Of his Karma (actions).
Who has made the bats to hang
From the branches of a tree
With their heads downwards?
Has anyone tied them upside down out of Hatred?
No, it is their fate. Likewise, Nobody can escape from
The Consequences of Karma. (Telugu poem)
The bats will be hanging to the branches of trees with their heads downwards. They move about to darkness only. Their entire life is spent in darkness. Is it anybody’s malice that makes the bats hang heads down from their perches on the branches? No, this is not anybody’s making. It is God’s leela. Similarly, man has to follow his destiny. While experiencing the result of his past karma, it is possible that some changes can occur. Sometimes, the ways of Karmaphala (fruits of action) appear to be rather strange. Once, Lord Vishnu enquired of sage Narada, ‘Narada! How is the world?’
Narada replied:
The stories of the Lord are amazing;
It purifies the lives of people in
All the three worlds.
It is like the sickle that cuts the creepers
Of worldly bondage;
It is like a good friend who helps you
In times of need,
It is like a shelter for the sages and Seers
Doing penance in the forest. (Telugu Poem)
Karmaphala makes the human beings dance to its tunes in several ways. People cry when someone close to them dies. Similarly, they feel happy when a child is born in the family. Is it not a fact that happiness and sorrow are the result of Karmaphala? Is it not true that they are part of divine leelas? Hence, develop the faith that whatever happens is as per the divine will. It is a common practice in the present day world to blame others for all their ills and praise themselves when they are happy. That is not correct. Develop the attitude that everything is God’s gift and whatever happens is for our own good. Happiness and sorrow , losses and gains are like passing clouds! (SSS Vol.39, pp. 220-221)
People may act as they please, but they cannot escape from the consequences of their actions. Whether he is a pamara (simpleton) or a mahaniya (noble soul), he has to face the results of his actions. Let no one be under the illusion that one can commit sin and still go scot-free. Hence, one should enquire before undertaking any activity whether it is good or bad. Wherever you go, the results of your actions will follow you like your shadow. However, it is possible to escape from the consequences of action by the grace of God. God is always by your side saying ‘Tathastu!’. ‘Tathastu!’ (so shall it be!). Man is not taking cognisance of this truth and is indulging in wicked deeds. He knows pretty well what is good and what is bad, yet, he is unable to give up his evil ways. One’s experiences in life, good and bad, depend on his actions.
No one can comprehend the ways of God. They are beyond description. You may think that you can commit a mistake surreptitiously and feel that no one has seen you. But you cannot hide your actions from God. The consequences of your actions will haunt you wherever you go.
One should not be judged by his external appearance. One may look noble and speak in a pleasing manner, but his actions may not be in consonance with his words. We may undertake a number of good activities, yet we cannot escape from the consequences of our past deeds. We have to bear this truth always in mind. (SSS Vol.38, pp. 153-154)