We want to be independent, but we are bound by the constraints of the world

Right and wrong, fair and unfair, ethical and unethical are no longer subjects that have standard definitions. Logic, convenience, personal interests, hedonism are the determining features that influence the judgment or opinion about an action or conduct. Universal benchmarks are missing.

We possess free will, which is defined as the power of desiring and deciding without the restraint of necessity or fate. It is the ability to desire unlimitedly and decide as we choose. But we are not so independent, because being independent will mean that we can achieve what we desire, but we are bound by the constraints of the world. For example, we can desire to be very rich. But can we manage it without following the rules of becoming rich like having the necessary abilities, opportunities, support of the system, etc? No, we are not really independent.

However, our free will does give this false impression that we are independent. Rather there is another serious drawback in doing so, if we get attached with what we desire. Lord Krishna has repeatedly warned against such attachments in the Bhagavad-Geeta. In verse # 2.62, the Lord states, “From attachment lust manifests and from lust anger results.” Lord Krishna goes on in the next verse, “From anger foolishness results; from foolishness bewilderment results; from bewilderment, loss of intelligence occurs. And by the loss of intelligence a person is doomed.” (2.63)

Yes, it is that serious. Don’t we know that desiring is easy but to fulfill is something else. Attachments cause suffering. That is why one is strongly advised to be detached, because absence of attachment delivers one from suffering. (6.23) But if we do desire as we are likely to do, we should take shelter of God, who can fulfill all our legitimate desires. Sanjay of the Mahabharata fame goes to the extent of stating that linked with God, there will be opulence, victory, wealth and morality. (18.78)

As mentioned earlier, we can desire but fulfilling them is not that simple. Because, as stated by Lord Krishna, “We have a right only in action, not ever in predetermining its fruits.” (2.47) The Lord warns that we should not try to do so, because those who try are pitiable. (2.49) It makes sense; does it not? If we were given the right to decide the fruits of action, there will be no limits on what we will all desire.

This right of deciding the fruit of action is with God only, as it must be. Imagine a world in which everyone is desiring unlimitedly and surely there will be conflicting desires. For example, there is one prime minister and multiple numbers desire to become one. What happens then?

Similar is the phenomenon of fate or luck as we call it. This is the fruit of our ‘karmas’ (deeds), and is strictly as per the ‘karmaphala principle’, which is: “What we sow we reap.” This is administered by divine authorities under the superintendence of God. (9.10)

They do so completely in a fair fashion. Are we then stuck if we have done some wrong? The answer is yes, because we can do an act but cannot erase it. Otherwise, all of us will be busy erasing what bad acts we have done in the past. But fortunately, there is a way out, which is to take shelter from God. He can help us in crossing all

impediments by His grace. (18.58) But to achieve this privilege, we must develop God consciousness, which can be done by doing  spiritual acts, which are simple and easy to do.

In verse #18.65, Lord Krishna guides, “Develop My  consciousness; become My devotee; make sacrifices for Me, and offer obeisance to Me.”

(The author is a spiritual teacher)