What do we mean by Independence? When is dependence right?
Independent is one whose body, ‘मन’ and senses are in his control. Receiving the fruit of action becomes meaningful only if, the receiver has been free to do his work or action. All agree that soul receives fruits of his actions, then, we will have to believe that soul is free to do his actions. Soul is free to do anything but after a thing has been done by the soul , soul becomes dependent on the system of God in receiving the result of that action. In a way, we can say that possibility of improvement or development in soul is because of his freedom to act. Had he been dependent, he would not have been getting any opportunity of using his intellect. Further, had soul been independent in receiving the fruits of his actions, he would have desired for pleasure or happiness even for his bad deeds.
To think of independence to all, is possible in imagination only. One’s independence is the cause of another’s dependence. For example, if all the travelers moving on a road are free in using that road, then they will collide with each other. As such, independence has a limit. Social rules are framed keeping in mind the welfare of many. Accordingly, restriction to one’s independence in following such rules should not at all be minded.
There is a very wrong notion that doer of everything is God and soul is not free to do his actions. Actually, God is doer of the activities namely creation and dissolution of the universe, giving light of knowledge to mankind in the form of Vedaas and giving fruits of the actions of soul. DOER of all other acts is soul and soul only. God is the silent observer of the acts of soul like observer in the examination hall. Every human being shows the characteristics of soul and not of God. As such, the greatest of the great men can never become God.