Page 167 - Courage Redifined

to other, will also be considered a fool because if the listener
is bound to understand, then his particular state is fixed in
destiny. Why take the efforts to make him understand ? And,
if one is taking the efforts, then destiny will become unless.
The individual and his effort will overpower their destiny.

To conclude, this is a false belief that the universal state of
existence are pre-determined by destiny and it contradicts the
teachings of Lord Mahavira.

“Religious efforts are possible only if supported by destiny
or karmas.” Why is this belief considered false ?

These beliefs are wrong primarily because this formula is not
applied while doing sinful acts in day to day life. No one says
that if it is in my fortune, I will exercise these sins. In this
case, everyone believes that, “I will have to work myself to
acquire the result.” And thus, they run without thinking about
their fortune or karmas. The notion that, “Efforts are possible
only if it is written in destiny,” will also be proved wrong.
Also, there is no specific karma which can lead you towards
the religious acts of penance, compassion, charity or character.
Just as sins are a result of efforts, similarly religion is also a
result of efforts made in that direction. The problem is that
we are not fond of religion or do not feel the need to exercise
religion. Then, why will we direct our energy towards it ?

Lord Mahavira practiced a strict, noble ascetic life. With
whose help is this possible ? Is there any punyakarma which
can enable one to do so ? Any karma which can increase one’s
tolerance levels and help to bear pains and troubles peacefully ?
Any karma which can enable one to do strict penance ? No,
instead one needs to believe that peace, tolerance, restraint
of body and mind is possible if the Mohaniya, Gyanavarniya
and Viryantraya karmas are made weak.
Harmony of the 5 Causes 157