Acharya Prashant explains that while destiny and action are both significant, neither represents the ultimate truth. Destiny is undeniable, as it encompasses factors beyond one's control, such as the family, religion, and economic class one is born into, as well as physical traits like hair and eye color. External events, such as accidents or natural disasters, further demonstrate the influence of destiny on human life. While people often view destiny as external, they mistakenly believe their actions are entirely their own. Acharya Prashant argues that most human actions are actually driven by external circumstances and influences rather than individual will. He illustrates this by pointing out how career choices and personal beliefs are often shaped by economic shifts and social conditioning. For instance, the preference for private sector jobs over government roles or the fluctuating popularity of specific academic fields like Information Technology are reactions to the prevailing 'weather' of the times. Even extreme actions, such as those of a brainwashed youth, are often the result of external manipulation rather than true personal choice. Most people are like leaves blown by the wind, claiming their movement as their own action when they are merely following the direction of external forces. True freedom belongs only to the rare individual whose actions are genuinely their own, having found something within that transcends both destiny and conditioned action. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that while destiny is powerful, its influence is limited to the external self. There is an inner state of being—a sense of 'masti' or true joy—that destiny cannot touch. This state is distinct from superficial entertainment, which is often just a reaction to stress. He encourages seeking this inner depth that remains unaffected by the dualities of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, or favorable and unfavorable circumstances.
