Introduction

Do we have regrets in life if everything that happens is supposed to happen according to fate and destiny? This question has puzzled many philosophers and believers for centuries. While some argue that regrets are unnecessary since the outcomes are predestined, others believe that even in a deterministic universe, regret plays a crucial role in personal growth and consciousness.

Understanding Regrets in a Deterministic Universe

In a world where everything is predestined, one may wonder why we still experience regret. After all, if something is meant to be, why should we feel bad about it? However, the answer lies in the timing. As we navigate through life, we often haven't yet found the reason behind the events in our lives. As time progresses, we often connect the dots and come to realize the purpose behind those events. By then, the regret diminishes or disappears altogether. This underscores the importance of perspective and time in understanding the full meaning of life's events.

Valuing Imortality in an Imperfect World

We live in an imperfect world, yet we are put here to value and appreciate the eternal happiness that awaits us. This idea suggests that if everything were already perfect in this life, there would be no need for a divine entity to orchestrate our eternal happiness. By trusting in a perfect destiny, we can reduce the amount of regret for the paths that lead us there. This belief in destiny can provide a sense of purpose and direction, making us less likely to regret our choices.

The Role of Free Will in Destiny

We must also recognize that our actions are influenced by our free will. Just as you can use a knife to either cut vegetables for cooking or as a weapon, our choices are ours to make. Regret can be seen as a mental karma that prompts us to be more mindful of our actions. When we regret a mistake, we become more aware so that we can avoid similar errors in the future.

The concept of Prarabhdha highlights how our present actions are shaped by our past and future. This karma is the fruit of actions we have performed in our previous lives or in our present life at a different time. However, our current actions, whether good or bad, are influenced by our free will and will have consequences in this or future lives. This understanding can help us recognize the importance of making informed choices and taking responsibility for our actions.

The Sequence of Events Leading to Bad Choices

Despite our free will, we may sometimes be overwhelmed by our nature and act impulsively. However, if we reflect on our actions and feel regret, we can take steps to change our behavior. The Bhagavad Gita explains the sequence of events that lead to bad choices:

Dwelling on and contemplating an activity leads to becoming attracted and attached to the idea of doing it. A 'need' or strong desire to do it develops. Any obstacle to this desire leads to anger and frustration. When angry, we become deluded and do not see things clearly. We find faults and blame indiscriminately. We lose track of what is important and act stupidly.

Understanding this sequence can help us recognize the importance of avoiding such thoughts and desires. Regret can be a powerful motivator for change, as it helps us feel remorse and take steps to improve our behavior. By acknowledging our regrets, we can work towards a better future.

Conclusion

Regret plays a significant role in our lives, even if every event is predestined. It helps us grow, learn, and make better choices. By understanding the concept of destiny and the importance of free will, we can navigate through life's challenges with greater awareness and purpose. Embracing regrets can lead to personal transformation and a more fulfilling life.