Q: I can understand that the outstanding events in a man's life, such as his country, nationality, family, career or profession, marriage, death, etc., are all predestined by his karma, but can it be that all the details of his life, down to the minutest, have already been determined? Now, for instance, I put this fan that is in my hand down on the floor here. Can it be that it was already decided that on such and such a day, at such and such an hour, I should move the fan like this and put it down here?
Sri Ramana Maharshi : Certainly.
Whatever this body is to do and
whatever experiences it is to pass through
was already decided when it came into existence.
Q: What becomes then of man's freedom and responsibility for his actions?
Sri Ramana Maharshi:
The only freedom man has is to strive for and
acquire the jnana
which will enable him not to identify himself with the body.
The body will go through the actions
rendered inevitable by prarabdha and
a man is free either to identify himself with the body and
be attached to the fruits of its actions,
or to be detached from it and
be a mere witness of its activities.
Q: So free will is a myth?
Sri Ramana Maharshi :
Free will holds the field in association with individuality.
As long as individuality lasts there is free will.
All the scriptures are based on this fact and they advise directing the free will in the right channel.
Find out to whom free will or destiny matters.
Find out where they come from, and abide in their source.
If you do this, both of them are transcended.
That is the only purpose of discussing these questions.
To whom do these questions arise?
Find out and be at peace.
~ From Be as you are book
