Destiny Will Fulfill Itself

Sri Ramana Maharshi

• The Self in its purity is experienced in the intervals between two states or between two thoughts. The ego is like the caterpillar which leaves its hold on a leaf only after it catches another. Its true nature is known when it is out of contact with objects or thoughts. You should realize this interval as the abiding, unchangeable Reality, your true being, through conviction gained by the study of the three states - jagrat (waking), swapna (dream) and sushupti (deep sleep).
• The jnani is the embodiment of all virtues which accrue to him spontaneously. Apparently active, the jnani is not engaged in any act. Apparently inactive, the jnani is really an actor. Having transcended the three states, the jnani abides merely as pure Consciousness, unaffected by the mind. For him turiyateeta is identical with turiya; and the other three states do not exist for him. Since the jnani is not the doer, it is ludicrous to attribute prarabdha karma to him.
• The feeling 'I work' is the hindrance. Ask yourself 'who works?' Remember who you are. Then the work will not bind you; it will go on automatically. Make no effort either to work or to renounce; your effort is the bondage. What is destined to happen will happen. So, leave it to the Higher Power; you cannot renounce or retain as you choose.

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From 'Thus Spake Ramana'