Cycles of Desire: Free Will, Destiny, and the Purpose of Life...

In the vast scope of human existence, few questions remain as profound and contentious as the exploration of life’s purpose, free will, and destiny. These ideas have been central to philosophical inquiry, religious thought, and personal reflection throughout history. We often find ourselves asking, "What is the purpose of life?" Is there an overarching goal or meaning, or is life simply a series of events and experiences, unbound by any final destination? Similarly, the conflict between free will and destiny raises the question of whether we control our choices, or if they are governed by an unseen force.

The Purpose of Life: Living for the Moment

For many, the idea of purpose has been entrenched in the pursuit of goals — from career success to personal fulfillment or societal contributions. However, a growing perspective is that life itself is not bound by a specific goal or end, but rather exists for the sheer joy of living. Life, in this view, is not a business to run or a project to complete. It is an ongoing experience that is enjoyed in the moment. The concept of purpose, in its traditional sense, is often questioned, with the belief that the joy of life exists in experiencing it without the burden of a defined outcome. Much like a child playing on the beach, collecting seashells for no reason other than the fun of it, the ultimate goal is simply to experience life fully, passionately, and joyously.

This perspective challenges conventional logic, pushing back against the idea that life must lead to something specific. Instead of thinking about life as a series of steps toward a final goal, this viewpoint suggests that the present moment, in all its glory, is enough. When one becomes capable of embracing each moment without the need for a larger purpose, they unlock a deeper, more fulfilling existence.

Free Will vs. Destiny: Are We in Control?

The tension between free will and destiny has fascinated thinkers for millennia. Do we truly have the ability to make independent choices, or are our actions simply the result of predetermined conditions? This debate often arises when we consider how our choices are shaped by our past actions, circumstances, and environments. The freedom we think we possess can often be constrained by the choices we have made before.

Imagine trying to open a locker. You have two options: either you enter a passcode you’ve chosen (your free will) or you rely on an OTP (one-time password) sent to you (external control). This illustrates how we often feel the freedom to make decisions, but these decisions are influenced by our past actions — the "passcodes" we’ve set for ourselves. As time passes, our options narrow based on the choices we've made.

This idea resonates with the concept of karma — the law of cause and effect — where each action we take creates ripples that affect our future opportunities. Just as a person is restricted by the passcode they previously chose, our present actions limit or expand our future choices. The past shapes the present, and the present shapes the future.

Yet, not all individuals are shackled by this cycle. Those who engage in deep spiritual practices, such as meditation or yoga, can transcend their past actions and experience true freedom. A yogi, for example, operates from a place of profound detachment from the past and the karmic chains that bind others. In their case, the future remains open, offering limitless choices and opportunities.

Destiny: A Complex Dance of Forces

In a broader context, the forces that shape our lives — whether called destiny, fate, or divine intervention — often appear beyond our understanding. According to some philosophies, the world is governed by an eternal, invisible force, known as "prakriti" in certain schools of thought. This force, composed of three fundamental gunas — sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance) — determines the nature of all experiences. For those who have not yet transcended their karmic debts, this cosmic force plays a significant role in shaping their lives. However, for those who attain spiritual enlightenment, they become "Mayaadheesha" — the controller of this force. They gain the ability to navigate life freely, unaffected by the limitations imposed by the unseen forces of the universe.

This view of destiny suggests that, while we may feel trapped by the circumstances of our lives, there is always the potential for transcendence. By overcoming our past actions and breaking free from the cycle of karma, we can experience the true freedom that comes with a higher understanding of the universe’s workings.

The Power of Choice: Taking Responsibility

The idea of destiny is often contrasted with the empowering notion of free will. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling that we are victims of our circumstances, that life is unfair or predetermined. However, this way of thinking ultimately limits our potential. Instead, we can choose to take responsibility for our actions and our present situation. Life, at its core, is about making choices, and each choice we make shapes the next chapter of our lives.

Rather than blaming external factors — our upbringing, the economy, our relationships — we have the opportunity to change our circumstances by taking responsibility. If you feel unsatisfied with your current life, it is up to you to make the changes needed. Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier to seize the day, committing to a new fitness routine, or making efforts to be a better parent, the power to transform your life lies within your choices.

This mindset requires effort, but the reward is immense: the realization that we are not victims of fate, but active participants in the creation of our lives. As the philosopher George Bernard Shaw wisely put it, "The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."

Parenting: Shaping the Future Generations

The choices we make today not only affect our own lives but also impact future generations. Parenting, a responsibility many feel ill-prepared for, is one of the most significant ways we shape the future. Raising children is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about cultivating wisdom, patience, and empathy in the next generation. Great parenting requires constant self-reflection and a willingness to adapt and learn. By educating ourselves and refining our parenting strategies, we can ensure that our children grow up to be thoughtful, caring individuals who will, in turn, influence the world.

The importance of being present in our children’s lives cannot be overstated. The years of childhood, once gone, can never be relived. Parents who dedicate themselves to being the best they can be will ultimately create a lasting legacy in their children’s lives.

Living with Purpose: Embracing the Present

While some may search for the meaning of life or strive for a particular end, the true power lies in embracing the present moment. Life is not a series of steps toward a predefined goal but a continuous flow of experiences to be lived with passion, awareness, and gratitude. Each day offers countless opportunities to make choices that shape our lives in meaningful ways. By choosing to live fully and consciously, we can transcend the constraints of both destiny and free will, navigating the cycles of life with clarity and purpose.

In the end, life’s true purpose may not be to reach a particular destination but to experience the joy of the journey itself. Life is a constant unfolding, an intricate dance between freedom and destiny, and the choices we make shape not only our lives but the future of generations to com