Ishita Tambat
Stanford University Student | PMI CAPM® Certified | Google Certified (Project Management) | Lean & Agile Principle Practitioner
Free Will or Destiny? A Thoughtful Perspective
Hello, my wonderful readers! I hope you're having a fantastic day. Now, spill the beans—what exciting things have been happening in your world recently? As you contemplate your response, allow me to share some of my recent highlights. I recently had the opportunity to attend a Conscious Living seminar featuring Keshava Swami (S.B. Keshava Swami) at Stanford University. He is renowned as a spiritual author, community mentor, dynamic teacher, and globetrotter. The Conscious Living seminar centered around a discussion on the interesting topic of “Free will and Destiny”.
The discussion at the event was enjoyable, and I also had the chance to take a photo with Keshava Swami (S.B. Keshava Swami) at Stanford University. After the seminar, as I walked back to my home on the Stanford campus, I began pondering the concept of free will and destiny. It's a complicated subject in philosophy and theology.
Some people believe in free will, where individuals can make choices and decisions on their own. Others believe in destiny, where events are preplanned, and people are guided by fate. This topic has been debated for centuries and has different interpretations in various cultures and belief systems. Ultimately, where one stands on this issue often depends on their personal beliefs and viewpoint. So, I decided to express my thoughts by writing this blog.
When I was accepted into Stanford, I found myself contemplating whether it was a result of free will or destiny. I wondered if my hard work, choices, and decisions had led me to this opportunity, suggesting that I had the free will to shape my future. On the other hand, I also considered whether it was destined or preordained, as if the universe had a plan for me to end up here at this moment in time. It's a question that many of us ponder when faced with significant life events, and it adds an extra layer of complexity to the journey of self-discovery and understanding our place in the world.
The question of whether free will and destiny coexist or which one prevails is a matter of philosophical and theological debate that may not have a definitive solution. It often depends on one's personal beliefs and perspective. Let me explain the concepts of free will and destiny using personas to illustrate their perspectives:
Free Will Person A:
Person A believes in the power of free will. She sees life as a series of choices and decisions that she and others make. She thinks that individuals have the ability to shape their own destinies through their actions and choices. She believes that while external factors may influence us, we ultimately have the freedom to determine our path in life.
Destined Person B:
Person B, on the other hand, is a strong believer in destiny. He thinks that events in life are preordained and that individuals are guided by a predetermined plan or fate. He feels that our choices and actions are merely part of a larger script, and we are meant to follow a specific path.
Harmony Person C:
Person C takes a middle-ground approach. She believes that there can be a balance between free will and destiny. She thinks that while some events may be destined or influenced by external factors, individuals still have the freedom to make choices within those circumstances. She believes in finding harmony between the two concepts.
I think by reading the above personas I am sure you also realized with me that life is a delicate balance between Free Will and Destiny. These personas represent different perspectives on the question of free will and destiny. There isn't a definitive solution, as it often depends on an individual's beliefs and how they perceive the interplay between these two ideas.
We must do our best, give our all, and then accept the outcomes as they come. It's a realization that underscores the importance of our efforts without dismissing the role of destiny. In essence, we have the power to make choices, set goals, and work diligently towards them, but at the same time, we must acknowledge that there are external factors and circumstances beyond our control that can influence the final outcome. Striking this balance allows us to approach life with determination and humility, recognizing that while we can shape our path to a certain extent, the journey may also hold surprises and twists that are part of our unique life story.
As we wrap up this blog discussing the fascinating balance of free will and destiny, I'd like to leave you with a thought-provoking question:
In your own life, have you ever experienced a moment that made you question whether it was a result of your choices or something predestined? How did you reconcile the idea of free will and destiny in that particular instance?
As I keep learning about myself and life, I'm eager to dive deeper into these concepts and uncover more of life's mysteries. Remember to check out my other written blogs as well.