It seems to me like Desmond's behavior in "steering" people towards actions consistent with his flashes / visions is similar to what Ms. Hawking and the monk did to him. They both seemingly interjected themselves into Desmond's life to ensure that he acted accordingly to what they needed. Now, Desmond is doing the same thing with folks on the island. It also makes Ms. Hawking appear hypocritical to her course correction comments back in FBYE. If the universe course corrects itself, why intervene in people's lives when the outcome is set anyway. I understand why Desmond is doing it (he's "new" to the flashes and can't just let Charlie die if he can prevent it, plus now his vested interest in potentially reuniting with Penny), but don't know about Ms. Hawking yet. If she's an old pro with this concept, why have they been steering Desmond ultimately towards the island for years? I guess I'm not sold yet on this whole course correction thing.

I think its actually the opposite. Desmond NEEDS to be like Mrs. Hawking for the cycle of death visions to stop, and to do that he needs to stop mucking about with the universe and follow his own path.

Desmond has always tried to escape his path. The monastary, the army, the boat race, the hatch button, were all Desmond's escapes in life. He never followed his path as he should have done. Now he has another seemingly heroic calling in saving Charlie. But he's making the same mistakes that he did in the past so the visions are happening over and over again. There are times for heroism, but Charlie isn't supposed to die like the man in the red shows. Regardless, Desmond has to act like the ring lady and take that leap of faith, following his own path instead and then the cycle will stop.

And the picture the monk had on his desk was of him and mrs hawkings!! It does make you wonder if these people have the same gift as Desmond, or if they are some other higher beings!!