On Predictions

Today, from ordinary people to top scientists, mathematicians, business people are interested in predictions (of future events). For example, to predict the share market, a lot of computing power and algorithms are used. Business people wants to predict their sales. Even AI agents are used for predictions of various nature. These are all non religious (secular) class of predictions.

In terms of religion, people want to predict their life based on horoscopes, heavenly bodies (stars, planets, constellations, zodiac signs, comets etc). The God head is attached to these predictions makes even more complicated and easier to fool common people. Many religions make ultimate predictions - end of world - and they cover such predictions in detail ( Eschatology in Abrahamic, Hindu, Zoro-astrian religions )

Now, question is - What is the stand of Lingayat religion on predictions, both religious and secular?

Lingayat Philosophy is against predictions like prophesy, fortune telling, world ending (eschatology), re-birth, re-incarnation. It also tells us to not to worry about past-life or too much about past events.

We need to ask why Lingayat founding fathers (Sarana’s) did not like predictions. What are the reasons?

Let us go case by case.

Lingayat religion essentially a religion that concentrates on present moment in human life. It also explicitly against thinking too much about past or far into future.

It advocates -

Instead of seeking advice on fortune tellers, we should be prepared to face what comes. Even, Akka mahadevi tells to God - “bring me mis-fortune if you had any plan of such thing, don’t wait. I am ready, now” This shows that, we should seek refuge in God, instead of for astrologers. We should not worry about end of world rather live in present and make best use of present moment. Knowledge of past and future has their own utility in real life. However, if we project our minds too much into future which itself is too difficult to comprehend, it is susceptible to exploitation by religious and political leaders. So, we, the ordinary people should work on using the present moment for improving ourself and whole and to serve the God.