atropos who snipped it with her shears. Their lives were dedicated to the unyielding tapestry of destiny, leaving mortals with a sense of powerlessness and predetermined outcomes. Similarly, many religions posit a divine plan, a preordained path laid out for each soul before it even takes its first breath. This belief offers comfort - a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves, a grand design where even our struggles have a purpose.
However, the preordained script narrative also carries a heavy weight of disempowerment. If our paths are already mapped out, what room is there for free will? What's the point of striving, of taking risks, of defying the odds, if the ending is already written? This deterministic view can stifle ambition and innovation, creating a sense of resignation to whatever fate throws our way.
Think of Oedipus from Greek mythology, fated to unknowingly kill his father and marry his mother. Despite his desperate attempts to escape his destiny, he remains trapped in the grip of fate's cruel hand. It's a cautionary tale, a reminder of the potential powerlessness we face if we surrender entirely to the notion of a preordained script.
This tension between destiny and free will has fueled countless stories throughout history. Think of Neo in "The Matrix," faced with the choice between the red pill of harsh reality and the blue pill of blissful ignorance. Does he choose the path laid out for him, or does he break free and forge his own destiny? Or choosing the red pill was his destiny?
If everything is preordained then why we need to maintain our health? why do we need to earn? Is life merely just an illusion? Are people destined for greatness? Are people destined to suffer? We can never know for sure.
Imagine life not as a preordained script, but as an open road stretching endlessly before you. This view, emphasizing free will, empowers us to take the driver's seat and chart our own course. It resonates with the archetype of the "self-made man" or woman, carving their path through sheer grit and determination.
Free will grants us the agency to make choices, big and small, that ultimately shape our destinies. These choices include:
The open road approach acknowledges the responsibility that comes with free will. Every choice we make has consequences, and the burden of shaping our own reality falls squarely on our shoulders. However, with this responsibility comes immense glory. The achievements we reach, the lives we touch, and the legacy we leave behind are all testaments to the power of our choices.
This perspective isn't without its challenges. It can be daunting to face a future with no preordained direction. However, it also allows for immense creativity and growth.
Think of historical figures who defied societal expectations and charted new paths: Marie Curie, the pioneering scientist who shattered gender barriers; Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader who fought for equality; or Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur pushing the boundaries of space exploration. These individuals embraced the uncertainty of the open road and used their free will to create positive change for themselves and the world.
The open road may feel daunting, but it's also a path brimming with possibility. It empowers us to define our own success, overcome challenges, and leave a lasting legacy. The journey is ours to chart, and within our choices lies the power to shape not only our own destinies, but the world around us.
The epic Hindu poem, the Ramayana, explores this very question. Lord Rama, the righteous prince of Ayodhya, is believed to be an avatar of Vishnu, the preserver god. His destiny, according to some interpretations, is to uphold dharma (righteousness) and vanquish evil. However, Rama's choices throughout the story demonstrate the power of free will. He chooses to honor his father's exile, even though it means giving up his rightful place as king. He chooses to fight valiantly against the demon king Ravana, even though victory is not guaranteed.
Rama's actions, despite his seemingly preordained path, highlight the importance of choice. He doesn't simply fulfill his destiny; he actively shapes it through his decisions and unwavering commitment to righteousness.
The concept of a predetermined destiny in Hinduism is not a rigid script, but rather a framework within which we make choices. Our karma from past lives may influence our circumstances, but it doesn't dictate our every move. Ultimately, the Ramayana reminds us, we have the power to choose how we respond to our situations, to rise above challenges, and to write our own stories within the grand narrative of the universe.
The truth about destiny is likely far more nuanced than a simple script or a blank canvas. Perhaps it's best visualized as a winding path, a journey shaped by both the whispers of fate and the firm tread of our own will.
Imagine unseen currents tugging at our sails, guiding us towards certain opportunities or challenges. These forces could be:
These external forces are undeniable, but they are not an ironclad grip.
Within this framework lies the fertile ground of human potential. We each possess unique talents, strengths, and desires waiting to be nurtured. It's up to us to:
Our choices, big and small, act like brushstrokes on the canvas of our lives. We can choose to succumb to limitations imposed by external forces, or we can actively cultivate our potential and forge a path that aligns with our desires.
The beauty of the winding path is that it is rarely a straight shot. There will be forks in the road, unexpected detours, and moments of uncertainty. It's in these moments that we truly exercise our agency. We can:
The winding path isn't about a preordained destination, but rather the journey itself. It's about navigating the interplay between internal and external forces, embracing the unknown, and ultimately, shaping our own narrative.
The question remains: are we merely puppets dancing to the strings of fate, or do we hold the pen, writing our own narratives one choice at a time? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between, a tapestry woven from the threads of both predetermined forces and the power of our own will.
Sandesh | June 13, 2024, 3:17 p.m.
Awesome narrative. Ending was chindi❤️ "Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between, a tapestry woven from the threads of both predetermined forces and the power of our own will. "
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