Long before Newton, our Rishis discovered that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. We do an action; we get the result – a few seconds later, some minutes later, hours or even years later – depending on the seed and the fruit. For instance, a bean seed sprouts in a few days, whereas a mango seed takes a few years. Each action gives its result according to the precise laws of the universe, but the result always comes – in the future. This is the Law of Karma.

When the reaction is relatively immediate, the law of cause and effect is clearly evident and comprehensible. But sometimes, the result can be delayed even to another life. In this case, the chain of causation is hidden from us.

The time taken for a result to fructify depends on the nature of the action, the laws of Nature and the result. The theory of karma operates according to the law of action/reaction. There can be no effect or result without a cause, no fruit without a seed, and, therefore, everything happens as a consequence of past actions.

This brings us to the two most misunderstood words – fate and destiny – that are often used interchangeably. Most people believe that destiny and fate are predetermined, implying that we have no choice in the matter. We must accept and live through situations, experiences, joys and sorrows that come to us unasked, and often, undeserved, without any effort on our part.

Understand that this birth is not an accident and destiny is not a God-bidden command. In this world, nothing happens without a reason. The law of nature is, ‘As you sow, so shall you reap.’ Past actions and desires are the seeds we harvest in the form of our present life – the period of history we find ourselves in, the family we are born into, the environment in which we live. We have chosen this particular project, this life, ourselves.

When we embark on any mission, we consider the objective to be achieved, draw up a detailed blueprint and execute it accordingly. Likewise, we take birth according to what we previously had chalked out. We may regret it – but are now left with no option since this was the choice, we exercised earlier.

Based on our desires, we chose our parents. We may try to change them, and distance ourselves from them, yet we have their genes and are stuck with them! It is our destiny. But who created this destiny? It was shaped by our own past actions. Therefore, since past actions created our present destiny, actions in the present will determine the future. We cannot escape the consequences of our past actions, not just in the recent past, but also in the distant past beyond memory.

Years ago, as a teenager, in the age of cassette players, you taped rock music or heavy metal on a cassette. Now, as a senior citizen, your tastes became refined, and you became spiritual. Will the same cassette play bhajans? No, again you will have to re-tape the bhajans you now wish to hear.

Re-taping is your self-effort; re-playing is your destiny!