Talent, abilities, intelligence, constructive opportunism, and discipline are behind almost every major success story, such as Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Madonna, Steve Jobs, and Tiger Woods.
Although many successful people had lucky breaks and were the beneficiaries of unusual circumstances, such as being in the right place at the right time that allowed them to seize a great opportunity, I believe it’s far from being only attributable to “luck.”
The unique advantages on their road to success that these people enjoyed aren’t arbitrary, and they aren’t undeserved. The findings of my long-term empirical research tell me they are part of the tapestry called predestination.
It’s been said that, for example, Bill Gates having a keen interest in computers at the dawn of the personal computer age, while miraculously having access to rare computing technology through his private school starting in the eighth grade (when it was seldom available at the college level), was just a very fortunate break.
However, I believe that’s an erroneous way to look at it. Bill Gates had those opportunities because it was his rewarding karma, which he earned. It was no accident, and it’s perfectly fair.
To say, for instance, that “…the same opportunity wasn’t provided to others and that’s not fair…” is misunderstanding the role of personal fate.
While I’m of the opinion that everyone should have equal rights, it’s not society’s or government’s role to divvy up success in equal parts to everyone. You can’t replicate personal destiny, but you can have an equal playing field where everyone is free to seek the opportunities they desire.
Individual merit, I believe, is intimately tied to past life accomplishments; you bring with you the opportunities, talents, abilities, and rewards that you have earned from past incarnations.
Following a successful person’s “blueprints,” such as Lady Gaga’s image branding, style, outspokenness, and more, might get you more success, but you’ll only have as much success as outlined by your karmic plan.
This may sound “fatalistic” or even depressing to you, but it’s important to avoid keeping score only with material success. There are other forms of success, and you can’t take the tangible rewards with you when you leave any way.
However, by all means, do your best and go for it. Follow your heart and make the most of your time and effort.
Just be aware of the theory that success has a very spiritual angle and is much more than just a set of personal qualities and luck.
Copyright © 2010 Scott Petullo
2 Responses
I think you have one of the greatest minds around and you are always correct. What is your opinion of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to lighten your karma?
Thanks for your feedback, Electra. My opinion is that you can lighten the burden of your karma by how you view it, but you will still have to balance it by directly dealing with it. Karma can’t be erased with a magic wand, in my view.
Scott