Miscellaneous - Religion   

Influence of fate

CHENNAI : The trials and tribulations that a human being faces in his life are determined by his destiny. It is difficult for one who is in total control of life situations to even accept fate for an intelligent person will try to thwart destiny by his intellect. But more often than not it can be seen that even the most sagacious person commits mistakes that he would not normally do when he comes under the sway of fate. The potency of destiny is such that however much advice is offered, the sane counsel will fall on deaf ears when his fate is sealed. That Ravana was headed for doom can be seen from the fact that he did not heed Maricha's advice not to abduct Sita.

In his discourse, Nagai Sri Mukundan said the banishment of the Pandavas to the forest after Yudhishthira lost everything in the game of dice proved that a man's intellect was influenced by his fate. Human intellect is often compared to a horse and the two reins to his Karma acquired by his good and bad deeds, which he has to enjoy in this life. When he is destined to reap the result of his sins his Karma influences his mind and makes him act accordingly. Duryodana, who was burning with jealousy after seeing the prosperity of the Pandavas firsthand when Yudhishthira performed the Rajasuya sacrifice, hatched a plan with the advice of his uncle Sakuni to usurp their wealth by inviting Yudhishthira for a game of dice.

The invitation was sent through Vidura who went much against his wish. His unhappy countenance gave him away and Yudhishthira understood immediately that the invitation he had brought was not as innocuous as it sounded. Vidura expressed his reservation but Yudhishthira, the personification of Dharma, said he would not disobey the commands of his elders and that the propriety of a ruler demanded that he accept the invitation when asked to play the game. He said helplessly, "What can I do? All that happens in this world has been ordained by the creator. What can we do when Fate has already planned the way in which events must take place." Destiny prevailed without doubt for Yudhishthira played the game of dice even though he knew it would lead to ruin.

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