The belief that we can control the outcome of events or influence any person, place, or thing is ultimately an illusion. Life’s intricate complexity, the randomness of chance, and our place within the grand tapestry of the universe mean that outcomes are always beyond our direct control. We do have preferences, and our emotional responses—joy, anger, fear, grief—are shaped by how outcomes align with these preferences. In other words, we have been conditioned to base our happiness or sadness on how things turn out in relation to our desires. However! The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that the The Great Way to spiritual realization becomes clear for those who transcend personal preferences. Yet the moment we create distinctions, the gap between heaven and earth is set infinitely apart. Therefore, pursue your intentions with dedication and passion toward a noble cause. Yet, remember that while we can exert effort with all our hearts, the ultimate outcomes remain beyond our control. Destiny unfolds as it will. Nigel Lott, teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Meditation Sans Frontieres at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe