there is such a thing as destiny. Like a river, the course of the flow may be predetermined, but it can be changed. When we do nothing, then the pattern of the past takes over and our destiny is fixed. Within us are levels of consciousness that can interact with such preset patterns and hence cause a modification of these grooves.
there comes a time in our lives when we realize that the factors that determine our life can come within our control. But we need to make a conscious choice to take control.
we have the power to go beyond suffering in our lives. we have the power to change ourselves, our attitudes, our habiits, our relationships. The sooner we undertake the change in these causes, the sooner we can reap the change in the effects. Life is governed by the law of auce and effect, of sowing and reaping, of the law of karma.
In controlling our destiny, let's consider 3 factors:
Karma operates on all levels of consciousness. The source of karma are not only from actions in this life but also from previous lives. There are three types of karma in everyday life:
Cause | Effect |
Benevolent deeds | Good environment |
Bad deeds | Difficult environment |
Aspirations | Ideal |
Aspirations/Desires | Capacities |
Sustained thoughts | Character |
Successes | Enthusiasm |
Experience | Wisdom |
Painful expereinces | Conscience |
Will to serve | Spirituality |
Benevolent deeds, due to their kind intent and helpful effects, generate goodwill in the hearts and minds of otehr people. They create an environment that is similarly benevolent to the ones who have been benevolent.
Hurtful deeds create consicous or unconscious malevolence in other people towards the doer. New acquintances seem to exhibit unjust attitudes and behaviors towards us even if we have not done anything to offend them.
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies,
Succeed anyway.
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight,
Build anyway.
Poeple really need help but may attack you if you help them,
Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.