What is Grace

Q: Baba, …Which is the quickest way to reach the goal?

A: There are no shortcuts to truth. The shortcut is always long; it merely entices and deceives. There are only two ways that have been discovered by man and taught to man in all ages and all lands. (1) Expand the ego to infinity or (2) reduce it to nothing. The first path is jnana, where the jnani says I am the Universal truth. I am all this. All this is My mental image. The second path is bhakti [devotion], where the aspirant says I am nothing; God is everything. In both cases, the ego sense disappears. The bhakta denies himself and places himself ever under the guidance and protection of God.

Q: If it is God that motivates all acts in me, then whatever I do must be right, isn’t it?

A: Yes. Why do you doubt it? If you are conscious that it is God that acts through you, how can you ever do wrong? You fall into evil only when you forget God and feel that you are the doer. When the light of the God within you is guiding you, you will always walk on the path of truth and goodness.

Q: Bhakti is described as love of God. Tell us, Baba, how to love God and cultivate that love.

A: Truly speaking, you have no need to love God; nor is God in need of your love. What you have to do is to become aware that God, who is love and love alone, is seated in your heart and that your thoughts, words, and acts must reveal that He is there. His love must radiate through you; you would then see with love, speak with love, hear with love, give with love, receive with love. You would become dynamos of love.

Q: Should we pray to God to reside in us and radiate love through us?

A: Prayer is only another word for communicating with that embodiment of love. It is the channel through which His power, light, glory, and purity flow into you.

Q: Can we pray for specific boons?

A: Yes, but remember, the fickle mind of man cannot be permanently happy with the material things of the world. The more he gets the more he craves for. Gaining and losing, he involves himself more and more with the senses and the objective world. His vision is fixed on outer not inner values. What he likes at one moment, he starts disliking the next. So the only boon one should ask for is, “Feed me with Your grace, so that all wants cease.” Surrender to God’s will; leave everything to Him.

Q: How do we know that we have received grace?

A: As soon as you receive grace, your heart becomes free from greed and hatred; you will have no more ill will against anybody. You will be overflowing with love toward all beings. You will experience a rare joy, a unique stream of ecstasy.

Q: What exactly is grace, Baba?

A: Grace is the divine power that reveals itself in us and turns our mind toward God, in all beings. We feel His presence everywhere and love all beings alike.

Q: If God is love, why did He create suffering?

A: Suffering draws you nearer to God. It is a sign of His compassion. It is a bitter medicine given to man when he is ill with egoism or ignorance. It clears the mental obstacles in the path of the discovery of truth.

Q: What is truth? Many have failed to answer this very simple question. Volumes have been written on it, but yet the matter has not been made explicit. What, Baba, is truth?

A: Your own self is the truth. All the rest partakes of falsehood, unreality, modifications, change, and ephemeralism.

~From the Notebook of a Sri Lanka Devotee
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Sept. 1974

What is Grace

In the spiritual journey, What is Grace is a question that touches every heart seeking peace, wisdom, and inner fulfillment. Grace is the unseen blessing that flows from the Divine into human life, guiding, protecting, and uplifting a person even during difficult times. Many saints and sages have explained that grace is not earned through wealth, power, or position, but through sincerity, purity, faith, and selfless love. The mystery of What is Grace can only be understood deeply when one experiences the silent transformation it brings within the heart.

Grace often appears in life in unexpected ways. Sometimes it comes as protection during danger, sometimes as strength during sorrow, and sometimes as wisdom during confusion. A devotee may feel helpless and lost, yet through Divine compassion a new path suddenly opens. This gentle intervention is often described as grace. Spiritual seekers across traditions believe that grace is always present, but only a calm and devoted mind can recognize it. Devotional India has always celebrated the importance of Divine blessings through prayers, bhajans, meditation, and service to humanity.

To understand What is Grace, one must also understand surrender. When a person lets go of ego, selfishness, anger, and pride, the heart becomes pure enough to receive Divine light. Grace does not depend upon rituals alone; it depends on inner transformation. A simple act of kindness, a prayer offered with tears of devotion, or a life lived in truth can attract Divine compassion. In many spiritual teachings shared by Devotional India, grace is described as the bridge between human effort and Divine realization.

There are moments in life when people feel that their prayers are unanswered. However, grace does not always appear in the form people expect. Sometimes delays, hardships, and challenges are themselves lessons meant to strengthen the soul. The Divine sees beyond human understanding and works for the highest good of every being. This deeper understanding helps seekers realize that grace is not merely receiving what one desires, but receiving what helps spiritual growth. Reflecting upon What is Grace helps individuals become more patient, humble, and trusting.

Saints often say that grace flows continuously like sunlight, but people close their hearts through negativity and attachment. Faith opens the doors to Divine energy. When the mind is filled with devotion, gratitude, and compassion, grace naturally enters life. Through prayer and remembrance of the Divine Name, one begins to feel peace even amidst worldly struggles. The teachings shared through Devotional India inspire countless devotees to strengthen their connection with the Divine and live with greater faith.

Another beautiful aspect of What is Grace is that it transforms ordinary lives into meaningful journeys. A person touched by grace develops inner courage, forgiveness, and love for all beings. Instead of reacting with anger or fear, such a person responds with calmness and understanding. Grace purifies thoughts and actions, helping individuals rise above hatred and selfishness. It creates harmony within families, societies, and communities because a graceful heart spreads kindness wherever it goes.

In the end, What is Grace cannot be fully explained through words alone because it is a sacred experience felt in silence and devotion. It is the Divine hand that guides every soul toward truth and inner awakening. Through faith, prayer, selfless service, and pure love, every individual can become receptive to grace. The spiritual wisdom shared by Devotional India reminds humanity that Divine grace is always near, waiting for hearts that seek with sincerity and devotion.

-Stages of Life