JOIN USDestiny is often portrayed as if it is something that is irrevocably linked to a person's karmic inheritance and very difficult to overcome.
This is not true at all. Destiny can actually be successfully overcome through knowledge and devotion. Either of these vehicles are powerful enablers to overcome destiny.
"Wisdom," says Narayani Amma who heads the Shakti Peedam in Vellore, "can win over destiny. Wisdom is knowledge and devotion. When these two are present in a man, it is possible to win over destiny by altering the impact of destiny.
The grace of God has the power to alter destiny. All good actions that one does will do good in his future. With devotion, one can gain the strength and enthusiasm to face all situations.
Have faith in God for it is the greatest power. It is essential that man turns his mind to God, like for health problems we go to a hospital and a doctor.
Develop faith in God and let your mind indulge in prayer. God can give you strength to face hardships and has the power to shape and alter destiny."
It is absolutely vital to understand this deep truth. Karma is often portrayed as something fatalistic. It is important to appreciate the fact that it is not.
The Lord is ever ready to provide a way if only we care to reach out for it. This is why it is said that a wise man goes against his destiny by making effort in self-revelation through devotion.
The Goddess Narayani is also known as the Creator of the universe. She is the manifestation of the five elements including air, water, fire, earth and the sky.
When we witness a grand puja, people are often struck by the way in which priests offer substantial quantities of herbs, fruits, rarified butter, incense and other materials like sandal wood, camphor and pour them into the sacrificial fire.
A lot of us jump to the conclusion that this is a colossal waste of resources.
This is not true. Fire is the purest of all the elements in this specific sense that there is no impurity that it cannot burn. This is why of all fire is the most sacred. It is the ultimate sakshi or witness of whether this be marriage vows or our prayers to the supreme.
Whatever is offered to the sacrificial fire is returned a hundred fold back to the universe and this is why it is essential that these offerings are given in a spirit of devotion and surrender. The Universal Mother experiences joy when she is fed.
Fire transforms the offerings instantaneously into ash. It is then returned by the Divine Mother back to the universe.