Inquiries into the Absolute: Digest 80

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Digest 80, January 28th, 2004

Answers by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja

*** You are welcome to send in your questions to HH Romapada Swami at

iskcon_dc with the word "Question" in the subject. The previous

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Free-will, humility and duty

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Q 1)

 

If a person is addicted to drinking alcohol, for example, this is a

result of an individual's past choices of association and action.

With such an understanding, it seems that we are the doer, at least

in terms of the choice being our doing. One might argue that it is

ego to think that way.

 

I understand that each of our endeavors must have the blessing of the

Great One to make it happen.

 

So, good or bad is it ok to say/understand that we do have a small

part to play - making that choice?

 

Or are we saying that when good things happen be humble and don't

get attached to results, but when there is suffering then understand

it was our choice?

 

 

Ans 1)

 

Of the two options you have offered within your question, the former

understanding is correct and complete.

 

The second understanding is correct but incomplete.

 

Correction:

We should be humble in all circumstances of life. Humility is affective,

ie. an emotion, but also objective, ie. an understanding of self based

upon clear, specific and certain knowledge of Reality.

 

Bhagavad-gita indicates that we choose (due to our minute free will),

and that there are outcomes for our choices, which we do not independently

determine or create. All endeavors, following a free will choice

which we make, are fully dependent in their outcome upon the Will or

Sanction of the Supreme (NOTE: this is an objective cause for humility!)

We are entitled to our minute free will, and in turn to endeavor

accordingly, but we are not entitled to claim ownership or enjoyership

over the results of our endeavors. (See BG 2.47) This is true whether the

present circumstances of our life, which represent the combined fruit

of our past activities, are good or bad.

 

Q 2)

How do we know what is our nature/duty? In modern times we do not do

the duties of the sect we are born into. Plus if we are not from India

we won't know if we are a brahman, kshatriya, etc. So how does one

know what is his/her duty? For example I am a family person. Is my

duty to take care of my family members' needs both admin and monetary

needs? Do I also need to think of my duty towards my parents, my

-in-laws? To me defining one's duty is a complex issue. Once defined

then we can keep doing it or at least try to.

 

Ans 2)

As you have stated, defining what is duty is a complex issue, this is

true. Still, there are principles to apply in determining duty.

 

First, duty is detemined by Quality and Work, not by birth. See BG 4.13.

 

Second, duties are to be determined both by assessing one's varna and

ashram, not just one of them. A grhastha's earning a livelihood by

honest labor via some profession is their duty, for example, but is

NOT to be taken up by a sannyasi. This is an ashram principle. In the

varna dept, another obvious example of improper understanding of duty

was found in Arjuna's willingness to give up his duty as a ksatriya

and to become a mendicant living on charity instead. This is an example

of duty being varna-related, not just ashram-related.

 

Third, one can evaluate one's own qualities to a certain degree, to

see what position one generally falls within (see BG 18.42-45). However,

scriptures ALWAYS indicate that one should take indication as to what

one's nature is and to understand one's corresponding duties by receiving

instructions & training from a bonafide spiritual master. Training in

performing religious duties in life is essential. Otherwise one will be

speculating too much and not receiving knowledge in disciplic succession.

 

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----- Festivals over the next week ------

Jan 28 2004, Wednesday Appearance Sri Advaita Acarya (Fast)

(Fasting till noon)

Jan 29 2004, Thursday Bhismastami

Jan 30 2004, Friday Disappearance Sri Madhvacarya

Jan 31 2004, Saturday Disappearance Sri Ramanujacarya

Feb 01 2004, Sunday Ekadasi Bhaimi (Break fast 07:14-10:39) (Fast)

Feb 02 2004, Monday Appearance Varaha Dvadasi: of Lord Varahadeva

(The fast is observed till noon on the Ekadasi.)

(Feasting is done today.)

Feb 03 2004, Tuesday Appearance Nityananda Trayodasi: of Sri Nityananda

Prabhu (Fast)

(Fasting till noon)

 

*** NOTE: All times are for Washington D.C, USA, EST ***

For festival information for your city please go to http://www.iskcondc.org and

click on 'Calendar'

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