Destiny
Monday, February 12, 2007
Peter of Dodosville, a new reader at Limb, asked me to both define and describe destiny. I enjoy a challenge! Thanks for asking, Peter.
I would define destiny as...
...future events that have a greater than average chance of taking place due to our karmic patterns.
Here's what the dictionary says:
1.something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune.
2.the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events.
I'd say the #2 definition matches mine pretty closely.
Destiny is not something I can recall ever questioning. I still question how it works, but not whether it exists. I think this is because I've always been an excellent dreamer, and sometimes the future leaks thru the mesh barrier between subconscience and conscience. Most of my dreams are fantasy, but occasionally I get the real deal and I can usually tell the difference. Early in my life, when future events played out as shown previously in my dreams, I had all the proof I needed. Paradoxically (and life is full of 'em) I also believe strongly in free will and the power of our own minds. Obviously, I don't view my two belief systems to be in conflict at all. How can this be?
One thing my brain very much likes to do is to create picture stories to explain concepts. Over the years, I have developed a visualization regarding myself, the future, and destiny.
Imagine yourself in a huge swimming pool. You have started at the shallow end (birth) and have been swimming for what seems to be a long time, but there is still plenty of water ahead of you before you get to the other end (death). The water (life) supports you, and you notice there are many other things and beings in the water with you. But there are also things in the water that you can't see...things too small or too fast or too unimaginable. Everything in the pool with you is affected by your movements, and vice versa. Destiny is in the pool with you, too. The destiny bits are like flecks of dust. They are everywhere. As you swim, some of the destiny bits are forced away from your body by your sense of purpose. Others, simultaneously, are following currents caused by motion (yours or other living things) so that they end up directly in your path...seemingly unavoidable. The possible interactions are endless, but not necessarily random. The destiny bits can be avoided, if you see them...but not always. With practice, you begin to see the destiny flecks immediately in front of you. You can chose to avoid them, or not. With lots of practice you see destiny at greater and greater distances in front of you, especially when the bits are more like crackers! (Watch out for those!)
Which brings to mind the Titanic. Did the super-hype promotion of the Titanic being "unsinkable" start a karmic reaction bringing the fatal iceberg into line with the doomed Titanic at a particular moment in time? Here's a link about premonitions of disaster. Premonitions are glimpses of destiny. It is interesting to me that disasters, injuries, trauma & drama are more likely than other events to be "seen" ahead of time. I think premonitions are survival skills which many willfully push away mistakenly thinking that we have to chose between destiny and the power of free will. Far from it! Those who foresaw the destiny of the Titanic didn't get on the ship, or took extreme precautions once on board (which may or may not have saved them).
Obviously, we can't avoid all the stuff we create with our own actions in the pool of life, nor would we want to! Our loves and joys are tied to destiny as well. Our intent strongly affects destiny. And I've noticed that I'm always in a relaxed good mood *before* I get a run of good luck with the dice or cards.
We can tread lightly, pay attention, and keep an open mind. If you want to practice seeing destiny before it hits you in the face, I recommend meditation and dream yoga. There are probably thousands of other ways to strengthen abilities in this realm.
By the way, while you are swimming in that pool, aren't you connected molecule-to-molecule to every speck of karmic dust right from the "start"? Remember all the other stuff in the pool stirring things up? It's a mine field of karmic destiny (karmestiny).
I would define destiny as...
...future events that have a greater than average chance of taking place due to our karmic patterns.
Here's what the dictionary says:
1.something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune.
2.the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events.
I'd say the #2 definition matches mine pretty closely.
Destiny is not something I can recall ever questioning. I still question how it works, but not whether it exists. I think this is because I've always been an excellent dreamer, and sometimes the future leaks thru the mesh barrier between subconscience and conscience. Most of my dreams are fantasy, but occasionally I get the real deal and I can usually tell the difference. Early in my life, when future events played out as shown previously in my dreams, I had all the proof I needed. Paradoxically (and life is full of 'em) I also believe strongly in free will and the power of our own minds. Obviously, I don't view my two belief systems to be in conflict at all. How can this be?
One thing my brain very much likes to do is to create picture stories to explain concepts. Over the years, I have developed a visualization regarding myself, the future, and destiny.
Imagine yourself in a huge swimming pool. You have started at the shallow end (birth) and have been swimming for what seems to be a long time, but there is still plenty of water ahead of you before you get to the other end (death). The water (life) supports you, and you notice there are many other things and beings in the water with you. But there are also things in the water that you can't see...things too small or too fast or too unimaginable. Everything in the pool with you is affected by your movements, and vice versa. Destiny is in the pool with you, too. The destiny bits are like flecks of dust. They are everywhere. As you swim, some of the destiny bits are forced away from your body by your sense of purpose. Others, simultaneously, are following currents caused by motion (yours or other living things) so that they end up directly in your path...seemingly unavoidable. The possible interactions are endless, but not necessarily random. The destiny bits can be avoided, if you see them...but not always. With practice, you begin to see the destiny flecks immediately in front of you. You can chose to avoid them, or not. With lots of practice you see destiny at greater and greater distances in front of you, especially when the bits are more like crackers! (Watch out for those!)
Which brings to mind the Titanic. Did the super-hype promotion of the Titanic being "unsinkable" start a karmic reaction bringing the fatal iceberg into line with the doomed Titanic at a particular moment in time? Here's a link about premonitions of disaster. Premonitions are glimpses of destiny. It is interesting to me that disasters, injuries, trauma & drama are more likely than other events to be "seen" ahead of time. I think premonitions are survival skills which many willfully push away mistakenly thinking that we have to chose between destiny and the power of free will. Far from it! Those who foresaw the destiny of the Titanic didn't get on the ship, or took extreme precautions once on board (which may or may not have saved them).
Obviously, we can't avoid all the stuff we create with our own actions in the pool of life, nor would we want to! Our loves and joys are tied to destiny as well. Our intent strongly affects destiny. And I've noticed that I'm always in a relaxed good mood *before* I get a run of good luck with the dice or cards.
We can tread lightly, pay attention, and keep an open mind. If you want to practice seeing destiny before it hits you in the face, I recommend meditation and dream yoga. There are probably thousands of other ways to strengthen abilities in this realm.
By the way, while you are swimming in that pool, aren't you connected molecule-to-molecule to every speck of karmic dust right from the "start"? Remember all the other stuff in the pool stirring things up? It's a mine field of karmic destiny (karmestiny).
11 Comments:
commented by 
Peter Dodson, 10:54 PM
Peter Dodson, 10:54 PM
Hi Peter. You say "Our actions and their consequences ultimately create our destiny." I agree; and I would include thoughts with actions.
I'm not one of those people who think of good things as destiny and bad things not. Doesn't make any sense whatsoever.
Re: Q: death and destiny. A: yes, no and maybe. Nature fills all voids. period. I think the answer is "all of the above".
I'm not one of those people who think of good things as destiny and bad things not. Doesn't make any sense whatsoever.
Re: Q: death and destiny. A: yes, no and maybe. Nature fills all voids. period. I think the answer is "all of the above".
When I read this I immediatly thought of a quotation I wrote down months ago on the subject of coincidence. It took me awhile to find it but after sorting through some old journals I did. (I'll post it on my blog too.)
On Coincidence
"Coincidence is a word used by fools to shield themselves from recognition of the invisible world."
"What the ignorant call coincidence, is actually an occult clue which can be used to instruct the adept in important spiritual matters."
--From the Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall.
Of course if a person doesn't believe in a spiritual dimension to existence they'll likely dismiss coincidence as being completely random and meaningless, and lacking any deeper underlying significance.
I experience coincidence/syncronicity on a nearly daily basis, even here on the Internet. And interpret it to be a natural process of karmic attraction (like attracting like) playing out in all aspects and dimensions of life.
On Coincidence
"Coincidence is a word used by fools to shield themselves from recognition of the invisible world."
"What the ignorant call coincidence, is actually an occult clue which can be used to instruct the adept in important spiritual matters."
--From the Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall.
Of course if a person doesn't believe in a spiritual dimension to existence they'll likely dismiss coincidence as being completely random and meaningless, and lacking any deeper underlying significance.
I experience coincidence/syncronicity on a nearly daily basis, even here on the Internet. And interpret it to be a natural process of karmic attraction (like attracting like) playing out in all aspects and dimensions of life.
Hi Cym, Yes. When syncronicity overtakes the law of averages, its time to take another look at what might really be happening.
Thanks for the great quote.
Thanks for the great quote.
Hi Deb, thanks for the response.
I agree; and I would include thoughts with actions.
I guess I just don't understand how that occurs. You brought up the example of the Titanic, but I just don't see how people's thoughts about it being the unsinkable ship put an iceberg in their path or made it foggy etc...
As Forrest Gump said, "Shit happens."
"Coincidence is a word used by fools to shield themselves from recognition of the invisible world."
"What the ignorant call coincidence, is actually an occult clue which can be used to instruct the adept in important spiritual matters."
Hmmm. Not sure how I like being referred too as a fool and ignorant :)
I am not trying to be judgmental or dismissive or anything negative, but I just don't see this "invisible world." I am not arrogant enough to say that I know how the world works or what all the possibilities are, but how does it work? Idon't believe that things "just happen." I believe there is a reasonable explanation for everything. The accident I witnessed was the result of a series of events - the faulty tire produced, when we all left our houses that day, our speeds etc...
I guess what I'm saying is that for me, I don't see meaning in every event. I don't see things as signs. I achieve things because of the actions of myself and others. Maybe I am being totally nieve, but I just don't see this other world everyone talks about whether it is animists, Christians or buddhists.
Again, I say this all with a deep respect, but I am truly just trying to understand these beliefs.
Of course if a person doesn't believe in a spiritual dimension to existence they'll likely dismiss coincidence as being completely random and meaningless, and lacking any deeper underlying significance.
I guess my question would be two things - who determines the significance? And how do you know your right? Who is sending you the message?
I agree; and I would include thoughts with actions.
I guess I just don't understand how that occurs. You brought up the example of the Titanic, but I just don't see how people's thoughts about it being the unsinkable ship put an iceberg in their path or made it foggy etc...
As Forrest Gump said, "Shit happens."
"Coincidence is a word used by fools to shield themselves from recognition of the invisible world."
"What the ignorant call coincidence, is actually an occult clue which can be used to instruct the adept in important spiritual matters."
Hmmm. Not sure how I like being referred too as a fool and ignorant :)
I am not trying to be judgmental or dismissive or anything negative, but I just don't see this "invisible world." I am not arrogant enough to say that I know how the world works or what all the possibilities are, but how does it work? Idon't believe that things "just happen." I believe there is a reasonable explanation for everything. The accident I witnessed was the result of a series of events - the faulty tire produced, when we all left our houses that day, our speeds etc...
I guess what I'm saying is that for me, I don't see meaning in every event. I don't see things as signs. I achieve things because of the actions of myself and others. Maybe I am being totally nieve, but I just don't see this other world everyone talks about whether it is animists, Christians or buddhists.
Again, I say this all with a deep respect, but I am truly just trying to understand these beliefs.
Of course if a person doesn't believe in a spiritual dimension to existence they'll likely dismiss coincidence as being completely random and meaningless, and lacking any deeper underlying significance.
I guess my question would be two things - who determines the significance? And how do you know your right? Who is sending you the message?
Who determines? I do (trial&error + yrs of observation) How do I know I'm right? By experience and observation, and sometimes I just have to trust my instincts. Who is sending the message? interaction btw universe & my brain.
I believe everything...absolutely everything...has a scientific basis. I like Buddhism because it is ultimately a study of the mind. (I don't care for the rituals and authoritarian rules.)
Remember how our early childhood training drilled us on the 5 senses? hear/see/taste/touch/smell
Surely there is a vast amount of hidden knowledge beyond these 5 senses.
I didn't go looking for this. I had no choice. Sometimes I wonder if I was born with a quirk in my genetics or something. It would be much easier to be "normal" (whatever that is). But my experiences are my experiences and so I have to look for answers because that's what I do. I look for answers. And no way do I buy the pie-in-the-sky-guy
Yes, the big question is how? By what method could any of this possibly take place? I've long suspected neutrinos, and I'm curious to know what the real scientists learn about these little buggers. Also, time is still quite the mystery for quantum physicists. Why does time only appear to go forward? There should be ebb/flow expand/contract ying/yang...whatever. Where's the other half?
BTW, I don't think you are a fool. You are doing exactly what I am doing...basing your thoughts on your own experiences. That's pretty much what we all do, I guess. :)
I believe everything...absolutely everything...has a scientific basis. I like Buddhism because it is ultimately a study of the mind. (I don't care for the rituals and authoritarian rules.)
Remember how our early childhood training drilled us on the 5 senses? hear/see/taste/touch/smell
Surely there is a vast amount of hidden knowledge beyond these 5 senses.
I didn't go looking for this. I had no choice. Sometimes I wonder if I was born with a quirk in my genetics or something. It would be much easier to be "normal" (whatever that is). But my experiences are my experiences and so I have to look for answers because that's what I do. I look for answers. And no way do I buy the pie-in-the-sky-guy
Yes, the big question is how? By what method could any of this possibly take place? I've long suspected neutrinos, and I'm curious to know what the real scientists learn about these little buggers. Also, time is still quite the mystery for quantum physicists. Why does time only appear to go forward? There should be ebb/flow expand/contract ying/yang...whatever. Where's the other half?
BTW, I don't think you are a fool. You are doing exactly what I am doing...basing your thoughts on your own experiences. That's pretty much what we all do, I guess. :)
Peter Dodson,
I posted that quotation before I even read your comment. It was in response to Deb's post, and I didn't mean any disrespect towards you in posting it.
The connection between the quotation and your comment was purely coincidental. :)
I posted that quotation before I even read your comment. It was in response to Deb's post, and I didn't mean any disrespect towards you in posting it.
The connection between the quotation and your comment was purely coincidental. :)
Hi Deb, thanks again for the response. Hope I'm not being a pain in the ass :)
Who determines? I do (trial&error + yrs of observation) How do I know I'm right? By experience and observation, and sometimes I just have to trust my instincts. Who is sending the message? interaction btw universe & my brain.
So do you think that there is an energy in the universe that interacts with you?
Remember how our early childhood training drilled us on the 5 senses? hear/see/taste/touch/smell. Surely there is a vast amount of hidden knowledge beyond these 5 senses.
What do you mean by hidden knowledge? You mean like other senses, or other planes of existence? I guess what I am getting from you is that you believe that there is an energy that speaks to you and you can in turn affect it, which can affect your life. Am I right?
Do you think you could give me an example of something? I feel like we are talking theory here and I need a little substance to help me out :)
BTW, I don't think you are a fool. You are doing exactly what I am doing...basing your thoughts on your own experiences. That's pretty much what we all do, I guess. :)
I know you don't. I was just being cheeky.
It was in response to Deb's post, and I didn't mean any disrespect towards you in posting it.
The connection between the quotation and your comment was purely coincidental. :)
I know. There was no offence taken.
Who determines? I do (trial&error + yrs of observation) How do I know I'm right? By experience and observation, and sometimes I just have to trust my instincts. Who is sending the message? interaction btw universe & my brain.
So do you think that there is an energy in the universe that interacts with you?
Remember how our early childhood training drilled us on the 5 senses? hear/see/taste/touch/smell. Surely there is a vast amount of hidden knowledge beyond these 5 senses.
What do you mean by hidden knowledge? You mean like other senses, or other planes of existence? I guess what I am getting from you is that you believe that there is an energy that speaks to you and you can in turn affect it, which can affect your life. Am I right?
Do you think you could give me an example of something? I feel like we are talking theory here and I need a little substance to help me out :)
BTW, I don't think you are a fool. You are doing exactly what I am doing...basing your thoughts on your own experiences. That's pretty much what we all do, I guess. :)
I know you don't. I was just being cheeky.
It was in response to Deb's post, and I didn't mean any disrespect towards you in posting it.
The connection between the quotation and your comment was purely coincidental. :)
I know. There was no offence taken.
So do you think that there is an energy in the universe that interacts with you?
I think there is a pervasive energy in the universe that interacts with ALL of us...like the air we breathe, or radio waves. Some sense this energy by going beyond the 5 senses.
By "hidden knowledge" I simply mean that there are a lot of questions mainstream science hasn't gotten around to investigating yet (or haven't made public). Hidden knowledge to me is anything that is Fact but we don't know about it yet. Physics.
I guess what I am getting from you is that you believe that there is an energy that speaks to you and you can in turn affect it, which can affect your life. Am I right?
Said this way sounds like I have a textbook mental disease! LOL
No. I get glimpses from time to time and I've learned to pay attention when that happens. To say an energy "speaks to you" doesn't work for me. In rare circumstances, the energy can be "affected"...yes. Mostly, it's "watch" and learn. Yes, we are officially talking theory, but I will not be providing examples online as they are too personal and are more suited to f2f chat than the written word.
I think there is a pervasive energy in the universe that interacts with ALL of us...like the air we breathe, or radio waves. Some sense this energy by going beyond the 5 senses.
By "hidden knowledge" I simply mean that there are a lot of questions mainstream science hasn't gotten around to investigating yet (or haven't made public). Hidden knowledge to me is anything that is Fact but we don't know about it yet. Physics.
I guess what I am getting from you is that you believe that there is an energy that speaks to you and you can in turn affect it, which can affect your life. Am I right?
Said this way sounds like I have a textbook mental disease! LOL
No. I get glimpses from time to time and I've learned to pay attention when that happens. To say an energy "speaks to you" doesn't work for me. In rare circumstances, the energy can be "affected"...yes. Mostly, it's "watch" and learn. Yes, we are officially talking theory, but I will not be providing examples online as they are too personal and are more suited to f2f chat than the written word.
PS - Peter...Have you read Ran Prieur's novel? Book 1/Chap 9 Sirach's dream. It works like that.
And no, you're not being a pain in the ass. :)
And no, you're not being a pain in the ass. :)
Thanks Deb, I appreciate your responses and time.
I'll be back I'm sure :)
I'll be back I'm sure :)
I guess the best way for me to answer this is to explain what my thoughts on destiny are. I don't believe in the mystical, our lives are pre-determined sort of thing. I don't believe that when we are born we have a destiny - that our life was created to achieve a specific number of things. Our actions and their consequences ultimatley create our destiny. Other things that happen to us are just coincidence.
Let me give you an example - I once narrowly averted a car accident in which 5 people died. I used to think that it wasn't my destiny to die that day - something bigger was waiting for me. Then, over the years, I just came to see it as coincidence - I just happened to be there at that time. I did not die because of a whole series of random events that were strung together by the actions of me and the driver of that car.
I think one of my problems is that people see the good things as their destiny, or their fate, but the bad things aren't - do people who get cancer and die - is that their destiny? Those people who died that day - was that their destiny?