A collection of quotes on the importance of self effort in
Hinduism.
The Bhagavad Gita (6.5) teaches, "Let a man uplift
himself by his own self. Let him not belittle or lower himself, for he himself
is his friend, and he himself is his enemy." Sri Ramanuja explains that
uplifting ourselves by ourselves means uplifting our mind that is ensnared by
the sense organs with the help of buddhi, our discriminating faculty.
According to a well-known Sanskrit verse, "The Goddess
of Prosperity favors only those who are diligent and hardworking. Only cowards
say that everything depends on destiny. With the help of the divine power
inherent in you, assert yourself and get rid of destiny. If despite all your
efforts you do not succeed, then what does it matter?" [At least, you have
made your best efforts.]
According to another verse, "Only hard work helps in
the attainment of goals, not dreams and mere intentions. [The way to hell is
paved with good intentions.] Animals do not of themselves enter the mouth of a
sleeping lion. [Even the king of the forest has to hunt his prey."]
Sri Krishna makes a promise in the Bhagavad Gita (9.22):
"Those who worship Me, meditating on Me with no other thought and ever
devoted to Me-to them I carry what they lack and for them I preserve what they
already have."
"Abandon all dharmas (both good and bad) and come to Me
alone for shelter. I will deliver you from all sins; do not grieve."
(18.66) Sri Ramanuja explains in his commentary that relinquishing all dharmas
means the complete renunciation of the sense of agency, and attachment to
action and its results in the practice of karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, and
bhakti-yoga, and realizing God as the agent, object of worship, the means and
the end."