This is a warning that deserves everyone’s attention: we are not as free as we think we are. While we may believe we control our lives, the truth is far more sobering. Our freedom is limited — very limited. We like to think we are the architects of our destiny, but a closer examination of life and spiritual truths reveals otherwise.
Let us begin with a fundamental observation: are we not only free to deserve and decide? Beyond that, the outcomes are not in our hands. If they were, why would so many of us be unhappy, dissatisfied, or constantly struggling? If we truly had control, would we not simply arrange our lives to fulfil all our desires? But it does not work that way, and deep down, we all know it. According to the Bhagavad Gita (2.47), we are entitled to perform our duties but not to the fruits of our actions. The results — success or failure — are not ours to command. These are governed by a higher principle, a Divine Authority under the supervision of God, who ultimately rewards or punishes us based on our actions. As explained in Gita 9.10, God directs the workings of this material world, keeping the creation going smoothly across millennia. And do we not want the universe to function seamlessly? For that to happen, someone must take responsibility and that is God. Through his enforcement of the karmaphala principle (“as you sow, so shall you reap”), He ensures justice. This principle applies to everyone — except those who surrender to God. His devotees are under special care. As the Gita says in 18.58, God helps His devotees cross the sea of suffering, even when bad karma strikes.
Non-devotees, however, must bear the full consequences of their actions. There is no escape. This truth can be frightening: if we do not voluntarily come under God’s control using our free will, we will be subjected to the control of our karmas, which can be harsh and painful. Let us dig deeper. Every one of us has prarabdha — past karma — waiting to unfold in this life. Why else would we find ourselves in a world described in the Gita (8.15) as a place of misery? On top of that, our nature, influenced by the three modes of material nature — goodness, passion, and ignorance, adds further complications.
If someone is naturally lustful, for instance, they will inevitably act out of lust and suffer the consequences — unless they take shelter in God. God warns and protects those who seek Him. We blame others, circumstances, or even God. But blaming bad luck is, in essence, challenging Divine Justice, which is perfect and necessary for the world to function. Meanwhile, others are often unsympathetic, and some people, in their desperation, turn to self-proclaimed gurus or unhealthy escapes like drugs or alcohol. These only worsen their condition. We falsely believe that misfortune will skip us, that somehow we are exceptions. But this denial only adds to our suffering. It is no wonder that mental health issues are rising across the globe.
So what is the solution?
It lies in understanding the basic structure of creation. There is God, the Supreme Controller, and there are us — countless souls, all subject to change and suffering. The answer is simple: take shelter of the Controller. He is always ready to help, but we must turn to Him willingly. Otherwise, life becomes mechanical. Our actions bear fruit, shaping our nature. We act according to that nature, creating a repetitive cycle of suffering, birth after birth.
I recognised this truth and made a conscious decision: I would not continue suffering when help was within reach. I started practising spirituality in a way that suited me. I hung a large picture of Lord Krishna by my bed. I began chanting His name — “Krishna, Krishna, Krishna” — rhythmically. Slowly, I began feeling God’s mercy in my life. I thanked Him sincerely and regularly. I pray often — for guidance, for help, for everything that concerns me. And God responds. Over time, I found peace, satisfaction, and a deep sense of joy — sukhi. So what is the takeaway from all this? Start taking shelter in God. Begin small. Do spiritual practices that feel natural. Pray regularly for guidance. Remember, we are tiny, ignorant, and helpless in many ways. When we surrender, God takes over as the karta — the doer — in our lives. He begins to micromanage everything, ensuring a high-quality life and guiding us towards ultimate liberation. I speak from experience — it truly works.timate liberation. I speak from experience — it truly works.
(The writer is a spiritual teacher. Views are personal)