Grace
Grace in non-dual philosophy, particularly in Indian spiritual traditions like Advaita Vedanta, is a complex concept.
- Definition: In non-dual philosophy, grace (often called “kripa” in Sanskrit) is seen as the divine power that helps individuals realize their true nature.
- Non-dual perspective: Since non-dualism posits that ultimately there is no separation between the individual self and the divine, grace is not something external, but a recognition of one’s true nature.
- Spontaneous arising: Grace is often described as a spontaneous occurrence rather than something that can be earned or achieved through effort.
- Beyond cause and effect: Grace is considered to be beyond the normal laws of cause and effect (karma).
- Removal of ignorance: The primary function of grace is seen as removing the veil of ignorance that prevents one from recognizing their true nature.
- Role of the guru: In many traditions, the guru (spiritual teacher) is seen as a conduit for grace.
- Paradox: There’s a paradox in that while grace is said to be ever-present, it’s also described as something that “happens” or is “received.”
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Nature of Grace:
- Omnipresence: Grace is often described as ever-present and all-pervasive, like the air we breathe.
- Non-separate: In non-dualism, grace isn’t separate from our true nature or consciousness itself.
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Grace and Effort:
- Paradox of effort: There’s a tension between personal effort and grace. Some teachings emphasize surrender, while others advocate self-inquiry or spiritual practices.
- “Effortless effort”: This concept suggests aligning oneself with grace rather than trying to earn or achieve it.
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Grace and Self-Realization:
- Removing obstacles: Grace is seen as that which removes the obstacles to self-realization.
- Sudden vs. gradual: Some traditions speak of sudden enlightenment through grace, while others describe a gradual unfolding.
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Grace in Daily Life:
- Ordinary moments: Grace isn’t limited to spiritual experiences but can be recognized in everyday life.
- Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude is often seen as a way to attune oneself to grace.
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Grace and Free Will:
- Determinism vs. free will: This concept raises questions about individual agency versus divine will.
- Complementary forces: Some teachings view grace and individual effort as complementary rather than contradictory.
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Cultural and Philosophical Variations:
- Bhakti traditions: Emphasize devotion and surrender to divine grace.
- Jnana traditions: Focus on self-inquiry and knowledge as paths to recognizing grace.
- Tantra: Often views the entire manifest world as an expression of divine grace.
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Psychological Perspectives:
- Unconscious processes: Some modern interpretations relate grace to unconscious psychological processes.
- Neuroplasticity: Recent studies in neuroscience explore how practices related to grace might affect brain structure and function.
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