The confusing influence of maya (illusion) is the consequence of one’s accumulated activities in previous lives. You can escape maya through good consequence. If good activity has marked previous lives, any sinful tendency will and can be overwhelmed by virtuous tendencies in this life. You will have faith in Divinity and you will attach yourself to the Divine and spend your life on the basis of the Divine. On the other hand, those who have committed horrible crimes in past lives have the dreadful darkened vision, and it prevents them from seeing the Divine. Such a person is never reminded of God and His handiwork, never yearns for his own good and the good of others. They see things in false perspective. They revel in wickedness, and engage in vicious acts.

- Bhagavatha Vahini, Ch 40, "From Mritha to Amritha".

Selfless service brings you nearer to Me.  - Baba