Likewise, it would suffice if we do not block the Grace that is being sent out.

Nama Article 25th May 2010

 

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

The common question that arises in everyone is 'What is essential to attain God – Grace or effort?'

 

The answer is 'both!'

 

'Sir! How do you say that both are essential? Should it not be either Grace or effort ? Should we exert constant effort to attain God or can we attain Him through His Grace?'

 

'Both are right!'

 

'Sir! To say that both are right is not acceptable. Please tell us if continued effort from our side or the Grace of the Lord would help us attain Him. How can both be deemed right?'

 

The answer is the same – 'Both are essential.'

 

How? To attain God's Grace one needs effort! There is no doubt that we can attain Him only through His Grace. But we have to exert effort to earn that Grace.

 

Well! What is 'effort'? To go to the 'sannidhi' (divine presence in the place of worship) of God is an effort. Is it not? Even the mere thought of visiting is an effort. Well! One may not even think of going there. Here, not to entertain a thought to the contrary ('I will not go') is an effort, indeed! It is an effort, indeed, to be even without thinking of doing or not doing it. Effort does not actually point to sadhana. In Sanskrit, in Tarka nyaya, an apt illustration is cited. Village houses have a space open to the sky, inside the house. Huge vessels are placed there, when it rains, in order to catch the rain water. If the vessels were placed upside down no amount of rain can fill those vessels.Likewise, it would suffice if we do not block the Grace that is being sent out.

 

The very presence of a Mahan, his look, talk, touch – everything – pours out Grace. A divine Grace comes out from him. Hence, when we come to this divine presence we are constantly receiving Grace.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare