Destiny and Free Will
Just as there are rails on which the train travels, in the same way, tracks are traced in our lives, along which the wheels of our actions roll either smoothly or chaotically, according to circumstances. While traveling along those tracks, one gradually discovers that there are two basic guiding rails, the unknown ‘karma’ or destiny, and the known ‘dharma’, or duty. During the trip, it could occur that the wheels might slip off the rails, and the consequence could be detrimental to ourselves as well as to others. Nevertheless, when will-power leads and wisdom guides, there might be a chance of successfully facing destiny’s fancies.
When involved in a project, it is wise to be aware of the fact that a gain can have a particular force of attraction especially under the spell of wealth, success and position, and one does not always foresee the consequences of their charm. A gain in one thing can be the cause of a loss in another case, and reversibly, a loss in one thing can be the cause of a gain in another case. In the constant struggle between gain and loss, gain is always on the side of the motive behind the project, because providence supplies unconditional support to one’s perseverance without discrimination, as to the moral values of the motive. Therefore, it is precisely at this point that one’s free will is put to the test, as far as the beneficial or destructive nature of the original motive is concerned.
A thought focused upon a project, is like the power of an arrow, carrying along with it the intended motive. This is why it is so important to be constantly aware of the cause and effect of all one’s thoughts and feelings; not only the conscious ones but also the unconscious ones; for, like plants have their roots in the earth, in the same way, thoughts are rooted in the mind, and are either consciously or unconsciously motivated by free-will thinking, which is ultimately our own responsibility.
A motive is like running water, whereas a project creates a channel along which the stream of thoughts flows. The success of an accomplishment is very much dependent upon the priority allotted to one among the many projects in view. If the feeling heart is the inspirer of the original motive behind the chosen project, all success is assured and the project becomes an ideal.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
