Do We Have a Choice in Taking Responsibility?

Many believe that life is filled with unpredictable events over which we have no control. This fatalistic belief can lead to a lack of proactive responsibility, which can have detrimental effects on our mental and social well-being. However, the truth is that we have more control over our lives than we might initially think. Let’s explore how we can take responsibility despite the uncertainties of life.

Controlling Our Lives: A Balancing Act

While it's true that we cannot control every single event in our lives, we can take control of many aspects of our existence. We are responsible for our actions and the choices we make, even if those choices are limited by external factors. The argument that we are not responsible for things we have no control over is flawed. We can be held responsible for our choices and actions, even if these actions are influenced by circumstances beyond our control.

Legal and Ethical Responsibility

Consider the example of a repeat child-molester. Even if it is suggested that the individual cannot help themselves, they are legally and ethically responsible for their actions. In society, we must hold individuals accountable for their behavior, even when it is challenging to address the underlying issues. This is not about perfection but about creating a system that is as fair and functional as possible, ensuring the safety and well-being of all.

Provision for the Unexpected

Life is unpredictable, much like car insurance. We take out insurance to protect ourselves in the event of an accident. Similarly, we should make provisions for the unexpected in our lives. We cannot predict every challenge that may come our way, but we can be prepared. This doesn't mean we should wait until an accident happens, but rather, we should proactively plan and prepare. Building the life we want is a continuous process, and we have full control over it if we choose to engage in it actively.

Meditation: The Key to Control

Meditation, particularly Mindfulness and Vipassana, offers a path to increased awareness and control over our lives. Through regular meditation, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and our intentions. The practice of meditation helps us to recognize patterns in our thoughts and behaviors, enabling us to make conscious and informed decisions.

The Power of Intentions

In Buddhism, intentions play a crucial role. There are skilful, unskilful, and neither skilful nor unskilful intentions. Our intentions are conditioned and arise from our life history. The intentions that we cultivate in the present reinforce our behavior and shape our future. This means that the choices we make today have an impact on our tomorrow.

Sakkaya Ditthi: The Illusion of Self

The Buddhist concept of Sakkaya Ditthi (the belief in a permanent self) is often misunderstood as asserting the existence of a fixed, unchanging self. However, it actually refers to the illusion that an individual self is a permanent and independent entity. Understanding this concept can help us recognize the interconnectedness of all things and the fluid nature of our identity.

In conclusion, while we cannot control everything, we do have enough control to take responsibility for our lives. By embracing meditation, mindfulness, and the power of intention, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with greater awareness and control. This is not just a philosophical stance but a practical way to build a better life for ourselves and those around us.