By AiR (Atman in Ravi)
Man thinks, “I can control everything that happens on Earth.” He declares, “What is possible, is possible. But I will also make what is impossible, possible.” But what man does not realize is that often, despite all his efforts, what is possible becomes impossible. Man is then left feeling helpless, because he does not realize that there is a mysterious factor, a factor lesser known to man, that controls the final outcome of all his efforts—the 4th Factor!
Man thinks that there are only three factors that control the results of all his actions. These three factors are:
1. Man himself, the person who performs an action
2. The equipment that man uses for an action
3. Man’s efficiency, the action itself.
If any one of these three factors is absent, then it is not possible to achieve the desired result. The final result of an action is directly dependent on the quality of these three factors—i.e. the efficiency of the person doing the action, the quality of the instrument used for the action, and the excellence in the action. For example, a painting depends upon (1) the painter (2) the canvas and the paints the painter uses, and (3) the painter’s effort to paint. All three contribute to the painting. Likewise, in the case of a carpenter and his work, the outcome of his efforts depends on (1) the carpenter himself (2) his saw and wood, and (3) his act of carpentry.
Suppose there are many farmers farming their lands in a certain village. The seeds were purchased from the same source, and the same method of farming was followed by all the farmers. However, all the farms did not produce the same yield. The farmers who worked harder and smarter would probably have got a better produce. But if all the farmers were performing at the same level of efficiency, if a particular land was more fertile or less fertile, it would obviously produce a higher yield or lesser yield accordingly. Or, if one farmer followed a more efficient method of farming, there are chances that his yield would be more than the others’. Here, three factors seem to be responsible for determining the quantum of the produce—the farmer, the land and seeds, and the method of farming.
While these three factors are essential for anything to happen, the results are not always directly dependent only on these three factors. So, in the case of the farmers above, even if all the three factors remain the same for all the farmers, their yield will not necessarily be identical. Sometimes, despite these three factors being the same, some farmers may earn a higher yield than others. Why is this so? This points to the existence of another factor at work.
A student was considered as the most brilliant boy in the college. He studied very hard. He was expected to come first in class. But on the day of his final examination, he fell so sick that he couldn’t attend the exam. And so, he missed it. Now, why did this happen on the very day of the examination, and not one day before or after? The student cursed his fate. He cried. But he did not realize that there is a Power beyond what man can control that is in ultimate control, a Power more powerful than man's efforts and that controls all the results of man's actions. It is a power that is efficient and organized. It works on certain principles or laws. No matter how hard man tries, certain ‘natural conditions’ can turn the tables on all one’s efforts and produce the opposite result.
Man may call these conditions as ‘factors beyond our control’. Some people, out of ignorance, call it luck or fate. But it isn't any of these actually. It is the 4th Factor at work! The 4th Factor seems to be a part of the Divine cosmic phenomenon that is controlled by a Cosmic Power far beyond man. Man must humbly accept the reality of the 4th Factor—a factor that not only makes the possible, possible but can also make the impossible, possible and the possible, impossible!
Those who realize the truth not only accept the existence of the 4th Factor but also surrender to the Divine Will. If man wants to live in peace, joy and bliss, he must acknowledge and accept the power of the 4th Factor.
Life on earth is exactly like a theatre. We are actors here. We perform our roles and then leave the earth-stage. However, we have another role to play. We are also theaudience who watch the drama as itunfolds. We cannot question what is happening. We have to accept, as observers and actors, the Cosmic Power that is directing the show called Life and surrender ourselves to It. The 4thFactor is a part of that Cosmic Power.
As long as we don't realize the existence of the 4th Factor and how powerful the Cosmic Power is, we will continue to cry through every misery and disappointment we face. We will continue to live with our ego and in ignorance, with desires and expectations. We will continue to feel disappointed and defeated. And when something that we regard as bad happens, we will still ask,"Why?"
However, we have a choice. If we accept and surrender to this Power, we can live with peace and happiness!
You may of course be the best actor
But you can’t beat the 4th Factor
Every day on earth you will see
Whatever will be, will be!
To know more about AiR, visit www.air.ind.in
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