Fate, Predestination and Human Action in the Mahabharata A Study in the History of Ideas

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The core argument presented in the study is that, despite the wide variety of views to be found in the Mahabharata, it is the consistent, albeit varying, emphasis placed by Indian thinkers upon the importance and meaningfulness of human effort and freedom that most stands out. Given Hinduism's general reputation for fatalism, it is a point of some importance. The reason for this would seem to lie principally with the way in which the essential concern in Hindu culture for moksa and dharma effectively pre-disposed Hindu thinkers towards placing a high value upon power, control and freedom.

Contents:

Introduction
1. Karma: an ideal compromise or fate disguised?
2. Predestination: the power of the Gods
3. Impersonal fate: the power of the mysterious beyond
4. Human action: the power of man
5. The Bhagavadgita: God's might and man's freedom
6. Conclusion

Bibliography
Index