This document discusses the concepts of destiny and free will. It argues that destiny determines the consequences of our actions, not our actions themselves. Destiny is defined as the aggregate reactions to our past actions delivered according to a higher plan, which includes concepts like sanchit karma, kriyaman karma, and prarabdha karma. The document acknowledges that while destiny plays a role, we can also change our destiny to some degree through our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. It advises focusing on what we can change rather than what we can't, and increasing the distance between what happens to us and how we respond through spirituality.

1. Are we the
makers of our
destiny?

2. Sports – amplified microcosm of life
Performance matters,
Yet performance is not all
that matters

3. Vasudeva-Kamsa-Devaki
Predestination is no
rationalization for
inaction

4. Vidura-Dhritarashtra
Destiny determines the
consequences of our actions,
not our actions themselves

5. What is destiny?
The aggregate of the reactions to
our own past actions delivered to
us according to a higher plan

6. What is destiny?
The aggregate of the reactions to
our own past actions delivered to
us according to a higher plan

7. What is destiny?
Sanchit Karma
Kriyaman Karma
Prarabhda Karma
Aprarabhda Karma

8. Can we change our destiny?
Yes & no.
Semantics: Destiny: what is going
to happen
Destiny: what we are going to
achieve

9. Beyond destiny
Accepting destiny or changing
destiny?
Rama when exiled &
Rama when Sita abducted

10. Intelligence
Know what is changeable
Know what is unchangeable
Focus on what can be changed and
what can’t be changed won’t be so
conquential

11. How spirituality is freeing
What happens to us is destiny
How we respond to it is free will
Spirituality increases the distance
between what happens & how we
respond

12. Destiny vs determinism
Genetic determinism
Psychic determinism
Environmental determinism
We are products of our past – not its
prisoners

13. What determines our behavior?
Our svabhava / genes / past-karma
Upbringing
Association
Free will
God’s grace

14. Open a new TAB in your life
T: Thoughts
A: Attitude
B: Behavior

15. Thoughts
Create a comforting home
for the heart
Bhakti is making Krishna
our default object of thought

16. Attitudes
“The inscrutable will of the Lord is
surely for the well-being of all
living beings.” - Mahabharata
Trust God’s omnipotence &
omniscience

17. Behavior
“Entrust the reins of your
chariot to Krishna”- Srila
Prabhupada
Arjuna’s Gandiva bow
represents our determination