what is luck ?

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[strider]

Hello, my name is Ergun and I’m from Turkey.

I have a question that I wanted to share with you. Maybe you could help me to overcome by your contributions. Here it is;

How do you define luck? Is it something that is inherent in the universe or do we create it by ourselves ? If it is so, what are the circumstances that determine the luck of a person as another’ s unluck ? As a last one, what is the difference between luck and coincidence ?

I appreciate for all the thoughts and opinions from now. Thank you very much

[Veers]

Interesting question...not sure why you brought it to an aikido forum as your first post...but I'll take a whack at it...

First, I would define luck as another word for chance. If you are lucky at the cassino, chance is on your side, so to speak.

Second, I would say that we do not create it. If we do anything to change the odds (wear a life jacket while boating, for example), then it is no longer mere luck if we live if the boat sinks.

Third...hmm, let's say I and someone else get a raise at my job, but in the process, a third individual gets laid off. I would not call that bad or good luck from either side... because I would not consider it chance. Something that I and the other person who got a raise must have been pleasing to those who write the paychecks, for there is no other reason to get a raise. Also, there's a good chance that the third guy displeased the bosses.

Fourth, I think culture defines luck and coincidence as nearly the same, but I would say that whereas luck is considered good, coincidence can be considered either good or bad.

Hope that made sense...if you can't tell, I don't believe there is such a thing as luck...

[strider]

Well, i think i should draw a detailed picture of the subject.

First of all, at the begining I am interested in aikido not because of its figthing, self-defence or attacking technique dimensions but rather for its mental and philosophical part.

Second, I believe that there is a flow in this universe and we should not resist but go with it. So all I am trying to do is being a part of it.

When it comes to "luck" question I don't believe that it exist (as it is referred ). Because it is only a part of this flow in the universe and good things come to people who are waiting for that in my opinion.

As a result if we consider the term in this sense it is something like encoding the universe ;) As you could guess I don't believe the lotary or chance games and etc. Also if i am right and if there is some code like that in the universe they can not exist much longer !..

Further more being precautious or working hard may be a step for adapting to universe. They may attain a "pay rise" or to survive for "rafting" in our daily life. And I agree that those can not be luck.

Anyway i am a little bit confused so i wanted to share your opinions. Thanks again.