From Destiny to Choice: Do We Live a Predetermined Life or Do We Make Choices? (Unabridged‪)‬

DO WE ACTUALLY HAVE A CHOICE IN WHO WE ARE? Obviously, we do not have a choice in where, when, or to whom we were born, or any physical characteristics or limitations we are born with. But what about our life circumstances? To what extent do we have a choice in the struggles we experience in life, the thoughts we think, or even our career or financial situation? How much of our life is influenced by external factors such as biology, accident, or even luck? These questions leave us wondering if we really have any choice or control over the direction, circumstances, and experiences of our lives. The factors that influence our lives and our choices are numerous and complex. In Mazdaism, the belief is that we indeed have the freedom to choose. The teachings of Zarathustra explain that we are not defined by our personality, but by our essence. With deep understanding, awareness, and by elevating our consciousness, we can nurture higher qualities within our minds and achieve true freedom. Without this, we are not genuinely free to shape our destiny.