Fate V. Free Will

[Guest guest]

Inquiry about Fate and Free Will is important but there should be no

compromises. It should be taken to the limit (within one's own mind).

What does it mean? It is the intensity of the inquiry that is needed not

the evaluation of "truth" or "falsity" of the doctrine of

predetermination (or free will).

 

You can rest assured that from the perspective of the Self, both

doctrines, "free will" and "predetermination", are equally unreal and

have no standing what so ever!

 

People have pointed out that Ramesh Baleskar states that everything is

predetermined. So what? On an issue of this subtle nature, relying on

authority is not the best strategy, especially if the goal is that of

Self Knowledge.

 

It seems to me that what Baleskar or anyone else says on the matter is

quite irrelevant. What do you say? That is important.

 

The actual inquiry on this matter, in order to be fruitful, must take

place in one's own consciousness with focus and intensity.

 

Sri Ramana once indicated to a devotee that all was predetermined. At

other times the Sage pointed out that reading of scriptures and

spiritual practice are premised on Free Will. Both statements have their

uses in particular times and places. A devotee may find either

philosophy useful.

 

The inquiry about "Fate" and "Free Will" is a device only to open up

within to the Self- Knowledge, the Heart, that is untouched by either

fate or free will. The constructs of "fate" and "free will" depend on

each for meaning and can have no independent existence.

 

It is only minor teachers who are obsessed with "Fate" and the

"deterministic" nature of the world who attempt to maintain consistency

in their responses.

 

A true master is not interested in logic or consistency for their own

sake. S/He has no investment in "free will" or "determinism." These are

mere tools that maybe useful for inquiry. Once the inquiry into the

nature of consciousness starts, that itself becomes the tool.

 

The main thing is consciousness, not the constructs that have

consciousness as their source. If you follow the constructs outwards,

you see the world and are bound. If you follow the constructs inwards

through inquiry, you see that You Yourself Are the Consciousness

untouched by fate or free will.

 

Love to all

Harsha

 

 

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