Is success in life determined by karma or fate (destiny)?

Success in life is determined by karma and karma only determines our fate or destiny. If success is in our destiny, we have merit karma in our stock which shall give its result when the time is right. We sowed these merit karma in our past life, and when the time is due to give its fruit, the karma ripens and gives the result in the form of success. And this success is what is known as fate or destiny. Similarly, when we have demerit karma in our stock, that too shall give its result when the time is right. These demerit karma also were sown by us only in our past life, and when the time is due to give its fruit, the karma ripens and gives the result in the form of failure. This failure too is known as fate or destiny.

So, what is the relationship between karma and how does this relate to destiny or fate?

For example, suppose in the past life, we had the intention of giving donations. This intention binds good karma. We have sown the seed of karma through this intention, which bears its fruit in the next life. So, as a result, in this life, the positive action of donating happens to us, when the karma bears its fruit. As a result of this donation, one gets success and good fortune, one gets respect and praise from others, which people term as destiny. So, the intent of serving someone selflessly binds good karma, and good karma leads to a good fate or the destiny of success.

Now, at the time of enjoying this success, we again bind karma, good or bad, depending on our new intentions. For instance, if at the time of success, we harness false ego and pride and have the intent of bossing over people or of greedily running after more and more success, then we could bind such new karma, and that karma will determine our future fate or destiny accordingly.

Thus, our intentions determine our karma, and our karma decides our fate or destiny.

Applying the same principle, even if one does not have success or money at the moment, by intending to be generous and supportive of charities, one can change their destiny in the next life.

So, our intent is the driving force that determines our future actions and our next life’s fate. Our intentions can make or destroy our destiny. Destiny means the events that will necessarily happen in a person’s life at a defined point in time. And destiny happens because we have to suffer the fruits of our past deeds i.e. our past karmas - that’s the justice of Nature.

The intentions of our past life are the causes that bring forth the effects in our present life, and the intentions of our present life are the causes that bring forth the effects in our future life.

If everything is predestined, do we still have a role to play when karma is discharging in our current life?

Yes, we do have a role, an important role of putting in our best positive efforts to fulfill the responsibilities that come forth in our lives. Destiny is fixed, however, we do not know what our destiny is beforehand. Therefore, we should put in every possible effort to bring about a positive outcome, thereafter whatever happens is destiny.

So, now that the concept of karma is better understood, you have the power to determine your destiny. To improve your future, you must maintain pure intentions in your present life at all times. This in itself is a challenge. So, every morning, pray to God, “May no living being be caused the slightest hurt through my thoughts, words, or actions.” Repeat this prayer 5 times every morning. This will automatically bring about the necessary change in our intentions. Furthermore, if you are searching for something much more that is beyond karma, then Self-realisation (Atma Gnan) is the answer!

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