user8305: If our present existence is the result of something we could not control (from a prior life), what hope can we have related to our present situation in this life?

user8157: Our present 'existence' (state of mind) does not have to be related to a prior life. The scriptures explain having such a view results in having no hope & leaves one stuck in inaction. 

When one falls back on what was done in the past as being essential, monks, there is no desire, no effort [at the thought], 'This should be
  done. This shouldn't be done.' When one can't pin down as a truth or
  reality what should & shouldn't be done, one dwells bewildered &
  unprotected. One cannot righteously refer to oneself as a
  contemplative. This was my first righteous refutation of those
  brahmans & contemplatives who hold to such teachings, such views.
Tittha Sutta


8305: <p>If our present existence is the result of something we could not control (from a prior life), what hope can we have related to our present situation in this life?</p>
 8157: <p>Our present 'existence' (state of mind) does not have to be related to a prior life. The scriptures explain having such a view results in having no hope &amp; leaves one stuck in inaction. </p>

<blockquote>
  <p><em>When one falls back on what was done in the past as being essential, monks, there is no desire, no effort [at the thought], 'This should be
  done. This shouldn't be done.' When one can't pin down as a truth or
  reality what should &amp; shouldn't be done, one dwells bewildered &amp;
  unprotected. One cannot righteously refer to oneself as a
  contemplative. This was my first righteous refutation of those
  brahmans &amp; contemplatives who hold to such teachings, such views.</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an03/an03.061.than.html" rel="nofollow">Tittha Sutta</a></p>
</blockquote>
