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Is it not true that a man can rise or fall only as a result of his own
Karma and that the Karmas of others can have no effect on him? Are not the
circumstances that a person meets with earned by his own actions? Can a person take
initiative and change the circumstances of himself as well as of others?

Surely one can take the initiative. He can do good to himself and to others. He can
determine the circumstances and environments. Just see how much one can do for others, how
much one can really assist them in the relative plane. One can impart knowledge to the illiterate
and the ignorant, extend monetary help to the poor and the needy.
One can educate the orphans and contribute to the institutions that take care of the
children. Indeed, one can spend not only his entire earnings, but something more! Why should
there be any doubt in regard to one’s being really helpful to others? Take the example of
Gandhiji. Did he not do immense service and good to the nation and to the world at large?
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda