There is no Free Will
I was inspired to write this poem (छंदबद्ध कविता) after listening to the podcast of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti and Sufiyan Alam on the topic “Do we have a free will?”
The poem is structured in multiple sections with different मात्रा (metre) patterns. The first section uses 16 मात्राएँ, the second 14, and later the structure shifts between 12–14–12. Each change in metre represents a shift in perspective, moving from observation to introspection and then to philosophical conclusion.
At its core, the poem questions a belief most of us carry naturally: that our thoughts, decisions, and creations are purely our own. The poem suggests that what we call choice might actually be the result of countless influences — experiences, conditioning, knowledge, and guidance accumulated over time.
The Binding of Light and Outcome
रवि को बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
छवि को बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
मैं भी विवश हुआ लिखने को
कवि को बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
In these opening lines, “रवि” (the sun) is used symbolically. It does not only represent the physical sun but also a source of enlightenment or influence — knowledge, inspiration, or an external stimulus that illuminates the mind.
The word “छवि” is not merely a shadow here. Instead, it represents the result or manifestation produced by that illumination. Just as the shape and direction of a shadow depend on the position of light, the outcome of human expression depends on the source that illuminates the mind.
The poet then reflects on his own act of writing. Even the poet himself feels compelled to write, suggesting that creativity may not arise from pure personal freedom. Instead, something external — ideas, experiences, influences — quietly shapes the poet’s thoughts and pushes the pen forward.
An artist often believes that their art emerges purely from personal will. Yet, in reality, inspiration rarely appears from a vacuum. Something seen, heard, remembered, or experienced triggers it. Even when the artist believes the outcome is under their control, it is still deeply influenced by the knowledge and experiences already stored within them.
Conditioning of the Mind
जो बोध हुआ बचपन में
अवरोध हुआ जब तन में
संशोध हुआ जीवन में
इक दोष हुआ उस मन में
This section explores how conditioning begins early in life.
What we learn in childhood — the lessons taught by parents, teachers, and society — forms the foundation of our thinking. Along the way, we experience restrictions and guidance: sometimes we are stopped, sometimes encouraged, sometimes rewarded, and sometimes punished.
Over time, we modify ourselves according to these responses. These adjustments appear to be our personal growth or correction. However, the poem suggests that even these corrections are responses to external influence rather than purely self-originated decisions.
The phrase “इक दोष हुआ उस मन में” does not imply a moral flaw but rather a mark of influence. The mind carries impressions left by experiences. Actions emerging from such impressions cannot be entirely called self-created; they are shaped by accumulated conditioning.
The Long Shadow of Past Moments
क्षण भेदन करके वो
लाँघ गए कुछ ऐसे
These lines point toward the unconscious influence of past moments.
Every decision, habit, and preference we hold today may be connected to experiences that occurred long ago. These influences quietly pass through time, crossing countless moments before appearing as a present thought or decision.
When someone spends years observing, learning, or reflecting before arriving at a conclusion, we often perceive them as possessing extraordinary insight — almost like an oracle. But what we witness is actually the slow accumulation of countless past influences shaping their judgment.
छवि को बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
कवि को बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
The Influence of Authority and Society
जो पंच सभा में बैठे
जो संत सभा में बैठे
उपदेश दिशा दिखलाकर
इक सृजन अंत कर बैठे
In society, individuals in positions of authority — elders, leaders, scholars, or spiritual figures — often guide public thinking.
Their advice, teachings, criticism, or approval can redirect the thoughts of others. Sometimes such guidance nurtures creativity; at other times it unintentionally suppresses it.
The poem suggests that when influential voices express strong opinions, they can subtly shape what others choose to create or avoid creating. In certain situations, their direction may even bring a creative process to an end.
However, this influence is not necessarily malicious. Often, these figures simply provide direction based on their own beliefs and experiences, unintentionally steering the minds of others.
The Poet Bound to Creation
मन मेरा रचना से
बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
These lines reveal a paradox. While external influences shape the mind, they also bind the poet to the act of creation itself.
The same forces that limit freedom also produce creativity. Inspiration, conditioning, and influence may restrict pure free will, but they also give rise to the urge to create.
छवि को बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
कवि को बाँध गए कुछ ऐसे
Just as light determines the form of a shadow, the countless influences surrounding a person determine the direction of their thoughts and expressions. What we call free will may therefore be less independent than it appears — a delicate interplay between past experiences, knowledge, and the voices that shape our thinking.
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