In plain words
For this human state, gained through the merit and sin of other births, we spin many fancies and swing to and fro, either to escape it or to bring in what is not there. This is nothing but the nature of Ajñāna. Wealth, happiness or sorrow: the result follows us only in keeping with the fruit of our past birth; to swagger that we have the power to change it as we go can only be called madness. Still, we can give some examples of how it comes to us in this way. In many places, seeing the rich, people say, ‘He is one who was born having given.’ That is, it means that because he gave in a past birth he has been born rich today. It also means this: one who, in a past birth, gave up wealth in such works of help to others as charity, a righteous deed or a sacrifice, is born in this birth into the home of the rich. Then, people born in a poor home go in adoption to a rich home. Not only this: people born poor come upon hidden treasure after some time and turn into rich men. Besides, a man, even though poor, becomes educated, takes up some high post or office, and in the end turns into a very rich man. Besides, now, in this modern age, somehow or other, in keeping with the fruit of their own past birth, people win lakhs on lottery tickets and become rich. And, more than all of these, there is also the one who becomes worthy of God's grace and, through the wealth of that grace, abounds in riches and plenty in this world and the next. But for all such joys and comforts, the good deeds of a past birth alone are the basis, not man's effort in the least. When we see all misfortunes as drops of Ānanda and take tears themselves as rose water, our life has the chance to flourish in comfort and peace and in good fortune. We must trust that even death is a path that brings immortality. This is a Prakṛti of pairs. In a Prakṛti of pairs, Advaita cannot come within our reach. Advaita of feeling can be attained, but Advaita of action or Advaita of objects is impossible for us.