Hindu Article-Value of human effort

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Value of human effort

 

CHENNAI: The concept of "destiny and free will" is baffling as much

to the serious spiritual aspirant as to the staunch non-believer. The

spiritual explanation contained in the text Yoga Vasishta attaches

much importance to the strength of human effort that can overcome

destiny, said Sri R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal in a lecture. Sage

Vasishta, the chief priest of King Dasaratha, instructed Rama when he

was very young, on the transitory nature of the world and about the

unchangeable Reality.

He emphasised that by right thinking and diligent discrimination

cultivated by sincere effort, it is possible to attain salvation. It

is free will that gives an individual a chance to get liberation.

The moral worth of an individual is determined only in holistic

terms, by his deeds, thoughts and words, including one's imagination

and impulse. That which makes him act and behave in a particular

fashion is determined by his karma, the consequences of what has been

accumulated through his actions in previous births.

In each birth an individual accumulates karma, both good and bad.

That which is carried over from previous births is responsible for

his nature that manifests in both good and bad tendencies. One's mind

is the seat of thoughts. One has to depend on good thoughts to help

fight the evil ones. Acquaintance with the Sastras to which an

individual has access, can offer the path to realise God within one's

consciousness.

The first step is to learn about the nature of this world and the

nature of Reality and the purpose of human birth. This knowledge is

Jnana. Desire, anger and delusion are the real enemies that bind one

to this world, hindering one's efforts to realise God.

These should be overcome by using one's intellect and understanding.

The best method is to accept whatever comes without joy or sorrow,

realising that it is because of one's good or bad deeds. More

important is the conviction that this world is not one's true abode.

This effort is neither easy nor a one-time achievement. It needs life

long practice. This is similar to the life-time drugs that are needed

for deep-rooted physical ailments.

Meditation, self-discipline, and association with the wise and the

pious can help in this effort. One has to shake off the shackles of

this world to get liberation.

 

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