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Yoga Vashishtha 2.8.1–8
(Fate is a misconception born of ignorance)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
नाकृतिर्न च कर्माणि न स्पन्दो न पराक्रमः ।
तन्मिथ्याज्ञानवद्रूढं दैवं नाम किमुच्यते ॥ १ ॥
स्वकर्मफलसंप्राप्ताविदमित्थमितीति याः ।
गिरस्ता दैवनाम्नैताः प्रसिद्धिं समुपागताः ॥ २ ॥
तत्रैव मूढमतिभिर्दैवमस्तीति निश्चयः।
आत्तो दुरवबोधेन रज्ज्वामिव भुजंगमः ॥ ३ ॥
ह्यस्तनी दुष्क्रियाभ्येति शोभां सत्क्रियया यथा ।
अद्यैवं प्राक्तनी तस्माद्यत्नात्सत्कार्यवान्भवेत् ॥ ४ ॥
मूढानुमानसंसिद्धं दैवं यस्यास्ति दुर्मतेः ।
दैवाद्दाहोऽस्ति नैवेति गन्तव्यं तेन पावके ॥ ५ ॥
दैवमेवेह चेत्कर्तुं पुंसः किमिव चेष्टया।
स्नानदानासनोच्चारान्दैवमेव करिष्यति ॥ ६ ॥
किंवा शास्त्रोपदेशेन मूकोऽयं पुरुषः किल ।
संचार्यते तु दैवेन किं कस्येहोपदिश्यते ॥ ७ ॥
न च निस्पन्दता लोके दृष्टेह शवतां विना ।
स्पन्दाच्च फलसंप्राप्तिस्तस्माद्दैवं निरर्थकम् ॥ ८ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.8.1: There is no form, no actions, no movement, no prowess; what is called "fate" is merely a misconception rooted in ignorance.
2.8.2: The words spoken about the results of one’s actions, such as "this happened because of that," are popularly known as "fate."
2.8.3: In that context, the ignorant firmly believe in the existence of fate, like mistaking a rope for a snake due to misunderstanding.
2.8.4: As yesterday’s misdeeds lead to suffering, good actions bring prosperity; therefore, one should strive to perform virtuous actions today.
2.8.5: For the fool who believes in fate established by flawed reasoning, thinking there’s no harm from fate, let him walk into fire.
2.8.6: If fate alone is the doer here, what need is there for human effort? Fate itself would perform bathing, charity, sitting, or speaking.
2.8.7: Or, if a person is mute and driven by fate, what use is scriptural teaching? Why instruct anyone if fate controls all?
2.8.8: In this world, nothing is seen to be motionless except a corpse; action yields results, so the concept of fate is meaningless.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.8.1 to 2.8.8, spoken by Sage Vasishta, systematically dismantle the notion of "fate" as an independent force governing human life. The teachings emphasize that fate is a misconception born of ignorance, akin to mistaking a rope for a snake. Vasishta argues that what people call fate is merely a label for the outcomes of their own actions, misunderstood as an external force. This perspective challenges the deterministic view that attributes life’s events to an uncontrollable destiny, urging individuals to recognize the power of their actions instead.
The first two verses establish that fate lacks any tangible form, substance, or agency. It is not a distinct entity with attributes like form or action but rather a term used to describe the consequences of one’s deeds. People often attribute events to fate when they fail to see the direct link between their actions and their results. This misattribution, Vasishta explains, stems from a lack of understanding, which leads to the erroneous belief that an external force dictates life’s outcomes.
In verses three and four, Vasishta critiques the folly of clinging to the idea of fate, comparing it to a delusion that clouds judgment. He stresses the importance of personal effort and virtuous actions, noting that just as past misdeeds lead to suffering, good actions pave the way for positive outcomes. This cause-and-effect relationship underscores the text’s advocacy for self-responsibility, encouraging individuals to act wisely in the present to shape a favorable future rather than passively relying on fate.
Verses five through seven further debunk the concept of fate by highlighting its absurdity in practical terms. Vasishta uses sharp reasoning to illustrate that if fate were the sole driver, human effort—such as performing rituals, giving charity, or even basic communication—would be unnecessary. He challenges the fatalistic mindset by questioning the purpose of teachings or effort if everything is predetermined, exposing the inconsistency of relying on fate while still engaging in purposeful actions.
The final verse seals the argument by asserting that action, not fate, drives results in the world. Vasishta points out that only a lifeless corpse is devoid of action, implying that all living beings are defined by their capacity to act and achieve outcomes through effort. By declaring fate meaningless, these verses advocate for a proactive approach to life, rooted in Self-Awareness and purposeful action, aligning with the broader teachings of Yoga Vasishta that emphasize self-effort and Wisdom as the means to Realization.
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