Ramana Maharshi - Whatever is destined to happen will happen

Ramana Maharshi : It is true that we are not bound. That is to say, the real Self has no bondage. And it is true that you will eventually return to your Source. But meanwhile, if you commit sins, as you call them, you have to face the consequences. You cannot escape them.

If a man beats you, can you say: ‘I am free. I am not affected by the beating and feel no pain. Let him continue beating’? If you can really feel that, then you can do what you like, but what is the use of just saying in words that you are free? The Ordainer controls the fate of souls in accordance with their prarabdhakarma (destiny to be worked out in this life, resulting from the balance sheet of actions in past lives).

Whatever is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it. This is certain. The best course, therefore, is to remain silent