"In this world whatever is gained is gained only by self-effort; where failure is encountered it is seen that there has been slackness in the effort. This is obvious; but what is called fate is fictitious and is not seen.
Self-effort, Rama, is that mental, verbal and physical action which is in accordance with the instructions of holy person well versed in the scriptures. It is only by such effort that Indra became king of heaven, that Brahma became the creator, and the other deities earned their place.
Self effort is of two categories: that of past births and that of this birth. The latter effectively counteracts the former. Fate is none other then self effort of a past incarnation. There is constant conflict between these two in this incarnation; and that which is more powerful triumphs.
Self-effort which is not in accord with the scriptures is motivated by delusion. When there is obstruction in the fruition of self-effort one should examine it to see if there is such deluded action, and if there is it should be immediately corrected . There is no power greater then right action in the present. Hence one should take recourse to self-effort; grinding ones teeth, and one should overcome evil by good and fate by present effort.
The lazy man is worse then a donkey. One should never yield to laziness but strive to attain liberation, seeing that life is ebbing away every moment. One should not revel in the filth known as sense pleasures as a worm revels in pus.
One who says "Fate is directing me to do this" is brainless, and the goddess of fortune abandons him. Hence by self effort acquire wisdom and then realise that self-effort is not without its own end, in the direct realisation of truth."
No comments:
Post a Comment