Is There Any Free Will?

Sri Ramana Maharshi

3-1--1946 Afternoon

Mrs. Desai quoting the Bhagavad Gita asked B, "If (as Arjuna was told) there is a certain work destined to be done by each and we shall eventually however much we do not wish to do it or refuse to do it, is there any free will?"

B said, "It is true that the work meant to be done by us will be done by us. But it is open to us to be free from the joys or pains, pleasant or unpleasant consequences of the work, by not identifying ourselves with the body or that which does the work. If you realize your true nature and know that it is not you that does any work, you will be unaffected by the consequences of whatever work the body may be engaged in according to destiny or past karma or divine plan, however you may call it. You are always free and there is no limitation of that freedom."