In the assembly of seekers, the sage spoke with clarity and warmth about the nature of effort and destiny. He began by pointing out that even when one follows the guidance of scripture, harm may sometimes arise. In such cases, it is the individual's own effort—stronger than any external guidance—that is responsible for the outcome. With conviction, the sage explained that by relying on superior effort, one can pit strength against strength, good against evil, and thus overcome the influence of previous actions with present resolve. He urged the listeners to set aside the thought, “My previous effort compels me,” for it is not greater than immediate, purposeful action. One must persistently strive with their own effort until the influence of past, harmful actions fades away naturally. There is no doubt, he said, that faults are subdued when present virtues overpower the mistakes of the past; just as yesterday’s errors are erased by today’s noble deeds. Casting aside the illusion of fate, the sage counseled everyone to always strive with determined minds, establishing within themselves the means to transcend worldly existence and attain prosperity. He warned against the folly of equating oneself with beasts through inaction, emphasizing that effort, guided by scripture, is necessary for attaining both worldly and spiritual goals. With vivid imagery, he likened escaping the cavern of worldly existence to a deer breaking free from a water trap, relying solely on its own effort. Each day, he advised, one should examine their conduct, discard what is animal-like, and adopt what is noble and fitting for virtuous people. He cautioned that while the enjoyment of food and drink at home is delicate, one should not waste their youth like a worm savoring a wound, letting it turn to ashes. Through noble effort, noble results are quickly attained; ignoble effort brings ignoble results. Fate, he declared, is nothing at all. He warned against abandoning direct perception for mere inference—those who do not use their own strength, seeing dangers like two snakes, simply flee. The phrase “fate impels me” is a mark of the foolish; when the best of unseen causes is perceived, fortune departs. Therefore, the sage advised, one should rely fully on discernment born of personal effort, and examine scriptures whose meaning is rooted in self-knowledge. If, after pondering a goal with scripture and effort, one fails to achieve it, such misguided individuals are to be reproached for their poorly conceived aims. Human effort is not boundless, nor can every desire be attained; just as oil cannot be extracted from a stone, no matter how great the exertion. He continued, explaining that just as a pot or a cloth has a fixed size, so too is the scope of human endeavor always confined within set bounds. The fruit of effort is produced by proper conduct, association with the wise, and understanding of scripture; otherwise, it leads only to misfortune. When one acts in accordance with the true nature of effort, no one is ever fruitless in their striving. The sage reminded the assembly that even those afflicted by misery, poverty, and sorrow have, through effort and perseverance alone, attained 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 goals are achieved through effort. All that is seen, experienced, heard, and done attests to this truth; those who believe everything arises from fate are ruined and possess poor understanding. He lamented that if there were no laziness, what misfortune would remain in the world? Who would not be wealthy or learned? It is because of laziness that the earth, bounded by oceans, is filled with human beasts and the destitute. When childhood passes and the mind is no longer absorbed in play, from the onset of youth, one should, through effort and noble company, cultivate discernment about the true nature of things, reflecting on their virtues and faults. As the sage concluded his discourse, the day drew to its evening close. The sun set, and the assembly, offering their salutations, went to bathe as dusk arrived and the sun’s rays faded. Continuing his teaching, the sage declared that only human effort exists before destiny; all else should be abandoned. By the force of good company and true scriptures, one should uplift their life. The greater the effort, the swifter the result; thus, only human effort exists—let destiny be nothing more than a word. He explained that, just as one cries “Alas, how painful!” in times of suffering, so too, the word “destiny” is merely another way of saying “alas!” Apart from the form created by one’s own past actions, there is no destiny; like a child facing a strong man, it can be overcome. Just as yesterday’s bad conduct quickly becomes good through virtuous behavior, so too, past misdeeds are transformed. Those who strive for victory without clinging to even a trace of gain are deluded, ordinary, and pitiable, remaining devoted to fate. When an action performed by effort is destroyed by fate, it is the effort of the destroyer that is more powerful. Even among two fruits on a single stalk, if one has an empty cavity, the effort and awareness of the essence differ accordingly. When perfected worldly phenomena are destroyed, the great power of the effort causing that destruction should be recognized. When a beggar is forcibly made king by auspicious means, it is the great result of the combined effort of ministers, elephants, and citizens. Just as food is seized and crushed by the teeth through effort, so too is a little effort overcome and crushed by a hero. The great who are diligent in effort experience such ease that they employ actions as they wish, as if they were mere clods of earth. Whatever effort of the capable is seen or unseen is called “fate” by the incapable, who lack discernment within themselves. The powerful effort of beings is regarded as fate; this is clearly seen even among those established as rulers. The natural discernment of ministers, elephants, and citizens, which is not subject to doubt, is what governs and sustains the state of a kingdom of beggars. Thus, the sage’s words flowed through the assembly, impressing upon all the supreme importance of personal effort, discernment, and virtuous company, while dispelling the illusion of fate and urging everyone to strive nobly for the highest goals.