Some ignorant people say: "Karma does everything. It is
all destiny. If I am destined by my karma to be like this or like that, why
then should I exert? It is my destiny only." This is fatalism. This will
bring inertia, stagnation and misery. This is perfect misunderstanding of the
laws of karma. This is a fallacious argument. An intelligent man will certainly
not put such a question. You have made your own destiny from within by your
thoughts and actions.
You have a free will to choose now. You have freedom in
action. A rogue is not an eternal rogue. Put him in the company of a saint. He
will change in no time. He will think and act now in a different way and will
change his destiny. He will become saintly in character.
Dacoit Ratnagar was
changed into Sage Valmiki by the current of Rishi Narada. Jagai and Madai, two
rogues of the first order, were changed by the current of Nityananda, disciple
of Lord Gouranga. You will have to desire, to think, and act. You can change
karma in any way you like. You can become a yogi or jnani by right desire, by
right thinking and by right action. You can attain the position of Indra or
Brahma by good karma. Man is not a helpless being. He has free will of his own.
Man has power to choose between the alternatives which fate
brings before him. In choosing between them he may either follow his tendencies
produced by his past actions or struggle against them. The will of man is ever
free. The arguments which are advanced by determinists in saying that human
will is determined are not sound and tenable; they fall to the ground.
Dear friends! Man is the master of his destiny. Wake up now
from the deep slumber of ignorance. Never become a fatalist. Think rightly, Act
rightly. Lead a virtuous life. Never hurt the feelings of others. Mould your
character. Purify your mind. Concentrate. Thou art nitya mukta purusha (ever
free spirit). Tat Twam Asi - Thou art That.
- - -
The samskaras (habit-patterns) of virtuous actions are
imbedded in the chitta. They are also indestructible. They are real, valuable
assets for you. They will prevent you from doing wrong actions. They will push
you on to the goal. Selfless works will prepare the ground of antahkarana (the
psyche) for the reception of the seed of jnana. The path of karma yoga
eventually leads to the attainment of infinite bliss of the self.
