In humanity’s quest for ‘freedom,’ one comes across this statement by Lord Brahma (Brahma Samhita 5.53): “I adore the primeval Lord Govinda, who burns up to the roots all fruitive activities of those who are imbued with devotion and impartially ordains for each the due enjoyment of the fruits of one’s activities, of all those who walk in the path of work, in accordance with the chain of their previously performed works, no less in the case of the tiny insect that bears the name of indragopa than in that of Indra, king of the devas.” This verse indicates that although we may come into the world under “prarabdha,” we can – as devotees – be the architects of our destiny. It’s encouraging to know that belief in karma doesn’t make us fatalistic. There are many other verses that support this notion, but I always find this one, edifying.