The next hymn is composed by a Vanara by name Taruna-
Hanumādagnayā yachha bhāvi tatbhavati dhṛvam
Yada bhāvi na tatbhāvi vṛdhā dehaparisramaha.
Meaning- If Hanuman ordains that an event should materialize, it will inevitably materialize! If Hanuman wills that an event should not happen, it can never materialize! Nothing can change this. This being so, all these physical exertions and efforts that we consider essential and obligatory may be actually unnecessary.
Vanara Taruna says that it is only Hanuman’s will that gets executed at all times! When this is the reality, what is the logic in worrying about physical efforts, which in reality are useless? Instead one should wisely spend his time contemplating upon that which is truly useful.
Only when experience (anubhava) acquired by the person has reached its zenith, can a hymn of such essence be composed! Only he, who due to his ripened, complete experience has surrendered all his actions to the Lord, can praise the Lord in this manner! In its absence, it is impossible.
Our destiny is pre-ordained. It has already been inscribed upon one’s forehead by Lord Brahma. It has all been computerized a very long period before. Even the smallest event that takes place during a day has been pre-destined. Events materialize exactly per Lord’s will!
Very similar to the individual destiny is the destiny of this entire universe. Every event and movement pertaining to this universe is pre-destined. Every action in this world takes place totally in conformity to this. Destiny creates false impression that it accommodates alterations when in reality it cannot be altered even by a minute fraction.
It is said that unless ordained by Lord Shiva, even an ant cannot bite a person. However, if ordained by the Lord, just an ant bite can prove fatal to the person! Without Shiva’s command, even an ant cannot move!
Observe this creation. Who provides food to the frog that is hidden deep amidst huge rocks? Frogs in certain areas burrow deep into the ground and hibernate for six months. Which force ensures their survival during this period when they do not consume any food? Isn’t this strange? The same is the case with the white polar bears. They hide deep within the caves which are enveloped with snow and live there for a year without any food.
While we agree that everything moves per the Lord’s will, it is also true that many scriptures stress upon the need for personal efforts in order to see success. Both statements appear contradictory.
Isn’t it true that nothing can be achieved in the absence of one’s own efforts? If someone were to predict that you would receive the Supreme Lord’s blessings in a couple of days, then would you not simply sit waiting for the stipulated date and time? Is it correct? Shouldn’t you put in the required efforts during that time?
Suppose any Guru were to foretell to his devotee that in seven years he would taste spiritual success, then during this period of seven years, this devotee will commit the worst mental sins, that were otherwise unimaginable. He will thus misuse his time. How can he achieve any success within seven years? Forget seven years, even after seven births such a person will not taste success.
In case the Guru predicts success at the end of seven years, it implies that the disciple’s stringent efforts during this period will yield positive results at end of seven years. Here it is an indication to increase his efforts. The disciple should think – “after I achieve accomplishment, I may not have the time for completing my sadhana. Hence let me try to complete as much as I can before I reach that state”. With such planning, he should in fact accelerate his efforts. With such multifold efforts, the results will be extra-ordinary.
The hymn states that every incident happens only on account of God’s will. The scriptures state that without personal efforts nothing can be achieved. Both these appear contradictory. How can any reconciliation be brought out between the two theories?
Here, it should be understood that without God’s command, the person would not even be inclined towards putting in his personal efforts. In the example given above, the disciple will not get the inclination to accelerate his spiritual disciplines unless and until this has been ordained by the Supreme Lord. It should be interpreted that the personal efforts being put are also entirely due to God’s grace upon him.
Om Namo Hanumate Namah
