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Chapter Foresightedness
Foresight is the next attribute to be considered for leading a religious life. Before undertaking any activity, a foresighted person thinks of its consequences and avoids it, if it is seen as undesirable. Not only does he thus remain foresighted, but he also avoids attachment to any activity. He adopts the motto of Geeta, viz. ‘Karmanyevädhikäraste, mä faleshu kadächan’. (Your duty is to do what is required to be done, not to expect the fruits thereof). It does not mean that his action does not bear fruit; but he need not crave for it.
While religion thus stipulates to undertake every activity, without being concerned about the outcome, most people happen to crave for the benefits thereof. When one undertakes an activity without expectation, it is bound to be wholesome and worthwhile. One old man was sowing a mango seed. Since it takes several years for a mango tree to grow up and bear the mangoes, someone asked him how he expected to survive till then. He replied, 'I have had the mangoes from the trees sowed by others; it is my duty that I sow the seed now so that the future generation can reap the fruits thereof.'
This shows the sense of gratitude for availing the fruits of someone's labor and also the foresight to extend the benefit of own labor to others. Such approach benefits one's family, relatives and
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