Should we leave things to fate/destiny, or plan things?...?

Leaving things to fate sounds like the philosophy of a vagabond. I believe that our ability to picture our future in detail (planning and mental imagery) are extremely powerful tools. I have taken advantage of the unlimited power of the mind to help me get to where I want to go. Fate often intervenes, but I am flexible and can re-define my goals. I recommend that others do the same - we are not aimlessly wondering in a world of chance unless we choose to be. I was recently in a serious accident and had many fractured bones to deal with (hip, ribs, clavicle, two vertabra). I was lucky to be alive but continued to see myself as being healthy and mobile. I was certain I would recover fully and used my mind to picture myself doing all my favorite things (hiking, bicycling, playing volleyball, swimming, etc.) You could say that destiny interrupted the life I was having, but my recovery has been miraculous: Three months after my accident I am just about ready to throw away the crutches I have been using. I am already peddling my new bicycle to run errands and to get some exercize.

Its true that fate or destiny can sometimes throw a spanner into the workings of the best laid plans but that's no reason to stop planning ahead. Even by deciding not to plan for things and just leave everything to fate and destiny, you've just "planned" to be lead blindly into whatever comes your way, be that a lottery win or a semi-truck.. For sure fate and destiny can lay waste to some plans, or just shove you gently in another direction. I think the best way to deal with fate and destiny is to plan to have a good time, and if and when fate and destiny influence things, recognise it (its not always bad), acknowledge it, decide on how best to move forward toward your goal, and carry on.. But if you don't have some kind of plan, no matter how vague, well you're lost..

The Bhagavad Gita beautifully sums it up: We have to carry on with our duties, i.e efforts and all that; only we have no right to to claim the fruit for that action. The direct effect of what you are implying will lead to inertness.

"The future is not set, there is no fate but what we make for ourselves."

We should plan life but fruit of plan may not be according to our wish.

hope for the best, expect the worst But praying will not quench your thirst

We all have infinite paths we can take. Whatever path we take IS our fate/destiny...it's up to us which one we choose.

I think we should plan to realise that destiny has already happened, and is happening and will happen. And in that plan coming to the surface, a very calm and serene, and even blissful state of mind, no matter the events seemingly happening around us.

Fate doesn't progress so if you want to remain stagnant then don't plan, however if you want to progress then you should plan your every move till you reach your own personal destiny.