Understanding Free Will, Fear, and Happiness: A Satsang with Ramesh Balsekar 2008-01-06

In this satsang, Ramesh Balsekar engages in a dialogue about free will, decision-making, fear, and the pursuit of happiness, exploring how these concepts intersect with his teachings on predetermination and the nature of the self.

#### Key Points:

- *On Decision-Making and Free Will:*
- Balsekar addresses the common human experience of indecision, highlighting that many people resort to arbitrary methods, like flipping a coin, to make decisions. He reassures participants that such methods are just as valid as any other since all actions are predetermined by cosmic law and destiny.
- He suggests that understanding this can bring peace of mind, as it removes the fear of making mistakes, reinforcing that every decision is the one you are meant to make.

- *The Illusion of Control:*
- Balsekar explains that while humans believe they have free will, their actions are ultimately governed by their genetics and conditioning, over which they have no control. This realization can alleviate the burden of worrying about consequences, as everything unfolds according to a divine script.

- *Fear and Curiosity:*
- He distinguishes between natural curiosity about life and fear of the unknown. Fear, he argues, is unnecessary and counterproductive, especially when one accepts that the future is beyond their control. Curiosity, however, can lead to a deeper understanding and acceptance of life’s unpredictability.

- *The Role of Attitude:*
- Balsekar emphasizes that happiness is not found in the external events of life (the "flow of life"), but rather in one's attitude towards those events. He suggests that true happiness comes from a harmonious attitude toward others, free from rivalry, suspicion, and fear.

- *The Search for Happiness:*
- According to Balsekar, the deeper happiness that humans seek is not to be found in the transient pleasures of life. Instead, it lies in the acceptance of life as it is and in cultivating a non-competitive, harmonious relationship with others.
- He points out that the pursuit of happiness is often misguided, as people equate it with the pursuit of pleasure. True happiness, he argues, comes from within and is closely tied to one's attitude toward life.

- *Predetermination and Peace of Mind:*
- Balsekar reaffirms his central teaching that everything in life is predetermined, including actions, decisions, and their outcomes. This understanding, he believes, leads to a state of peace where one no longer struggles with guilt, shame, or pride.
- He elaborates that this peace of mind comes from accepting that neither oneself nor others are true doers of actions, but rather instruments through which life happens.

- *Universal Brotherhood and Individual Acceptance:*
- Balsekar discusses the idea of Universal Brotherhood, suggesting that while it is an ideal, it may not be practical for everyone. Instead, he advocates for a more conservative approach where one seeks to avoid fearing others and ensures that others do not fear them.
- He concludes that the key to happiness lies in the total acceptance of life as it happens, free from the illusion of personal doership and the burdens of fear and expectation.

- *Practical Spirituality:*
- Throughout the satsang, Balsekar touches on the practical aspects of his teachings, encouraging participants to apply these concepts in their daily lives. He emphasizes the importance of living with an attitude of acceptance and surrender to the divine will, which he believes leads to a life of peace and contentment.

This satsang offers a deep exploration of Balsekar’s philosophy, providing insights into how one can live a life free from fear and full of acceptance, ultimately leading to a state of true happiness.