Self-effort alone is responsible for whatever man gets here; when he is sunk in unhappiness, to console him people suggest that it is his fate. No one has seen such a fate or a god, but everyone has experienced how an action (good or evil) leads to a result (good or evil). Hence, right from one’s childhood one should endeavor to promote one’s true good (salvation) by a keen intelligent study of the scriptures, by having the company of the holy ones and by right self effort.

~ From Yoga Vasistha.