A Theory of Soul and Action-II

Is there a guiding hand? Even if there is, where does it exist? And even if it does exist, how does it interact with us?

A man is a product of circumstances. But then thinking of a man in terms of mere “circumstances” misses the grander design of destiny for which man is often imagined AS. It is my view that the grander design of destiny is nothing but a constant interplay of several influential ideas and forces that are constantly at work and which help this world move about in several non-physical dimensions. Such ideas and forces constantly interact with man and his environment and help move the plot forward.

If there is a grander design of destiny, then at what level does it interact with an Individual? I carefully chose not to use the phrase, “grand design of destiny” and instead chose the phrase, “grander design of destiny”. I did so because I am of the view that this grander design of destiny itself has a destiny, which is to be grander than it was before. But how is this destiny able to move itself forward? That is where humans come into the picture. Humans constantly work and create “action” caused upon unconscious or conscious “motives”. Some perform actions because they feel responsible or obligated. Some perform actions since they believe their actions are liberating and satisfying. Each person has a distinct motive for his actions. Humans through their actions create “impressions” in the minds of others. These impressions mix with the minds of the impressioned and in the manner determined by the “state of mind” of the impressioned and the depth and power of the impressioning ideas/influences. Some of the strongest ideas/influences have been codified as fundamental in each country’s governing constitutions. Moreover, the expanse of “impressions” has widely expanded due to the advent of a networked based communication revolution where the network itself carries across a vast spasm, several impressions that can mix with the minds of humans. This is how ideas/influences interact with humans. This world is a floating sea of influences and ideas and men constantly undergo a constant baptization in its waters. But a view such as this paints a very chaotic picture.

So how does one find himself and make sense of the “self” in this constant churning and mixing that goes on around? In a sea of chaos, a lighthouse brings in a semblance of order and lays down the path to be followed by the dim light illuminating the darkness. But the present modern age poses a challenge in the form of multiplicity of lighthouses and so the question arises – which lighthouse must be chosen? What should inform us in choosing which lighthouse? Which path of light to believe in and which not to? It is however undeniable that one is always faced with “choices”. One may always have choices, but one will never have the option to not have choices. So how does one make choices that are satisfactory to the self and drive the self towards relentless action?

A soul is common to all existence in this universe.  The soul interacts with the self through the process of “thought”. The Soul is uninfluenced by external influences and ideas. The “self” is distinct from the soul in that the self is a product of society, whereas a soul is truly independent. Soul expresses itself through the self as a “doubt”. The “doubt” that is always produced in the human mind helps the “self” in further refining the self’s motives for action. The soul finds its expression by positing “doubts” to the self. The discovery of soul helps remove this constant state of “doubt” and man is then propelled towards constant action.