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Summary of Question:	2 Questions About Our Choices And God's Creation??
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 3/31/2004 3:03 PM MDT

WJKK WJKF

I have 2 questions i have been wondering about and cannot distinguish a right/wrong answer. Does God have each of our futures lined out already, which means our choices have already been made for us no matter what, OR, do has God given us choices in which we must choose wha tis right, in which case God has not created everything that goes on in the world becasue those certainchoices havent been made yet??

I asked my grandparents and parents this very question and they could not give mem a straight answer but just lead me in circles.

The question is simplified by the following example:

I walk into a cinema. Has God already made the choice of what i am going to watch, in which case it doesnt matter what i pick, becasue God has already picked the film. OR Do i pick the film i am going to see with my own choice in which God has no interference in what is going to happen next.

Any reply would be greatly appreciated.

WJKK WJKF

Manpreet Singh......KENT....UK.


REPLY

Neither of your answers is quite correct. The answer is we do have free will, and our power to choose is a part of the creation plan of the Infinite Creator. The Infinite Creator created this world with infinite possibilities, which we may manifest by our choices. Ik Ong Kar, the Creator and the Creation are One. You are a part of the Creation and the spark of the divine Creator is within you.

People do not always use their free will or make choices CONSCIOUSLY, but that does not mean free will does not exist. Sometimes we make choices without thinking them through that create destructive habit patterns, and then we become slaves to our destructive habits. Then we have to make difficult choices later to work hard to break destructive habits. Sometimes we make subconscious or semiconscious choices in which we subject ourselves to the will or control of others, or the media, the government, religious dogma, or other forces in the society. The most important factor in making choices is to be CONSCIOUS of our choices and take responsibility for our choices. When you say to yourself, this situation caused me to do that, or so and so made me do this or that, you are not taking responsibility for your choices. By this thinking, you are giving away your power of free will and your freedom of choice to direct your own destiny. That is why some people who have been imprisoned say they achieved their liberation while behind bars. During their incarceration they realized that no outside force can imprison the mind. Only we can imprison our own mind when we give away our power to consciously choose to direct our own thoughts.

In addition, it is true that you have come into this life with certain karma. When you say: "Does God have each of our futures lined out already, which means our choices have already been made for us no matter what," you are talking about your karma. Your karma, which is the result of your past actions, will present some gifts and some obstacles in your life. It is also true that each moment, with each breath that you draw, you direct your own thoughts which in turn direct your own actions. You will choose how you will live your life and act in response to your life’s karma.

You also say, "OR, has God given us choices in which we must choose what is right, in which case God has not created everything that goes on in the world because those certain choices haven’t been made yet." The answer is you do make choices, and ‘your choices and your power to choose are part of the creation plan’ of the One, Infinite Creator. The creation includes infinite possibilities, which are made manifest by our choices. We make some individual choices and we make some group choices. We may consciously choose as people to co-create this world, as we say in Ardas, with peace and prosperity for all people. Remember that the divine spark of the Creator is within you. You have the power to choose to relate to your divinity and infinity by meditating on God's Name, or you may choose to become entangled in maya, caught up in the illusion that you are separate from the Creator of this creation. Either possibility is there. Even so, if someone chooses to believe he or she is separate from the Creator, the fact remains the Creator and the Creation are One. Just as Guru Nanak says, "Ik Ong Kar" there is One Creator of this Creation and the Creator and the Creation are One.

The teachings of the Gurus are a great gift to humanity because they teach us that walking on the path of dharma, we gain the power to rise above the karma of our past actions. Remember God by meditating each morning, work hard by honest labor, and share what you have with others. Chant the Mul Mantra to create your highest destiny and wipe out the karma of past actions.

Thank you for writing to Sikhnet. The fact that you have asked this question tells me that I think you already know all of this in your heart. Perhaps your parents’ and grandparents’ and my answers to your questions seem like you are being led in circles, because there are many circular motions in life. I am reminded of a song about this.

Happiness runs in a circular motion.
Life is like a little boat upon the sea.
EVERYBODY IS A PART OF EVERYTHING ANYWAY.
You can have it all if you let yourself be.
Why? Oh because!
Why? Oh because!
Happiness runs, happiness runs.
Happiness run, happiness runs.
Sat Nam. God bless you. -GMK