Listen closely to the wisdom of the ancient sages, as they speak of the power and limits of human effort. They reveal that it is only through personal striving that one, even if born into a body shaped by the play of feminine grace, can rise to a state as exalted as one adorned with the crescent moon. Effort, they say, is of two kinds: what has come before and what is undertaken now. Yet, the present effort, when purposeful, quickly overcomes the prior, for steadfast action is mightier than what has already passed. Those who persevere with wisdom and enthusiasm, practicing diligently, can even consume mountains in their path. What, then, is the weight of past effort compared to the strength of present resolve? The highest human excellence is found when one's actions are guided by the teachings of scripture. Such effort brings about the fulfillment of desires, but if misdirected, it can lead to harm. Consider, too, the instability of the self: for one person, a single drop of water pressed from a fingertip may seem abundant; for another, even the vast earth, adorned with oceans, mountains, cities, and islands, may not suffice for their responsibilities. In such cases, the very nature of the earth is lost. For those living in the world, action as prescribed by scripture is the first and most radiant step, the means by which all deeds are accomplished. If a desire arises in the mind but is not acted upon in accordance with scripture, it is as fruitless as the play of the intoxicated—enchanting, yet yielding no true result. As one conceives, so one experiences: it is one's own actions that are real; fate is not something apart. Human effort, too, is of two kinds: that which is unregulated and that which is guided by scripture. Unregulated effort leads to harm, while effort aligned with scripture brings the highest good. Like two wrestlers contending, so do the two forms of effort—one’s own and another’s—struggle against each other, and the stronger always prevails. If harm arises even from effort guided by scripture, it is because the opposing force of someone’s own effort is stronger in that case. By relying on superior effort, one can pit good against evil and overcome the past with present action. The thought, “My previous effort compels me,” must be cast aside, for it is not greater than what one does now. Persistent striving is necessary until the lingering effects of past, unwholesome effort subside. Indeed, faults of the past are erased by the virtues of today, just as yesterday’s errors are destroyed by today’s goodness. Abandoning the illusion of fate, one should always strive with determination to establish the means for crossing over worldly existence and attaining prosperity. One should not fall into inaction, equating oneself with men and donkeys, but should strive according to scripture for the attainment of both this world and the next. Like a deer breaking free from a water trap, we must forcefully escape the cavern of worldly existence by relying on our own effort. Each day, a person should examine their own conduct, letting go of what is base and adopting what is noble. The fleeting delights of food and drink at home are delicate, but one’s youth should not be wasted, like a worm savoring a wound, to be reduced to ashes. Noble effort brings noble results swiftly; ignoble effort always leads to ignoble ends. Fate, in truth, is nothing at all. If one, abandoning direct perception for mere inference, fails to use their own strength when faced with danger, it is like fleeing at the sight of two snakes. To say “fate impels me” is the mark of the foolish; when the best of unseen causes is recognized, fortune departs. Therefore, one should rely on discernment born of personal effort, and study scriptures rooted in self-knowledge. If people, following scripture and their own effort, still fail to achieve their aims, it is because their intentions were misguided and deserve reproach. Human effort is not without bounds, nor is everything attainable—just as oil cannot be pressed from a stone, no matter how hard one tries. Just as a pot or a cloth has a fixed size, so too is human endeavor always confined within set limits. The fruits of human effort are produced by proper conduct, association with the wise, and understanding of scripture; otherwise, misfortune follows. When a person acts in accordance with the true nature of effort, their striving never goes unrewarded. Even those afflicted by misery, poverty, and sorrow have, through effort and perseverance alone, risen to a status equal to Indra, king of the gods. From childhood, by cultivating virtues such as study of scripture and association with the wise, one’s own goals are achieved through effort. All that is seen, experienced, heard, and done attests to this truth: those who think everything arises from fate alone are ruined and lack true understanding. If there were no laziness, what misfortune would remain in the world? Who would not be wealthy or learned? But because of laziness, the earth is filled with human beasts and the destitute. When childhood has passed and the mind is no longer absorbed in play, from the beginning of youth, one should, through effort and noble company, cultivate discernment about the true nature of things and reflect on one’s own virtues and faults. When the sage had finished speaking, the day drew to its close, and the sun set. The assembly, offering their salutations, went to bathe as dusk arrived and the rays of the sun faded. Therefore, only human effort exists before what is called destiny; all else should be set aside. By the power of good company and true scriptures, one should uplift one’s life. The greater the effort, the swifter the result; thus, let destiny be nothing more than a word for you. Just as, in times of suffering, one cries out, “Alas, how painful!” so too, the word “destiny” is merely another way of expressing helplessness. Apart from the forms created by one’s own past actions, there is no such thing as destiny; like a child facing a strong man, it can be overcome here and now. As bad conduct from yesterday becomes good today through virtuous behavior, so too are past misdeeds transformed by present effort. Such is the teaching of the sages: effort, guided by wisdom and scripture, is the true path to fulfillment and liberation.