When we adopt a spiritual worldview, especially a devotional theistic worldview, it changes our approach to life, specifically in terms of how we view destiny and respond to human responsibility.
When we accept the role of destiny from a devotional perspective, we don’t just see it as something unchangeable that we should accept because we are helpless to change it. Instead, we approach it with the faith that destiny unfolds under the divine will. Everything that happens is overseen and permitted by Krishna (Bhagavad-gita 13.23), and Krishna is the well-wisher of everyone (Bhagavad-gita 05.29). Therefore, he orchestrates everything, including the unfolding of our destiny, in a way that is suitable for stimulating the raising of our consciousness and furthering our ultimate well-being. Understanding this divine hand behind the manifestation of unchangeable events in our life brings a sense of positivity and purpose. We look forward to what good might unfold through the divine will, even through the limitations that have been presently imposed on us by destiny.
Simultaneously, when we see our human responsibility devotionally, we exercise that responsibility not just because we are all alone in the big bad world and we alone have to fight our battles. Rather, we see our responsibility as a means to use the gifts that God has given us — be they in terms of our talents, interests, or resources — in a mode of service and contribution. By acting in this way, we can act not just for our own good, but also for the good of our world or at least our corner of the world. We are not meant to be just passive recipients of Krishna’s will acting around us through the situations we face; we are also meant to be active executors of Krishna’s will as manifested through our thoughtful and purposeful actions.
Knowing that God has a plan that is happening around us and that God has a plan that is meant to happen through us also inspires us to have a healthy balance of acceptance of the unchangeable and acceptance of the responsibility to change what is changeable.
Summary:
A devotional vision can help us see destiny as an inconceivably benevolent expression of God’s will; and see our responsibility to play our part in doing God’s will.
Think it over.
- How does a devotional vision enable us to accept destiny more positively?
- How does a devotional vision enable us to accept our responsibility more positively?
- How can this dual acceptance empower you in your daily life?
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05.29: A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries.
Audio explanation of the article is here: https://gitadaily.com/how-bhakti-helps-us-balance-destiny-and-responsibility/
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
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