Do humans have free will?

According to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, human life is a blend of both free will and destiny. He explains that while some aspects of our lives are predetermined, like our height or certain life events, we also possess the freedom to make choices and influence our paths. This is akin to having a leash that allows a certain degree of movement; within that range, we can exercise our freedom, but beyond it, things may be fixed.

Gurudev uses the analogy of rain to illustrate this concept: while the occurrence of rain might be destined, whether we choose to get wet or stay dry by using an umbrella is up to us. This highlights that while we can't control everything, we do have the power to make decisions that affect our experiences and outcomes.

He further emphasizes that human beings are endowed with intelligence and discretion, which allows us to distinguish between right and wrong and to make choices that align with our values and desires. This ability to choose and act is what makes human life unique and suited for spiritual growth and liberation. Thus, while destiny plays a role, our free will and actions are significant in shaping our lives.