Life is such a complex phenomenon, that it cannot be
easily understood. The uncertainties of
the events happening on our day to day lives, leaves us many a times, puzzled. As we gasp for answers, to our mysterious
questions seeking the wisdom of the sages, the knowledge of the spiritual
masters, the insights of astrologers and so on, we take to one of the following
paths. Looking at the way one approaches life, I could see that there are predominantly
four ways or a blend of these four ways, that constitutes one’s belief system.
- The belief in Karma
- The belief in Destiny
- The belief in Human Effort
- The belief in Divine presence
Karma , in Indian philosophy, is the sum total of
one's actions, good or bad, that are attached to the soul as it transmigrates,
each new body , and each event experienced by that body being determined by
previous karma. Some aspire to amass good karma and a good rebirth, but others,
regarding all karma as bad, strive for release from the process of rebirth altogether.
Those who believe in karma determine, all that happens to one, is a result of
past karma.
Destiny is about belief in fate, fortune, luck or
whatsoever. This sect of believers,
patronize the astrologers and the fortune tellers. These people seek the advice
of astrologers, when they feel some troubles shooting up in life. The forecasts
are generally based on the identifying the planetary positions at the time of
one’s birth and relating the same to the current planetary positions. The
astrologers takes a looks at the natal chart and assess the situations and
gives some recommendations. Believers heed to advice, such as performing some
rituals or choosing the right days, right numbers and right colours, whatsoever
to coping up during the difficult period. Some value additions, to this is the
numerology, palmistry, gemology, vasthu, and so on.
Then there are the most logical set of thinkers, who
believe that work is the only way to progress. If something went wrong, they
try to analyse and find a answer rather than contributing the cause to a
external factor. They read and learn to update the skills, and have a positive
attitude towards life. Inspite, of the best of their efforts, they sometime
fail and this is when they start looking for answers beyond the realm of logic.
There is another sect of people who believe in the
omnipresence of the creator. What we are talking about is not religion, but the
faith in a power beyond our imagination, which we call as God. By prayer, we
strengthen our faith and take life as it comes. We attribute all good and bad
happening in our life and around us, as divine deeds. It is the faith that the
one who sows the seed, will see it grow through rain and sun.
Our beliefs are shaped by our own choices and the
resultant outcome and there is no right or wrong belief. I am reminded of the
beautiful words of OSHO. “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to
be lived”. So , let us learn to accept life as it comes and enjoy the mystery
unveiling before us, day after day.
Happy Reading,
D.Senthil Kannan
Article dated Sep'08
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