Swasti Sansthan: September 2014

Destiny Unfolded

Chapter - 5

Destiny as Envisaged by Scriptures World Over

Fate is usually thought of as a predetermined course of events which is beyond human control. A typical response to believing in fate is resignation – if nothing is in our control then why should one even try. Whatever happens, happens and we can’t do anything about it. This is called ‘Fatalism’.

Fatalism is the major premise of Islam, which demands total submission to the Sovereignty of Allah or Khuda. In the Islamic scripture the Quran, there is a Hadith which translates as under:

“Allah’s messenger (saw) the true and truly inspired said, (as regards your creation, 22.5) “everyone of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first 40 days in the form of a seed, and then he becomes a clot for another 40 days, and then a lump of flesh for another 40 days. Then Allah sends an angle to write four things. He writes his deeds, time of death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be happy or unhappy hereafter. Then, the soul is breathed into his body. So a man may do deeds characteristic of the people of hell until there is but an arm’s length between him and hell, and that which has been written by the angel overtakes him and so he begin to behave like the people of paradise and thus he enters it. Similarly, a person may do deeds characteristic of people of paradise until there is but an arm’s length between him and paradise, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he behaves like the people of hell and thus he enters it.”(Sahih Al-bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

However, it is very important to understand this Hadith according to the well established Islamic principles about life and death, deeds and rewards, predestination and man's freedom. But what we have to understand first of all is the concept of Allah's will and his knowledge of everything that takes place in the universe.

We know that Allah's will is absolute, unrestricted and cannot be frustrated by any power. When He wills something to take place, He only has to say to it, “Be " and it exists (Surah Baqara 117). The moment Allah's will is directed to the creation of something, it comes into existence. Nothing stops it. He has willed to grant man freedom of choice over much of what is related to his life and how man conducts his affairs. Thus this freedom of choice exists beyond any shred of doubt.

Accountability goes hand in hand with this freedom. This life is made a test for human beings so that they can prove what they deserve of, reward or punishment, which determines whether they will be happy in the hereafter or not.
Allah says in the Quran addressing the believers:

"This is Paradise; you have inherited it by virtue of your past deeds”.

(Surah Az-Zukhruf 72).

This is a clear statement showing that there is no pre-judgment as to the final destination of any human being. That destination is determined by every person's actions in this life, made on the basis of his or her free choice. Had Allah pre-determined fate wholly before birth, there would have been no necessity for Allah to depute a pair of angels Kiramun and Katibeen to record a person’s good and bad actions so that the net result may be taken into account by Allah on the day of judgment. Hence, Allah orders us to do what we can in order to secure a happy ending in the hereafter.

At the same time, Allah knows everything before it takes place. We have said that, like His will, Allah's knowledge is absolute and unrestricted. Nothing comes into Allah's knowledge as a result of any event. He knows it before the event takes place. Some people confuse this knowledge with pre-destination. They argue: since Allah knows it before hand what every person will do before that person does it, then Allah must have willed it so. This is a false argument. Allah has willed that each person shall have the freedom of choice and that freedom takes place according to man's decision. It is true that Allah knows what every person chooses before the choice is made by us. It is this knowledge that the angel records when he, by Allah's command breathes the spirit into the fetus. Therefore, he writes down what Allah knows, not what Allah wills that person to do. However, there are areas in which man has no choice, such as his being affected by natural forces, being subject to burn in fire, drown in water, be killed in a plane crash or by a bullet etc. Allah knew that a disaster would take place and that he would perish in that disaster. These areas are not recorded by the angel, because man has no control over them. Only that which is recorded is subject to his free choice. Man the one who makes the choice.

One of these is his deeds:

Have we not made for him a pair of eyes and shown him the two ways, good and evil, (Surah Al-Balad 8,10 ).

Means of livelihood: which is again subject to his free choice and his effort.

If one sits at home doing nothing for a livelihood he will get nothing. If he goes out to work and exerts his best efforts in improving his situation, he will get results sooner or later. Allah says in Quran:

Allah helps those who help themselves (Surah Ar-Rad 11).

What about our life span: The fact that duration of one’s life is pre-determined by Allah is evident from the Ayah (Surah Fatir 11)

Nor is a man long-lived, granted length of days, nor is a part cut off from his life, but is in a decree (Ordained). All this is easy to Allah.

However, if one exposes himself to great risks, he is likely to die quickly, such as a person committing suicide or not leading a healthy life. If he does the type of deed which the Prophet (saw) described as prolonging life, such as kindness to people and dutifulness to parents, then Allah gives him extra years. Allah knew beforehand what his subjects were to do, and thus set the limit to the subjects’ life span as a product of his doings.

Paradise or Hell:

The end of this Hadith is often misunderstood, because some people may take it as referring to what Allah had already written down as the fate of a person in the hereafter. Allah has not determined that fate for anyone. It is every one's total sum of the working of their free choice and free will that determines their fate whether he will be in heaven or hell. Thus it is the person himself who may change his or her course of action before death. He would have done good deeds throughout his life, but then one day he sinks into disbelief and takes actions that place him among those who will go to hell. This is again his free choice. It is true that it was recorded by the angel before his birth, but that recording is based on Allah's prior knowledge of his actions.

"We have no control over our doings", we were destined to do this, is a scapegoat for those who have weak wills. If that was true a culprit would have taken the plea that he is not to blame as he was destined by Allah to commit the crime. Let us not blame Allah for our wrong doings.

We must never feel too secure as a result of having done well in the past life. We must continue to do so until we die.

Prophet (saw) said, “There is none among you but has his place written for him, either in paradise or in the hell-fire, carry on doing good deeds, for everybody will find easy to do such deeds as will lead him to his destined place”

At the same time we must never despair if we have done badly. Repentance and mending our ways, with sincerity and trust in Allah will ensure our safety.

Destiny is a historical narration of a man's future which came into being because of Allah's absolute knowledge.

In Hinduism also, its believed that the God is Vidhata and he writes the Vidhi or Fate of everything / everybeing. Whatever written in the Vidhi by the Vidhata cannot be transgressed or erased. But Hinduism does recognize Karma as supreme and even the Vidhi is written by the Vidhata on the basis of the previous karmas of a living being who is able to do karma. Resignation to fate in extreme cases of miseries in Hindu thought is akin only to Fatalism.

Greeks also believes that three Goddesses pictured as weavers, weaves the men / women’s destiny or fate (called in greek as Moirai). There writings cannot be annulled or cancelled even by the other Gods. The MOIRAI (or Moirae) were the goddesses of fate who personified the inescapable destiny of man. They assigned to every person his or her fate or share in the scheme of things. Their name means ‘’Parts’’, ‘’Shares’’ or ‘’Allotted Portions’’. Zeus Moiragetes, the God of fate, was their leader.
Klotho , whose name means ‘’Spinner’’, spinned the thread of life. Lakhesis, whose name means ‘’Apportioner of Lots’’ – being derived from a word meaning to receive by lot – measured the thread of life. Atropos (or Aisa), whose name means ‘’She who cannot be turned,’’ cut the thread of life.
At the birth of a man, the Moirai spinned out the thread of his future life, followed his steps, and directed the consequences of his actions according to the counsel of the gods. It was not an inflexible fate; Zeus, if he chose, had the power of saving even those who were already on the point of being seized by their fate. The Fates did not abruptly interfere in human affairs but availed themselves of intermediate causes, and determined the lot of mortals not absolutely, but only conditionally, even man himself, in his freedom was allowed to exercise a certain influence upon them. As man’s fate terminated at his death, the goddesses of fate become the goddesses of death, Moirai Thanatoio.

The Moirai were independent, at the helm of necessity, directed fate, and watched that the fate assigned to every being by eternal laws might take its course without obstruction; and Zeus, as well as the other gods and man, had to submit to them. They assigned to the Erinyes, who inflicted the punishment for evil deeds, their proper functions; and with them they directed fate according to the laws of necessity.

As goddesses of birth, who spinned the thread of life, and even prophesied the fate of the newly born, Eileithyia was their companion. As goddesses of fate they must necessarily have known the future, which at times they revealed, and were therefore prophetic deities. Their ministers were all the soothsayers and oracles.
As goddesses of death, they appeared together with the Keres and the infernal Erinyes. The Moirai were described as ugly old women, sometimes lame. They were severe, inflexible and stern. Klotho carries a spindle or a roll (the book of ate), Lakhesis a staff with which she points to the horoscope on a globe, and Atropos a scroll, a wax tablet, a sundial, a pair of scales; or a cutting instrument. At other times the three were shown with staffs or scepters the symbols of dominion, and sometimes even with crowns. At the birth of each man they appeared spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life. The Romans called the goddess Parcae and name the three Nona, Decuma and Morta.

The Homeric Moira is not, as some have thought, an inflexible fate, to which the gods themselves must bow; but, on the contrary, Zeus, as the father of gods and men, weighs out their fate to them and if he chooses, he has the power of saving even those who are already on the point of being seized by their fate nay, as Fate does not abruptly interfere in human affairs, but avails herself of intermediate causes, and determines the lots of mortals not absolutely, but only conditionally, even man himself in his freedom, is allowed to exercise a certain influence upon her. As man’s fate terminates at his death, the goddess of fate at the close of life becomes the goddess of death, and with Apolla, the bringer of death.

It cannot be surprising to find that the character and nature of the Moirae were conceived differently at different times and by different authors. Sometimes they appear as divinities of fate in the strict sense of the term, and sometimes only as allegorical divinities of the duration of human life. In the former character they are independent, at the helm of necessity, direct fate, and watch that the fate assigned to every being by eternal laws may take its course without obstruction and Zeus, as well as the other gods and men, must submit to them. They assign to the Errinnyes, who inflict the punishment for evil deeds, their proper functions; and with them they direct fate according to the laws of necessity, whence they are sometimes called the sister of the Errinnyes. Later poets also conceive the Moirae in the same character. These grave and mighty goddesses were represented by the earliest artists with staffs or scepters, the symbol of dominion; and Plato even metions their crowns.

Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion, which originated in Iran. It has a dualistic nature (Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu), with an additional series of six important divine entities called the Amesha Spentas. In modern Zoroastrianism, they are interpreted as aspects or emanations of Ahura Mazda (the Supreme Being), who form a heptad that is good and constructive. They are opposed to another group of seven who are evil and destructive. It is this persistent conflict between good and evil that distinguishes Zoroastrianism from monotheistic frameworks that have only one power as supreme. By requiring its adherents to have faith and belief in equally opposing powers Zoroastrianism characterizes itself as dualistic. The teachings of Zarathustra (Zoroaster) appeared in Persia at some point during the period 1700-1800 BCE. His wisdom became the basis of the religion Zoroastrianism, and generally influenced the development of the Iranian branch of Indo-Iranian philosophy. Zarathustra was the first who treated the problem of evil in philosophical terms. He is also believed to be one of the oldest monotheists in the history of religion. He espoused an ethical philosophy based on the primacy of good thoughts (pendar-e-nik), good words (goftar-e-nik), and good deeds (kerdar-e-nik).

The origins of Babylonian philosophy, in the popular sense of the word, can be traced back to the wisdom of early Mesopotamia, which embodied certain philosophies of life, particularly ethics, in the forms of dialectic, dialogs, epic poetry, folklore, hymns, lyrics, prose, and proverbs.The reasoning and rationality of the Babylonians developed beyond empirical observation.It is possible that Babylonian philosophy had an influence on Greek philosophy, and later Hellenistic philosophy, however the textual evidence is lacking. The undated Babylonian text Dialog of Pessimism contains similarities to the agnostic thought of the sophists, the Heraclitean doctrine of contrasts, and the dialogs of Plato, as well as a precursor to the majeutic Socratic method of Socrates andPlato. The Milesian philosopher Thales is also said to have studied philosophy in Mesopotamia.

Now coming to Christianity, their scriptures Bible when speaks of destiny, it speaks like Hinduism of the works and deeds which brings the destiny upon doers. So each person is judged according to what he had done. Bible teaches that Man was created with an ability to make moral choices and was made also responsible for his/her choices. The famous Biblic fall of Man was not a predetermined event in which Adam and Eve were just only the hapless victims or puppets of the Master or God. On the contrary they had the choice as well as ability to choose obedience (with consequent blessings) or disobedience (with consequent curse). They thus knew what the result of their decision would be, and hence they were held accountable for it. This theme of being held accountable for choices man makes is omnipresent and continuous in the scripture. As it’s said that “He who saws wickedness reaps trouble”. ‘All hard work brings a profit / but mere talks lead to poverty.’ ‘Do what is right and he will commend you.’

So, according to Bible, we sin because we choose to. We can’t blame for our sins the fate, Kismet, predestination or even God. When tempted no one should say God is tempting me. For neither God can be tempted by Evil nor does he tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the God or Fate. In this way he persists with his folly. Scripture also teaches us in having belief and faith in God and his sovereignty. But again the choice is yours. You can believe in God and be his disciple or disbelieve in Him and be a disciple of the Saitan or the Evil.

The sovereignty of the God is not any time in question. It was once questioned by the angel Iblis and he was then discarded by the God and declared a detractor. He then became Saitan or Evil who tempts the man with worldly pleasures and encourages him to sin so that he is punished. The sovereign control of the God is ‘Providence’. The God is all wise and all powerful, hence nothing in this world happens by accident or even chance. Everything, including even accidents happen according to a divine plan, which is always holy, wise and benevolent. So the Godly providence only works to bring about his original plan for the creation. Fighting against this plan is pointless and there is no wisdom or insight in it. Even what we call normally a chance or fate is under that divine plan only. God doesn’t take ‘hands off’ approach in running his creation. Evil exists but he is never allowed to thwart Gods providence. Rather, Evil exists only by the mercy of God and to serve his divine purpose, as God even uses a sinful man for his purpose. God has chosen to give us a free will/discretion and he has created a moral universe in which the law of cause and effect is a reality. God rewards those who trust him and he has promised to glorify his children. Gods plan reaches even to our individual lives and he appointed Christ as a Prophet even before he was born. David also realized that the Lord had a plan for him. Even Jesus Christ, the prophet had pre-arranged plans for a many of his associates and disciples.

We however, have been given a freedom to follow the moral or dictate of the God. God blesses the obedient and punishes those who avoid his dictate and side track to sin. God is patient even with those who disobey, even to the point of seeming laxity, This is what the Holy Bible has to say regarding destiny of the man which is of course preordained. There is no dicotomy between sovereignty of the God and the man’s free will. God’s sovereignty is benevolent and is supposed to be a comfort for us, and not an issue to be concerned about or debated. We should rather live our lives making wise decisions as per the God’s dictate. We should not disobey him as there are no excuses for disobedience. Since the free will has been given to us, we cannot blame anybody other than ourselves for our sin. Even when we sin, last but not the least we should worship him and beg his pardon. He is wonderful, infinite powerful, full of grace and mercy. Confess your sin and beg his pardon, he may show mercy to you. He will change our hearts so that even our free will chooses the righteous and chooses him in place of the Evil / Saitan. Predestination is a Bibilic doctrine according to which God in his sovereignty chooses certain individuals to be saved from sin or the Evil. Why would God choose only some individuals and not the others? Isn’t it unfair? The important thing to remember is that we all have sinned and no one actually deserve to be saved. We all are worthy of eternal punishment, and should spent eternity in the Hell. However, God chooses to save some of us. But He is not unfair to those who are not chosen. No one deserves anything from God, therefore, no one can object and call it unfair if he or she is not chosen by God. The selection of God is random and hence its fair and justified. But there is a silver line. And the silver line is to believe in God as Bible says that those who believe in God will at least be saved. God never rejects anybody who really believes in him. Mysteriously thus the predestination works hand in hand with belief in God and believing him unto salvation. Calvinism is a five point summation of the clear doctrines of the Holy Bible. It says that man is totally deprived on his own to be salvated. God only randomly choose in exercise of his sovereignty, some persons who will be saved from sin and salvated. The decision to elect is totally unconditional and random. After election their sins are atoned. The atonement of their sins is made by the Prophet Christ. Then the Holy Spirit applies the finished work of salvation to those who are elected in ‘space and time’ by irresistibly drawing them to faith and repentance. This saving call of the Holy Spirit is irrestible and is referred to as an efficacious call. The elected persons became Saints and Saints are preserved in faith until the last day when they attain salvation. This is called the doctrine of the ‘perseverance of the saints’. it is said that Prophet Christ died through crucification only for the atonement of the sins of those persons whom the God had elected for salvation. All of them were the believers in God and followers of Christ. Gods elect are chosen not only from the Jews. They were throughout the world from every nation, tribe, people, creed and language. But they were the believers. So if you want to be saved from sin, believe in God and pray to him. One day you can also be selected and then preserved against sins till you achieve salvation which is the ultimate destiny of you and your soul.

Among the Indian scriptures, Ramayan, Mahabharat, Geeta and the oldest among them the Vedas have prescribed a theory of destiny which though is preordained but is decided by the works / deeds of the living beings in the past lives and in the past, of the present life. In an earlier chapter, this Karmik Theory of Destiny has already been discussed in details. To sum up, it can be said that (Chanakya in Arthshashtra).

“What the living beings think in their minds, they speak accordingly. What they speak from mouth they act accordingly. Whatever they do and whichever manner they act, whether righteous or otherwise, they reap the fruits accordingly. No one can escape from the fruits of whatever he/she/it does and the deeds and works and the fruits attached to them always hounds the living being and find him/her/it wherever he/she/it may be.”

But surprisingly in Bhagwat Geeta, Lord Krishna goes to some other dictats. He propounded that – “Doing a karma or duty is a must and no one can remain or survive without doing the deeds / work / duties assigned to him. However, if he / she / it is involved as the doer of these deeds / works/ duties and believes so, he becomes attached to them and if he also wishes to get fruits by doing the deeds / works / duties then he is bound to get the fruits accordingly, though he may not get them immediately but ultimately he / she / it has to reap the fruits whether good or bad". So, He proposed the theory of Nishkaam Karma Yoga. According to this theory –

“If one does the works and duties which are assigned to him / her / it without being involved in them as a doer and just doing them and observing uninterestedly (Nirpeksha or Drushta Bhav) and he / she / it also doesn’t have any attachment to the results or fruits of these works and duties (feeling of detachment) then the works / deeds done by him do not tie his soul and the soul is not concerned to the fruits of the karma. It becomes an emancipated soul and the works / duties done by him are the enlightened ones (divya karma).”

The person who has mastered this style or art of doing the works / deeds assigned to him is a Karma Yogi and is like the Biblic Saints who cannot sin and are destined for salvation. But attaining such an expertise in doing the karmas of not believing one a doer of them even when they are being done physically by him and also being detached with the fruits / results of them, is not easily possible, though it may not be impossible also for some persons like Krishna himself did.

Lord Krishna has clearly proclaimed it in Geeta by saying:

Na maam karmani limpanti,na me karma fale spriha,

Itimam-yobhijanati, karmarbhina sabadhyate.

(Neither I get involved as a doer in the deeds I do, nor am I attached to the fruits of them. One who understands this methodology of mine for doing works / deeds, he also is not tied by the strings and bonds of the deeds / works done by him.)
So one should do the work with same feelings for pains / pleasures, losses / gains and loosing / winning.

Sukhe dukhe samekrutva,

Labhalabhau jayajayau.

So, according to Lord Krishna, the Karmic Theory of Destiny is not firm and not applicable to those who are Nishkam Karm Yogis, as are the elected beings of the Lord or Saints in Bible. They are destined to be salvated. The difference is only of freewill. In Christianity, the free will of the elected one is no more exercisable (some scholars differ with it) once they are elected by the Lord, but in Hinduism the free will of being a Karmayogin is solely in the hands of the man. The Lord Krishna inspired everyone by saying….

Sarvadharma parityajya, mamekam sharanam vrajah,

Aham twam sarva papebhyo mokshaishyami maa suchah.

(Leaving everything to me if one comes into my compassion or shelter then it’s me who will ensure that he is atoned of all his sins and attains salvation.)

Absolute resignation, total submission and perfect devotion to God which is known as भक्तियोग Bhakti Yoga, can invoke full courage and will-power in your inner self for cheerfully facing your Prarabdha. The most simple definition of BHAKTI (devotion of God) is to please God by your moral and ethical behavior and pious actions strictly according to his orders and instructions which are vividly described and enumerated commonly in all the religious scriptures of the world. Simply having a long beard or a clean bald head, putting on white or saffron robes and wearing such other uniforms (garbs) or pasteing and smearing different religious trade marks on the forehead for recognition as to which school of thought you belong - all this apparent shows and signs only, without any inner transformation, do not amount to BHAKTI(devotion of God) in the real sense of the term. On the contrary such external transformation and window dressing may sometimes invoke ego and hypocrisy. The main qualifications of a Bhakta (devotee) and clearly described in the twelfth chapter of Bhagwad Geeta and if you possess these qualifications then and then only you are a real Bhakta (devotee of God) and then in your case God is fully prepared to take all the responsibilities of your Prarabdha completely on his shoulders making you totally free from all the worldly worries.

Lord Krishan has made a categorical and irrevocable promise in Bhagwad Geeta that :

अपि चेत् सुदुराचारो भजेत् माम् अनन्यभाक् ।

साधुरेव स मंतव्य : सम्यक् व्यवसितो हि स: ॥ (9 - 30)

(Even if a man of most vile conduct worships me with undistracted devotion, he must be reckoned as righteous for he has rightly resolved. By abandoning evil ways in his external life and by the power of his internal right resolution if he repents after he commits the sin; he is freed from sin; if he resolves that he will never commit the sin again, he will be purified.)

          There are some other religions and philosophies regarding destiny which have Indian origin and existence like Buddhism, Jainism and Sikkhism. They are being discussed as under:

Buddhist philosophy;

The main points of the Buddha's perspective of the man's destiny are as under :
Throughout our lives, many interests we are concerned with. Among them, the interest about destiny we are most concerned with. So, what is destiny? Who controls our destiny? What is Buddhist perspective of destiny? Can we change our destiny? And how can we change our destiny. These are the issues we are going to discuss in this class today.

What is the destiny?
        Beholding the world, we see men of variety. Some are rich whereas some poor; some are noble whereas some humble; some are handsome whereas some ugly; some are sick whereas some healthy; some are of good fortune but some of misfortune. We may doubt that we all are humans but why are we of variety. We usually attribute this to destiny. If this is called destiny, we may further question that who makes destiny or who controls destiny.

Who controls destiny?

        To this question, there are many answers. Among them, three are accepted by many. They are respectively theism, fatalism and accidentalism. Theism believes in God or a supernatural power. It attributes our destiny to God’s power. God is the one who creates our life and designs every event that happens in our life. Therefore, whatever happens in our life, whether is good or bad, is God’s creation or God’s will. Only God has the power to change our destiny. We, as human beings, have no power to change our life or our destiny. We have to rely on God to change our destiny. It is this reason that we must pray God for his mercy.
Fatalism upholds that our present life is predetermined. They believe that every event that happened, is happening and is going to happen is absolutely predetermined. It is fate whether one is rich or poor, fortune or misfortune. Under this view, we have no hope to change our destiny. What we can do is just to accept our life because that is our fate.
Accidentalist promulgates that everything that happens is all by accident. There is neither God’s will nor fate. Just as leaves that fade during the autumn. When the wind blows, some may fall in the middle of sweet flowers whereas some in the stinking pit. Whether in the middle of sweet flowers or in the stinking pit, they all happen by accident. So is our destiny. By chance, some may be luckily born in the noble families and some may be unfortunately born in the humble families. In a word, fortune or misfortune is just by accident. There is no other power behind them. Under this view, we have nothing to do with our destiny.
The above three views, we find hard to accept because all these three views are negative. They all deny our power to turn our lives. If so, what is the hope of our life? Or what is the significance of our effort we make to improve our life? Now, let us turn to Buddhism and see how Buddhism explains.
       In this regard, Buddhism provides us an answer which is positive and reasonable. According to the Buddha, our destiny is neither controlled by God nor predetermined nor by accident. However, the Buddha did say Kamma is a primary cause of our present life. Or to a certain extent, we may say that it is Karma that determines our life or our destiny.
If this puzzles you, let us listen to a story. During the time of the Buddha, there was an Elder named Suka who once visited the Buddha and asked the Buddha a question about man’s destiny. He says: “Venerable sir, I see in the world the sentient beings, some are long-lived whereas some are of short lifespan; some are sick whereas some are of good health; some are ugly whereas some are of good looking; some are weak but some are strong; some are poor but some are rich; some are born in the humble families but some are born in the noble families; some are stupid but some are clever…... What is the cause?
In respond to this question, the Buddha says: “All sentient beings are adhered to Karma, depend on Karma and take rebirths according to their Karma. As such, there appears to have the distinction of high, middle and low. There is Karma that enables one to beget a short lifespan or a long lifespan as its effect. There is Karma that enables one to beget a few illnesses or many illnesses as its effect. There is Karma that enables one to be ugly or fair as its effect. There is Karma that enables one to beget a low position or a high position as its effect. There is Karma that enables one to take rebirth in the low class or in the high class as its effect.
“Beings are heir to Kamma.”
Here, one may question that If Kamma is the cause of our destiny, could our destiny be changed? So let us proceed further to discuss the next point.

Could we change our destiny?

To answer this question, we need to understand Buddhist theory of Kamic law. We often hear the saying: “do good, be good; do bad, be bad.” What you sow, what you reap.” This is the essential principle based on which the law of Kamma operates. According to this principle, to a certain extent, we may say that our present life is a result of our past Kamma, or our destiny is determined by our past Kamma. However, this does not mean that every event that happens in our present life is absolutely a result of our past Kamma. Determination is hold by fatalism and is strongly rejected by the Buddha. If everything that happens in our present life is absolutely a result of our past Kamma. Then, there is no hope for us to change our destiny and it is also meaningless for us to practice dhamma in order to obtain a better life in future because everything is predetermined.
The law of Kamma taught by fatalism is somewhat mechanical because it is established on the basis of single cause and single effect. However, it becomes flexible when this law is interpreted by the Buddha in connection with the doctrine of dependent origination. According to this doctrine, everything is conditioned or coexisted. There is nothing that comes to being under one single cause or condition. This is to say that a past Kamma could be a cause of a present effect. However, without causal conditions, the effect does not always take place.
To put it in another way, we may say that every deed we create has a potential force to ripen or a possibility to bring about an effect. But it does not mean that every deed would definitely bring about an effect. When causal conditions are not there, the effect would not take place. For instance, when a seed is sowed, according to the ground environment and some other conditions such as weather, sunshine, labor work etc, the seed itself can perish or become better. So is Kamma.
When we put the law of Kamma into the doctrine of dependent origination, we will understand that the past Kamma could be the cause of our present life, but it does not mean that our present life is absolutely the result of our past Kamma. There are causal conditions we also need to take into account.
And now we may come to a conclusion that our destiny can be changed although the past Kamma has a very deep influence on our present life or destiny. This is on the ground that cause alone does not bring about an effect. It requires causal conditions. Even though we created a lot of evil Kamma in the past, if we make effort right now on to change their causal conditions, we may deter their effects taking place or even change their effects sometimes.
There are two similes which would help us understand better this issue. The first one is salt simile found in the Salt Sutta. It says that if we put a handful of salt into a bowl of water, the water may become salty; but if we put the same amount of salt into the ocean, the water in the ocean will not become salty because of the great amount of water. Although we create evil deeds in the past, if we do good deeds right now on, we may be avoided of evil result as the stored merit becomes greater.
The second one is snake simile. It says that when we give a sip of water to a venomous snake to drink, it becomes poison. But if we give it to a deer to drink, it becomes antlers. The nature of the sip of water changes depending on who drink it. This is to say that a same nature of deed may bring about different effect when causal conditions change.

How can we change destiny

1. to discipline our behaviour
2. to discipline our mind

A. Mind is the forerunner of all (evil) states. Mind is chief; mind made are they. If one speaks or acts with wicked mind, because of that, suffering follows one, even as the wheel follows the hoof or the draught-ox.
B. Mind is the forerunner of (all good) states, mind is chief; mind made are they, if one speaks or acts with pure mind, because of that, happiness follows one, even as one’s shadow that never leaves.

Jain philosophy deals extensively with the problems of metaphysics, reality, cosmology, ontology, epistemology and divinity. Jainism is essentially a transtheistic religion of ancient India. It continues the ancient Śramaṇa tradition, which co-existed with the Vedic tradition since ancient times. The distinguishing features of Jain philosophy are its belief on independent existence of soul and matter, denial of creative and omnipotent God, potency of karma, eternal and uncreated universe, a strong emphasis on non-violence, accent on relativity and multiple facets of truth, and morality and ethics based on liberation of soul. Jain philosophy attempts to explain the rationale of being and existence, the nature of the Universe and its constituents, the nature of bondage and the means to achieve liberation. It has often been described as an ascetic movement for its strong emphasis on self-control, austerities and renunciation. It has also been called a model of philosophical liberalism for its insistence that truth is relative and multifaceted and for its willingness to accommodate all possible view-points of the rival philosophies (Anekant). Jainism strongly upholds the individualistic nature of soul and personal responsibility for one's decisions; and that self-reliance and individual efforts alone are responsible for one's liberation (Moksha).

Sikh philosophy

Simran and Sewa - These are the Foundation of Sikhism. It is the duty of every Sikh to practise Naam Simran (meditation on the Lord's name) daily and engage in Sewa (Selfless Service) whenever there is a possibility, in Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), in community centres, old people's homes, care centres, major world disasters, etc. "Ek ong kar Satanam" and "Waheguru" are some mantras used for this purpose. "Ek ong kar Satanam" roughly translates to "there is one God un-separate from nature and truth is its name". "Waheguru" is used as a meditative practice on the Lord's name.
The Three Pillars of Sikhism - Guru Nanak formalised these three important pillars of Sikhism.
Naam Japna – A Sikh is to engage in a daily practise of meditation and Nitnem (a daily prayer routine) by reciting and chanting of God’s Name.
Kirat Karni - To live honestly and earn by ones physical and mental effort while accepting Gods gifts and blessings. A Sikh has to live as a householders carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities to the full.
Vand Chakna - Sikhs are asked to share their wealth within the community and outside by giving Dasvand and practising charity (Daan). To “Share and consume together”.
Kill the Five Thieves - The Sikh Gurus tell us that our mind and spirit are constantly being attacked by the Five Evils – Kaam (Lust), Krodh(Rage), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment) and Ahankar (Ego). A Sikh needs to constantly attack and overcome these five vices; be always vigilant and on guard to tackle these five thieves all the time.
Positive Human Qualities - The Sikh Gurus taught the Sikhs to develop and harness positive human qualities that lead the soul closer to God and away from evil. These are Sat (Truth), Daya (Compassion), Santokh (Contentment), Nimrata (Humility) and Pyare (Love).

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Destiny Unfolded

Chapter - 6

The Prediction Of Destiny; Strategies And Concepts

A prediction or forecast is a statement about the way things will happen in the future, often but not always based on the experience or knowledge. While there is much overlap between prediction and forecast, a prediction may be a statement regarding some expected outcome, while a forecast is more specific and may cover a range of possible outcomes.

Although guaranteed information about the future is in many cases impossible, prediction is necessary to allow plans to be made about possible developments. Prediction is of two distinct types:

1) Informal Prediction - Outside the rigorous context of science, the term prediction is often used to refer to an informed guess or opinion. A prediction of this kind might be inductively valid if the predictor is a knowledgeable person in the field and is employing sound reasoning and accurate data. Such works bring together all available past and current data, as a basis of developing reasonable expectations about the future.

2) Formal & Systematic - come from the testing of formal hypothesis using statistical methods. Ideally formal hypotheses are constructed connecting systematic knowledge of an area which is often generated thorough a literature review. In addition, clear and well thought reasons for the predicted relationship exist. Statistical predications are inferences. One description of statistical inference is that it provides a mean of transferring knowledge about a sample of a population to the whole population and to other related populations, which is not the same as predictions over a period of time. Statistical techniques used for prediction include Regression Analysis and Time Series Analysis and their various sub-categories such as Ordinary Least Squares, Logistic Regression, Auto Regressive Moving Average Models and Vectors Auto Regression Models.

To use Regression analysis for prediction, data is collected on the variable that is to be predicted, called the Independent Variable or the Response Variable, and on one or more variables whose values are hypothesized to influence it, called Independent Variables or Exemplary Variables. For the estimation of variables, often linear functional form is hypothesized for the postulated causal relationship and the parameters of the function are estimated from the data. For the prediction step, Explanatory Variables that are deemed relevant for future (or current, but not observed) values of the Dependent Variable are used in the parameterized function to generate predictions for the Dependent Variable.

Prediction in science is a rigorous, often quantitative statement, forecasting what will happen under specific conditions. These statements are made after repeated experiments or observational studies. Sometimes mathematical equations and models or computer based models are used to make such statements. In some cases, instead of a particular outcome, probabilities of the one or more outcomes are predicted as in Quantum Physics. Even through scientific methods accurate predictions are almost impossible in many areas such as natural disasters, pandemics, demography, population dynamics and meteorology. An occurrence of a solar cycle can be predicted, but their exact time and magnitude cannot be predicted.

Finance: Mathematical models of stock market behaviour are very unreliable in predicting the future trends of a particular stock or the stock/commodity market as a whole.

Sports: Predicting the outcome of a sport event has become a big business and has grown in popularity also. The outcomes of the games are predicted using a variety of formulas (mathematical) and simulation models or quantitative analysis. These prediction systems are typically algorithms and simulation models based on regression analysis. But there are consistent errors in these predictions.

Opinion polls: In politics the opinion polls are often used quite accurately to predict election results via political forecasting techniques.

Supernatural predictions: Predictions have often been made, from antiquity until the present by using paranormal or supernatural means, such as a prophecy or by observing omens and portents. Methods including Water Divining, Astrology, Numerology, Taro Card reading, Fortune Telling, Dream Interpretation and many other forms of divination have been used for millennia to predict the future. These techniques however have not been proven by scientific experiments. Divination is the attempt to gain insight into a question or situation by way of an occultic standardized process or ritual. It is an integral part of Witchcraft and has been used in various forms for thousands of years. Reading certain signs, events or omens, or through alleged contact with the supernatural agency, i.e., an angel or a God or a Soul is common to these Supernatural Predictions.

It’s one psychic power that’s worth having and it’s the ability to predict the future. Just think of the possibilities that could come from such a great skill. You could predict who would win the Super Bowl. By winning lotteries you can amass a lot of money. You will never be stuck up/out in a rainstorm without an umbrella. Yes, being able to predict the future would be a whole lot of fun. Look for patterns. Predicting the future is all about understanding patterns and cycles in life. Learn about the past. You can usually tell what a person will do in certain situation based on what he/she has done in the past under similar situations. Practice reading people. Most people give off little clues to the outside world about what they are thinking and what’s troubling them. But if you observe them very keenly and probe deeper into their psyche you can make a prediction about what will happen next in their lives. A majority of the predictions are Yes or No answers. Either it’s going to rain or it’s not. Either the baby will be a boy or a girl. So even if you end up guessing, you have a 50% chance of being right. This is used as a strategy by the Astrologer to predict future in general.

How to predict the future by using playing cards. The method is mentioned as under.

1) Learn the significance of each card and the suit. Find a chart of playing card symbolism at a metaphysical bookstore or cartomancy web site. The Café Astrology site has a comprehensive chart of the entire deck. In brief, the four suits each contain thirteen cards which represent the thirteen lunar months in an year. The card suits symbolize the four elements of water, fire, earth and air. Heart cards related to Water Elements and signify love, happiness and harmony like water which is flowing. Therefore, the heart suit describes romance, family and friendship situations. Clubs relate to Fire and indicate achievement, career issues and ambition. Diamonds stand for Earth and material issues such as money and social standing. They represent the material and physical realms and intellect/clear thinking. Spades correspond to Air and suggest gossip, messages or life challenges.

2) Develop your own card spreads. There is no official card spread for divinity. The card reader determines the spread based on the subject. Think of questions as you shuffle the playing cards and select them. Lay out the cards on the table and interpret them. As you get more familiar with the cards, you will develop your own spreads for comfort and ease of use. Common spreads include – draw three cards to represent the past, present and future. Select three cards in each of the six categories such as self, family, friends, expectations, surprises and the conclusion.

3) Read your own future first. Prediction requires some degree of self awareness. Take time alone to think about your identity, relationships and goals and write down your conclusions in a note book. Develop questions about your life from the conclusions. Shuffle the cards and lay out the spreads to find answers. Record the prediction each time you read your future. Track the accuracy of the predictions so that you can see your divination skill progress. Once you see a true pattern of predictions, you are ready to read another person’s future.

4) Study the subjects. Before you read another person’s future, evaluate his aura, physical presence and moods. Ask permission to hold his hands for about two minutes because the physical connection can help you understand his/her concerns. Shuffle the cards and ask the subject to think about the question and lay his hands on the cards before you lay out a spread. Once you visualize the subject’s question, lay out the spread and start reading.

5) Meditate before you do any reading as it empties your mind of any other thoughts to make sure that your reading is accurate and clear. Spread the cards in the way you want and then read them. Reading them means from the placement of cards in a spread and interpret their meaning. This is a bit tricky, especially if you are doing a reading for yourself, and don’t have an open mind for meanings. Below given is some explanation regarding the meanings of the cards. This is just a simple list of what each card means in general sense – regardless of suit. Faces of the court cards (Jack, Queen and King) are used to represent the questioner in some readings.

Diamonds – The Pentagons.

Ace - New beginnings/Increase in possession.

Two - Opposition or balance/Choice to be made/Practical.

Three - Creativity/Communication/Reward for a job well done/Applied creativity.

Four - Foundation/Home established.

Five - Changes/Restlessness/Financial struggle.

Six - Harmony/Adaption/Help given.

Seven - Surprises/Consistent efforts paying.

Eight - Karma/Lost inheritance/Skill or Craft becoming profitable.

Nine - Fortune/Material well being achieved/Inheritance received.

Ten - Completion/New or improved Home/Letter or Document to come.

Jack (zero) - Youth (male/female) Ambition without focus, Sporty, Lively.

Queen - Mature Female King/Practical and Ambitious/Organised.

King - Mature Male/Authoritarian.

Joker - Unexpected/Uncontrolled, Good protector and Provider.

Clubs represent the creative realms and initiatives as well as practical endeavours. They are related to the Wands in a regular Tarot deck.

Ace - New Endeavor.

Two - Intuition helps in decisions.

Three - Helpful people and events.

Four - Personal values set.

Five - Petty arguments.

Six - Successful outcome.

Seven - Competition; Fending off one’s adversaries.

Eight - Fortune is communicated through letter, fax, telephone, email.

Nine - Much is held in reserve including strong will and stubbornness.

Ten - Burden from work take their toll, Setbacks and Losses.

Jack - Sporty, Non-Academic; Lucky and Charming.

Queen - Ambitious, Good head for business, Self interests come first.

King - Entrepreneurship; Good Instincts; Spiritual later in life.

Hearts represent the emotional realms and maturity, compassion, nurturing and comfort. They are related to the cups in a regular Tarot deck.

Ace - New romance/Love (could both be an affair or birth of a child).

Two - Romance in the air.

Three - Cause for celebration or festivities.

Four - Love and support brings security.

Five - Breakdown of a relationship – sorrow.

Six - Holding on to past memories. Renewing an old friendship.

Seven - Day dreaming, unrealistic expectations.

Eight - Love letter.

Nine - A love wish may come true. Over indulgence in food and drink

Ten - Happiness achieved at home.

Jack (zero) - Impractical/Immature/Kind but unrealistic.

Queen - Loving and home oriented; Supportive; Non-Ambitious.

King - Don Juan; Sincere; Loving; Philosophical later in life.

Spades represent the wisdom of old age and obstacles in life and warnings. They are related to the swords in a regular tarot and deck

Ace - Knowledge gained; Obstacles revealed.

Two - Torn between two choices; Stalemate.

Three - Crowd; Infidelities.

Four - Rest and retreat; Decisions made in calm.

Five - Change of opinion; Victory achieved at a cost.

Six - Journey away from difficulties; End of sorrows.

Seven - Stealth in dealings; Betrayal by trusted ones; Minor thefts.

Eight - Fear of living a bad situation; Military life or Imprisonment.

Nine - Losses and Worries; (money, health and sleep).

Ten - Weakened Health; Chronic Illnesses - real or imaginary.

Jack (zero) - Immature; Cold; Bossy; Delinquent; Gang leader.

Queen(twelve) Calculating, Disciplined, Logical, Craving power.

King(thirteen)- Authoritarian; Cold; Logical; Stubborn; Ruthless.

The Joker represents and corresponds to a fool in the regular tarot deck. His number is zero and he is considered a wild card. When the Joker appears it means that something unexpected or uncontrolled can or has occurred. Only one Joker has to be used.

It is clear from the description given above that this art of interpreting destiny also is absurd and unscientific as it is based on certain assumptions regarding significance of tarot cards which has no logic, rhyme or reason. But it’s still a way to approximate or to zero in on the unfolding of destiny, as the other methods are.