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Deeds Or Destiny?

This month, we posed a timeless question that has intrigued philosophers and poets alike: are we the architects of our destiny, or merely actors in a script already written? Some insist that free will shapes our lives, placing responsibility firmly in our hands. Others believe destiny charts every turn, guiding us through cosmic design. And then there are realists in between, who see life as a dance between ‘Choice-and-Chance’… destiny simply opens doors, but it’s we who decide to walk through.

COMMUNITY QUESTION: Do you believe that our future is shaped by deeds comprising our choices and free will… OR… Do you feel believe life unfolds as destiny intends – already charted, beyond our influence?

Community Members share their thoughts…

Khushnaz H Shroff [Home maker]: I believe our deeds determine our destiny. Our religion gives us freedom to make our choices, but no one can escape the law of Karma! Zoroastrianism teaches us Humata, Hukhata, Huvarashtha (good thoughts, good words, good deeds) – rightfully so, the good deeds we do help us shape our future and our destiny. Doing good unto others will always attract good deeds back to you and vice versa. We say that each one is born with their own luck and destiny which we cannot alter, but your good deeds are definitely in your own hands!

Jasmine Dalal [Tarot Card Reader, Coach]: I believe that our future is shaped by our own choices, deeds and exercise of free will. I do not believe in a predetermined destiny that is beyond our control. Instead, the outcomes in life are consequences of our own actions. This aligns with the principle: ‘As you sow, so you reap’. Thus, life is one’s own journey, influenced by one’s karma – the cumulative effect of one’s actions. Given that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, it’s prudent to understand this dynamic and be prepared for the consequences of one’s decisions and actions.

Perin Bhatena [Secretary]: An ancient adage goes, ‘Man proposes but God disposes!’ Some believe that our lives are bound by the iron chains of destiny, scripted long before we even draw our first breath. But I refuse to believe that we are mere passengers on a predestined journey. History shines with those who rise above the weight and burden of circumstances. Destiny may place obstacles in our path, but our efforts build bridges to cross them. Man can and should wield his rational thinking to become destiny’s favourite child! For destiny whispers, but it is effort that roars!

Jehangir Batliwalla [Banking Professional]: Destiny is the silent architect of our lives, shaping events in ways beyond human comprehension. While we believe we act out of free will, our choices often lead us exactly where we were meant to be. Coincidences, chance encounters and timing reveal a divine pattern at play. Destiny isn’t restriction – it’s orchestration. Each twist and turn, each success and setback, it all aligns with a larger cosmic plan, reminding us that life unfolds as it was always meant to, guided by forces greater than ourselves, and beyond our comprehension.

Shiraz Rustomji [Marketing Professional]: I believe that each person can create their own destiny. Life presents many challenges, and while it’s true that circumstances can make things harder, they do not have the final say. What matters most is how we react, the choices we make and the determination we show in moving forward. With hard work, courage and a positive outlook, anyone can break barriers and achieve their dreams. Destiny is not something fixed or handed to us – it’s what we actively build through our daily decisions and actions.

Khursheed Mehta [AVP, Sales & Marketing]: Destiny may set the stage – our birth, circumstances and unforeseen turns – but it’s our deeds that decide how the story unfolds. Challenges and opportunities come to all, yet our choices determine whether we rise or fall. Believing only in destiny makes us passive, while relying only on deeds ignores life’s uncertainties. In truth, both work together. Destiny may write the outline, but our deeds add meaning, colour and legacy. Ultimately, our actions decide how we live the life destiny gives us.

Jimmy Kotwal [Ret’d Finance Professional]: This age-old question can be pondered upon forever! Reflecting back on my life, I would say it feels like both. I am fortunate (destiny) to be born in a democratic country and into a caring, cultured Zarathusti family, which instilled into me the values of equality, justice, freedom and ‘Asha’ – the building blocks. But the person I became in response to this? That, I feel was driven by my choices – my character, relationships, career and the meaning I made of it all.

Farnaz Patel [Ret’d Teacher & Grandma]: Destiny is the thread that connects every moment of our existence. No matter how hard we plan, certain people, events and outcomes find their way to us, as if prewritten. History and experience show that effort alone doesn’t guarantee success – timing and circumstance, both beyond control, play defining roles. Destiny determines when opportunities appear and when doors close, often steering us toward lessons and growth we wouldn’t have chosen ourselves. I therefore feel like life’s journey is less about control and more about divine alignment.

Yazdi Cooper [Ret’d Chief Engineer, Merchant Navy]: My firm belief is that our future is definitely shaped by our own choices and deeds, decided by our own free will. Though at times everything doesn’t always go our way for which it’s best not to force it to happen. Again, I do believe whatever happens in our personal life happens for our best even if it isn’t good in the short run.

Your voice matters! To participate, please write to us at: editor@parsi-times.com