Sage Ashtavakra was born with eight deformities manifesting in different parts of his body. These deformities not only distorted his appearance but also rendered the very act of living exceedingly arduous. Upon the advice of his Guru, he undertook severe and painful austerities, with the singular aspiration of attaining liberation from his suffering and physical limitations.
Moved by his profound tapasya, the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—appeared to him sequentially. Each deigned to grant him a boon. Naturally, Sage Ashtavakra requested them to alleviate him from his deformities and pain. However, to his astonishment, all three declined. They explained that his condition was the result of Prarabdha Karma—the karmic imprints set in motion from previous incarnations—and that even they could not interfere with it.
This compelling narrative reflects a profound truth applicable to our own lives. When even Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahadeva abstain from modifying Prarabdha, who are we—fragile mortal beings with limited and often superficial understanding of existence—to attempt to manipulate the karmic design inscribed for us?
What do we truly comprehend about the complex chain reactions that a single karmic change might trigger across multiple lifetimes?
It is said that only a truly self-realized Guru—one who has transcended ego and duality—possesses the capacity to diminish the intensity of Prarabdha Karma, and this, only if the disciple is pure-hearted, devoted, and inwardly evolved.
Therefore, what is the path forward?
It lies not in resistance or denial but in acceptance and surrender. The only means to transcend the weight of Prarabdha is to embrace the challenges presented by life. To perform one’s karma sincerely. To pray—not for the alteration of fate, but for strength, clarity, and grace. And to trust that Divine Intelligence knows precisely when and how to dissolve what no longer serves the growth of the soul.
Let us refrain from seeking shortcuts or engaging in spiritual bargaining. Let us tread the spiritual path with integrity, patience, and unwavering faith. The remainder—leave it to the Divine.