Q: Since it is important to earn the grace of the Lord to achieve redemption, what is the recommended procedure?

A: The surest way to earn the Lord’s grace is to completely immerse the mind in the Lord. If that is not possible, one can start by learning about the Lord from scriptures and slowly practice focusing the mind on the Lord. If this is also not possible, one can perform activities that are dear to the Lord such as giving to charity etc. If this option is also not possible, then one can focus on their normal activities but at least mentally dedicate them to the Lord. Over time, the sincere souls will realize ways to focus the mind fully in the Lord and earn His grace.

 

In general, scriptures detail the following steps in any journey towards redemption by Divine grace:

• Detachment (ridding one of attachment to worldly affairs)

• Devotion to the Lord 

• Study of scriptures

• Reflection on studies

• Meditation

• Redemption through Divine grace

 

Detachment from worldly affairs is the first and foremost step for one on the path to redemption.

As indicated many times before, one cannot stay away from discharging one’s worldly responsibilities, but one can ensure that one does not get carried away or get attached to work itself or expectations on outcome. Once the seeker of redemption is able to conquer attachment, that person develops more intimate devotion the Lord. At this stage, the seeker feels the urge to know more about the Lord and focuses on study of right scriptures under the guidance of competent teacher. The next step is reflection on studies done where one evaluates the matter studies using logical and philosophical examination to convince oneself of the truth embedded in the scriptures without any doubts or reservations. At this stage, the seeker has all the necessary tools to meditate consciously on the Lord which leads to redemption through the grace of the Lord accompanied by direct vision of the Lord.

 

Takeaways

 

ü The goal of every living being in every life is to utilize the opportunity provided by the Lord and achieve self realization (or eternal bliss or Nirvaana), where one experience pure bliss and will escape permanently from the cycle of births and deaths

ü While Gita teaches the various yogas or paths for a seeker to pursue, the optimal path comprises of all these paths such as ‘path of labor’, ‘path of knowledge’, ‘path of devotion’ etc.

ü Final redemption can only happen through the grace of the Lord and the stages to achieve this are – worldly detachment, devotion to the Lord, study of scriptures, reflection on the studies to develop conscious meditation on the Lord and finally redemption.

Epilogue

Lord Krishna, at the conclusion of his teachings to prince Arjuna asks him if his doubts have been cleared and if he is convinced on the way forward. Arjuna who had decided to abdicate his responsibility to wage war with his opponents (who had unlawfully usurped his kingdom) answers to Krishna indicating that all his doubts have been cleared and his conviction is back- all because of the grace of Krishna. It is interesting to note that Arjuna does not say that he has heard Krishna completely and that he has understood Krishna’s teachings fully. He only says that his doubts have been cleared because of the express grace of Krishna. This is the central concept of the Gita. It exhorts us to feel the presence of the Lord everywhere and at all times as it is only through His grace that one can hope for redemption. We are never alone and when we feel the presence of the Lord at all times and in all places, our thoughts, speech and actions get more purposeful and sincere leaving no room for negativity. This awareness allows one to lead a joyous and peaceful life and to embrace death as a natural culmination of a life well lived. Indeed it is a bridge to an even better life hereafter, moving one closer to salvation.

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