Premanand Maharaj explains the role of karma, free will, and God’s name in shaping our lives, saying our actions are not predetermined but chosen.
Ahmedabad, July 10, 2025 — In a widely shared spiritual discourse, Premanand Shrinath Govind Sharan Maharaj, a renowned spiritual leader followed by celebrities like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, addressed a fundamental question about destiny, karma, and human free will.
In a viral video, a follower asked Maharaj whether it is already decided before birth when a person will commit sinful or virtuous acts.
“No, That’s a Misunderstanding,” Maharaj Clarifies
Responding calmly yet firmly, Maharaj said,
“No. That thinking is incorrect. A person’s body is formed based on past karmas — a mix of sinful and virtuous actions. Only sinful deeds lead to suffering in the lower realms, while virtuous deeds give rise to a divine body in heaven. But when both good and bad karmas are present, a human birth is given.”
He explained that joy and sorrow experienced during life are the results of past deeds, but the specific choices we make in this life are not fixed. Humans have the freedom to choose between good and evil.
“Our past karmas don’t force us to sin. It is our desires that lead us there. Whether we act upon those desires is up to us,” he added.
Karmic Illness and Earthly Suffering
Citing examples, he mentioned that certain physical conditions, such as kidney issues present at birth, can be linked to sins committed in past lives. “Our current body may be shaped by earlier deeds, but what we do now is within our control,” he noted.
Maharaj emphasized that even if someone is committing sins today, they may still appear happy because they are enjoying the results of good past karma. Similarly, a virtuous person may suffer due to past negative karmas. Hence, one must not judge the present based on appearance alone.
Chanting God’s Name Can Erase Sins — Gradually
The follower then asked if chanting God’s name can eliminate bad karma. Maharaj replied,
“Yes, it can. But the effect depends on the intensity and frequency of the chanting. If the burden of sin is too great, chanting must be done sincerely and in equal measure.”
He added,
“We carry the weight of sins from countless past lives. That’s why chanting should be done with complete surrender. The more you chant, the more your sins dissolve, and the more peace, joy, and fulfillment you’ll feel from within.”
Premanand Maharaj’s teachings continue to resonate with a growing audience worldwide, offering practical wisdom rooted in ancient philosophy.
