Conflicts of Interest and Fate

What do we know about fate? People say that if you fated to suffer, then you have to experience it and exhaust it. There is no escape. As an evolved human being, one does debate on this subject or even ponder about it on and off.

Karunya wants the answer, about fate and karma. Are fate and karma connected? (I’m talking about present karma here.) I think so. Now, it is a fact that we did not choose our parents when we were born. Neither do we know what we did in our past life. But, nobody intentionally wants to do bad karma. That brings us to the question — what is karma? Some are born with good genes, good looks, and are born in a noble family, blessed with all the good things in life. If the intent is good, then good action follows. Good action results in good fate, as per my understanding.

After completing our education, we look for a good job, a good career path, a decent house, basic necessities for the house, and savings. Life is on track when our basic requirements are met. Education is important, and so is wealth. We need to have the understanding and reasoning to evolve as a better human to live meaningfully in a society. We need to behave appropriately. Some people are sarvagun sampan, meaning they possess all the necessary qualities required in a human being. Of course not every one is as blessed. We all have our drawbacks. We may be overworked, burned-out, so temper do flares up.

Or, you may be blunt, call a spade a spade. It differs from person to person. Karunya tells Kesha, “People generally opine that I’m sarvagun sampan. If they say so, then I am. No second thoughts on that. But I am not perfect.” Then her thought veers towards the subject of cheating — cheating with ulterior motives, the very mentality of cheating the unassuming, people cheating behind their spouses’ back, the intent of cheating purposely, all kinds of cheating. What sort of pleasure do they get with this thought process? Such people are not evolved or you do not want to evolve. They just live, carry on with their lives, and get cheap thrills by fooling others. You reap what you sow. If they know about fate and karma, would they even think of doing such things? Would they be fearful if they are aware of the consequences of their actions? These thoughts intrigue Karunya, rather worry her.

“You get what you deserve and you deserve what you get. This interesting statement is indeed a food for thought, thought provoking rather. It baffles me,” says Karunya. She questions her mentor, “How is it relatable? We notice that in life some may not be deserving to get what they get. There must be an answer to this.”

“How can one decide that one legitimately deserves that success, which in turn is elusive for those who put in tons of effort and hard work. Some are utterly disappointed and you can see the apparent despair in the faces,” Karunya confides to her mentor.

Her mentor Mrinal is genuinely concerned with the progress in her career. “Yes, Karunya, your effort and enthusiasm are clearly visible, and certainly deserve the much-needed success and recognition,” he tell her. Karunya simply nods in agreement and smiles. She tells Mrinal how life treats each one differently, “In a song sequence, there are many background dancers who give retakes along with the main heroine, but the credit, fame, recognition, adulation and success are all attributed to her. The other dancers are equally good, but luck treats them differently. Many of then are quite good-looking, too. But, apparently, you get what you deserve. Nature showers its abundance equally, even though some may not deserve it — rain is for all, the sunshine is for all,” Karunya smiles.