I am a somewhat inspired to write today
because of what my folks at home think about the concept. But in
reality probably everyone has the same notion. We
only live in the boundaries of what our fate defines. Some
believe its written, and belief in that fact provides sense and
purpose to life. However, many religious/cultural beliefs say that it
is our responsibility to understand what is the purpose of life –
or more precisely what is the purpose of your existence in
life?
Not all cultures/religions share the
same idea of fate – and even if they do its not in the same
fashion. Hinduism and Buddhism attaches importance to this idea
through a term called karma – the sum of all actions –
what the individual has done, what he/she is currently doing, and
what he/she is will do. Christianity and Islam does recognize fate
but links everything to a supreme being – God. Whatever
happens its all according to the
Divine Plan or in accordance with
the Will of God (or
Allah).
The more I think about popular
religions the more I see a cause, a purpose why a particular belief
is there. It somewhat paints a picture of an ancient society.
Sometimes the reasons may be very prosaic; other times it may be
controversial. Whatever the nature of that reason be, in a
socio-evolutionary sense, why do we “have” some notion
about "fate"? Was it something useful to a group and hence survival?
Well, yes!!!
The answer to the last bit is not
something you want to have tea with...but to a degree it relates to
our species just “carrying on with their lives”...getting on with it...
Now why is “carrying on”
part important?
Well, its not really important –
its just that you would not be reading this post otherwise, and I
would not have even written it! :)
And before I conclude this blog post, I
have my own idea of fate, but I rather choose not to express it in
words. Instead I'll share a video about a very common phenomenon
associated with the way we human beings reproduce –
fertilization – it should give you an idea.