Understanding the Divine Grace: A Reflection on Sant Eknath’s Wisdom

"ईश्वर के कर बिनु जग, हरि के कर बिनु ना।

समुझा मन मम मति लग, तजि बिनु लाज घात।"

"Without the grace of God, the world is nothing; without the grace of Hari, there is no existence. Understand this, O mind, and abandon the pride that leads to downfall."

 

Sant Eknath’s doha, "ईश्वर के कर बिनु जग, हरि के कर बिनु ना। समुझा मन मम मति लग, तजि बिनु लाज घात।", which translates to "Without the grace of God, the world is nothing; without the grace of Hari, there is no existence. Understand this, O mind, and abandon the pride that leads to downfall.", invites us to contemplate the indispensable role of divine grace in our lives and the peril of pride that blinds us to this truth.

The Essential Grace of God and Hari

In this doha, Sant Eknath emphasizes that the world itself is meaningless without the grace of God, and our existence is void without the benevolence of Hari (a name often used for Vishnu, representing the divine sustainer). The idea is not just a philosophical assertion but a spiritual truth that speaks to the very core of our being.

The world, with all its wonders, achievements, and relationships, is but a fleeting illusion if we fail to recognize the divine force that underlies it. Without this divine presence, everything loses its meaning, becoming a mere mirage. The grace of God is the source of all creation, the force that animates life, and the wisdom that sustains the universe. Similarly, the grace of Hari is essential for our existence, as it nurtures, protects, and guides us on our spiritual journey.

Imagine life as a beautiful flower. Without sunlight, the flower cannot grow, bloom, or spread its fragrance. In the same way, without the divine grace of God and Hari, our lives remain in the shadows, unable to realize their full potential. This grace is the light that brings clarity, purpose, and fulfillment to our existence.

The Dangers of Pride

The second part of the doha warns us against the pride that often clouds our judgment and separates us from divine grace. Pride is a subtle yet powerful force that can lead us to believe in our self-sufficiency, making us forget the very source of our existence. It creates a false sense of independence, where we start to see ourselves as the doers and controllers of our destiny, ignoring the divine hand that guides our every step.

This pride is not only a barrier to spiritual growth but also a path to downfall. When we are filled with pride, we become closed off to the grace of God and Hari, losing the humility that is essential for receiving divine blessings. Pride blinds us to the interconnectedness of all life and leads us to act out of selfishness, arrogance, and a misplaced sense of superiority.

In spirituality, humility is the key to unlocking divine grace. It is through humility that we open our hearts to the divine, allowing grace to flow into our lives, transforming us from within. By acknowledging our dependence on God and Hari, we cultivate a sense of surrender, where we let go of the ego and embrace the divine will.

A Divergent and Incomparable Perspective

Sant Eknath’s doha challenges us to see beyond the superficialities of life and recognize the deeper spiritual truths that govern our existence. It urges us to adopt a divergent and incomparable perspective, where we view life not as a pursuit of worldly achievements but as a journey of spiritual awakening.

This perspective invites us to question the values and beliefs that drive us and to reorient our lives towards the divine. It encourages us to see the world not as an end in itself but as a means to connect with the divine. In this way, we transcend the limitations of the material world and step into the boundless realm of spiritual consciousness.

Practical Toolkit for Incorporating Divine Grace into Daily Life

To help integrate Sant Eknath’s teachings into daily life, here’s a practical toolkit designed to cultivate awareness of divine grace and overcome pride:

1. Morning Invocation

• Daily Prayer: Begin your day with a prayer or invocation to God and Hari, asking for their grace and guidance. This practice sets a spiritual tone for the day and reminds you of your dependence on divine grace.
• Setting Intentions: Along with your prayer, set intentions for the day that align with humility, service, and devotion. This helps keep your focus on spiritual growth rather than worldly pride.

2. Gratitude Practice

• Gratitude Journaling: Maintain a daily gratitude journal where you note down the moments of divine grace you experience. This could be a kind word, an unexpected help, or a peaceful moment. Recognizing these moments reinforces the presence of divine grace in your life.
• Evening Reflection: At the end of the day, reflect on how divine grace has guided you and helped you overcome challenges. This reflection cultivates humility and deepens your connection with the divine.

3. Cultivating Humility

• Self-Inquiry: Regularly engage in self-inquiry to identify areas where pride might be influencing your thoughts or actions. Ask yourself, “Am I acting out of pride or humility?” This awareness helps you stay grounded and open to divine grace.
• Service to Others: Engage in acts of selfless service, where you offer help without expecting anything in return. Service is a powerful way to dissolve pride and strengthen your connection with the divine.

4. Chanting and Meditation

• Mantra Meditation: Practice mantra meditation using a divine name or phrase that resonates with you. This could be “Hari Om” or “Om Namah Shivaya.” Chanting helps you attune your mind to the divine and clears away the ego’s illusions.
• Silent Sitting: Spend a few minutes in silent sitting each day, focusing on the presence of divine grace in your life. Let go of any thoughts of pride or self-importance and surrender to the divine will.

5. Spiritual Study

• Reading Spiritual Texts: Dedicate time to reading spiritual texts that emphasize the importance of divine grace and humility. Reflect on the teachings and apply them to your life.
• Contemplative Discussions: Engage in discussions with fellow spiritual seekers about the role of divine grace in life. Sharing insights and experiences can deepen your understanding and inspire humility.

Looking Ahead

Sant Eknath’s doha offers a profound reminder of the indispensable role of divine grace in our lives and the dangers of pride. By recognizing that our existence is sustained by the grace of God and Hari, we can cultivate humility, gratitude, and a deeper spiritual connection. Incorporating these practices into our daily lives allows us to experience the transformative power of divine grace and align our lives with the divine will. Let this wisdom guide us towards a life of humility, service, and unwavering devotion to the divine.