________________
PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
can remain quiet even for a second. No one can become a fatalist. There is an urge or stimulus from within to work. That is the reason why the Gita says: "Nor can anyone even for an instant remain actionless; for helplessly is everyone driven to action by the qualities born of nature ” The theory of Prarabdha cannot make anyone a fatalist For a Bhakta it is all Prarabdha only, for he is a man of self-surrender. He has to glorify the power of the Lord For a Vedantin it is all Purushartha only, for he is a man of selfreliance He has to glorify the power of his own strong will (Atma Bala). Both are correct from their own view-points.
Prarabdha is only Purushartha of previous births. God and Purushartha are synonymous terms They are two names for one thing. Trial or luck, Purushartha or Prarabdha, free will or necessity--all these are synonymous terms If a man succeeds in his attempt he calls it Purushartha He says: “I really exerted much I have succeeded ” If he fails the same man says: "What can I do, my friend? It is all Prarabdha Without Him nothing can be done Without God not an atom can move, no leaf can wave in the air” In the Mahabharata you will find that exertion and Prarabdha combined bring about fruits If you are ailing, you must do Purushartha You must take medicine. You should leave the results to Prarabdha. Throughout the Yoga Vasishtha, Sri Vasishthaji
224