Are we slaves of our former selves?

Question

Aren't we constantly the result of our past decisions and actions? Doesn't that obliterate the idea of 'being free'?

Answer 1

yes we are! our souls evolve by working out karma.

Answer 2

I agree with the second part of your question. Yes we are the result of our past decisions and actions........but those decisions and actions were (hopefully) made by our own free will with an expected outcome.

Again hopefully, if the outcome is not what we have expected then we are still free to make further decisions and take further actions to change the outcome again.

This does not make us slaves, but it should make us responsible for our actions.

Answer 3

True self is a consciousness..it is who you really are. Not knowing that we create personalities in the mind, investing some consciousness in it and they becomes alive entities . Your believe that personalities is that who you are and creation taking over. All created personalities is subjected to the past, so are you with this identification, then past is an environment you dwell and operate from...withdrawal of invested consciousness is a solution..Back to yourself. If consciousness leaves created personality, then personality with absence of life support which animate it, crumble and fade away...otherwise, yes, we are slaves....

Answer 4

Past actions have created now, and right now creates the future. Use that to your advantage. Right now is the only time that is, past and future are ideologies of another time. But truly there's only a series of "nows" that you have a chance to do anything in. If you say you'll do something tomorrow, you'll never do it. Tomorrow never comes. The idea of tomorrow becomes today. And only in today can you do something. So if you're going to do something, do it now. Because it's all you have.

Answer 5

but the thing is, we made past decisions and took past actions on our own free will, knowing they'd affect our future. so, even though we are the result of past actions, we could control those actions, so we'd still be in control of ourselves

Answer 6

Only if we choose to let our past decisions/acts hold us back. Freedom is more than a state of being; it's an act of will.

Answer 7

Our deeds in the past bring consequences in our present lives, even sometimes limit our choices. But we always have choices as long as we are still alive. We always have certain degree of freedom. It doesn't make us like robots.

Answer 8

You can always break free from your past and put it behind you. When you are truly able to do that, then you are free.

Answer 9

No we are not set in a path of distruction because of your selves. However, if we do not change our minds we will be.

Repent means to changes one's mind to be regretful of what one has done.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source re·pent 1 (rĭ-pěnt') Pronunciation Key
v. re·pent·ed, re·pent·ing, re·pents

v. intr.

To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.
To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.
To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.

v. tr.

To feel regret or self-reproach for: repent one's sins.
To cause to feel remorse or regret.


[Middle English repenten, from Old French repentir : re-, re- + pentir, to be sorry (from Vulgar Latin *paenitīre, from Latin paenitēre).]

re·pent'er n. = A person whom changes their mind.



(Mat 3:2) And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Mat 4:17) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Mar 6:12 ) And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
(Luk 13:3) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
(Luk 17:3 ) Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
(Act 8:22) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
(Act 17:30) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
(Rev 3:19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
(Rev 3:3) Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Like a child the first time they did wrong the partent thought it was qute but when repeated it became a wrong. So it is with man.
Man in his current state is an enemy of God.
(Jam 4:4) Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Answer 10

we are not slave to what happened in the past it only matters who we are know.