Are We at the Mercy of Cosmic Forces?

Title: Are We at the Mercy of Cosmic Forces? A Philosophical Exploration from Buddha to Modern Thinkers

From ancient times to our hyper-rational modern era, humanity has grappled with one recurring question: Are our lives governed by external cosmic forces—planets, divine spirits, or karmic cycles? While astrology, divine interventions, and metaphysical entities remain deeply rooted in many cultures, the perspectives of Buddha and modern philosophers paint a strikingly different picture.

Buddha's Perspective: No Divine Puppeteers

Buddha, a radical thinker for his time, rejected the idea of divine control or predestined fate. His doctrine of Paticca Samuppada (Dependent Origination) emphasized that everything arises due to causes and conditions—not because of the will of gods or cosmic energies.

He neither confirmed nor denied the existence of gods or spirits but considered such discussions irrelevant to the path of liberation. For Buddha, liberation comes from insight, discipline, and mindful action, not from appeasing external forces or fearing bad omens. In essence, the karmic results we face are shaped by our intentions and actions—not by the alignment of planets.

Modern Philosophers: Existentialists, Rationalists, and the Illusion of Fate

Modern philosophy, especially post-Enlightenment, leans heavily toward reason, agency, and skepticism of metaphysical claims.

• Jean-Paul Sartre, for example, dismissed any notion of predetermined destiny. For him, existence precedes essence, meaning we define our purpose and future through choices—not through any divine script.
• Immanuel Kant emphasized moral autonomy and rationality, holding that humans must act out of duty, not superstition or fear of invisible forces.
• Even Carl Jung, who showed a mild openness to synchronicities, saw them more as psychological archetypes than literal cosmic controls.

Most modern thinkers agree: human beings are not passive receivers of fate, but active participants shaping their reality through decision-making and awareness.

So What About Planetary Positions, Bad Spirits, and Time Cycles?

While astrology, planetary "yogas", or curses from malevolent spirits offer symbolic or cultural meaning, neither Buddha nor the majority of modern philosophers regard them as forces that genuinely control one's destiny.

In fact, attributing life’s hardships to such forces often leads to fatalism, which undermines personal responsibility, resilience, and rational decision-making. Even scientifically, no empirical evidence supports these ideas.

Final Verdict: Responsibility Over Superstition

Whether we look at the silent mindfulness of Buddha or the existential assertiveness of Sartre, the conclusion is clear:

External forces may exist as beliefs or symbols, but they do not determine the course of your life. Your choices, values, mindset, and actions are what shape your destiny.

In a world increasingly filled with uncertainties, it’s tempting to seek answers in the stars or blame bad spirits. But true empowerment lies in reclaiming our agency—just as the Buddha did under the Bodhi tree, and as modern thinkers urge us to do every day.