Whether one possesses a body or not, liberation does not depend on such distinctions for us; for when the truth of non-dual unity shines forth, it is indivisible and beyond all separations. Therefore, listen attentively now to this teaching, which is a true ornament to the ear. I am about to impart to you a knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance. O delight of the Raghu lineage, know that in this world of endless transmigration, everything is attained only through complete and proper human effort. Just as the moon rises and brings cool delight to the heart, so too, the fruits of endeavor are obtained solely by one’s own effort, and not otherwise. That which is seen directly as the result of one’s own striving is real; what the deluded imagine as fate is nothing and does not exist. Whatever activity of mind and body is guided by the teachings of the wise and by scripture is true effort and bears fruit; all else is the action of the deluded. Whoever desires a particular goal and strives for it step by step, surely attains it; if not, he does not even turn back halfway. By human effort and striving, certain beings have indeed attained the lordship of the three worlds and the splendor of Indra. By human effort, some rare ones, through the blossoming of consciousness, reach the state of Brahma, the seat of the lotus of creation. By the essence of purposeful effort, by his own power, some rare man has attained the highest state of Purushottama, the supreme among men, the banner-bearer Garuda. It is only through personal effort that someone, possessing a body shaped by the play of feminine grace, attains the status of one adorned with the crescent moon. Know that effort is of two kinds: previous and present. The former is quickly overcome by the latter through purposeful action. Even mountains are conquered by those who strive with steadfast practice, wisdom, and enthusiasm; what then of the talk about previous effort? The highest human excellence is that which is guided by scripture-directed effort; for the fulfillment of desired results, it is beneficial, but otherwise it leads to harm. Consider, for instance, that for someone, due to instability of their own self, a single drop of water pressed from the tip of a finger may seem abundant; while for another, even when the earth is adorned with oceans, mountains, cities, and islands, it may not suffice for the proper distribution of duties, and the earth ceases to be earth. Action, according to scripture, is the first step for those who live in the world; it is like radiance among colors, the means for all deeds. Whatever is desired in the mind but not acted upon according to scripture is like the play of the intoxicated—enchanting but not productive of results. As one conceives, so one experiences; one’s own action alone is real, and nothing else, not even fate, is distinct. Human effort is said to be of two kinds: that which is unregulated and that which is guided by scripture. Of these, unregulated effort leads to harm, while effort guided by scripture leads to the highest good. Just as two wrestlers contend, so do the two forms of human effort—one belonging to oneself, the other to another. Among them, the stronger always prevails. Where harm arises even from effort guided by scripture, one should recognize that the harm-doer’s own effort is stronger in that case. Relying on superior effort, one grinds teeth against teeth; by engaging good against evil, one can overcome previous effort with present effort. The thought, “My previous effort compels me,” should be forcibly set aside; it is not greater than direct, present action. One must persistently strive with one’s own effort until previous effort, which is evil, subsides on its own. Without doubt, a fault subsides when present virtues overcome previous faults; yesterday’s fault is destroyed by today’s virtues. Casting aside false notions of fate, one should always strive with a determined mind to establish within oneself the means for crossing over worldly existence and attaining prosperity. One should not pursue equality with men and donkeys through inaction; rather, effort should be made according to scripture for the attainment of both worlds. We must forcefully escape from the cavern of worldly existence, relying on personal effort, like a deer breaking free from a water cage. Each day, a person should examine their own conduct, abandon what is like that of beasts, and adopt what is fitting for noble people. A little enjoyment of pleasant food and drink at home is delicate, but like a worm savoring a wound, one’s youth should not be wasted to ashes. Through noble effort, a noble result is quickly attained; through ignoble effort, ignoble results always follow. “Fate” is nothing at all. Abandoning direct perception for mere inference, one who does not use his own arms, seeing these two snakes, flees. The phrase “fate impels me” is the mark of the foolish; when the best of unseen causes is perceived, fortune departs. Therefore, one should fully rely on discernment through personal effort, and examine scriptures whose meaning is rooted in self-knowledge. When people ponder an objective in their minds, following the scriptures and their own efforts, yet fail to accomplish it, such misguided ones are to be reproached for their ill-conceived aims. Human effort is not boundless, nor is everything one desires attainable; just as, even with great exertion, oil cannot be extracted from a stone. Just as a pot has a fixed size, and a cloth too is limited, so too is the scope of human endeavor always confined within set bounds. The fruit of human effort is indeed produced by proper conduct, association with the wise, and understanding of scripture; this is its nature—otherwise, it leads only to misfortune. Thus, when a person acts in accordance with the true nature of human effort, no one ever becomes fruitless in their striving. Even others who were afflicted by misery, poverty, and sorrow have, through effort and perseverance alone, attained a status equal to that of Indra, king of the gods.