grace

Grace is a characteristic of the enlightened state in two ways. It has two different meanings, both of which pertain to enlightenment.

The first meaning of this word, ‘grace’, is that enlightenment is not something which we achieve. Enlightenment does not come because of our efforts. Enlightenment comes as gift from existence, when we finally surrender; When all our efforts have proved to be in vain; When we have finally faced the fact that we are not in control. And in this humbled state, as we pass through a dark night of the soul, abandoned, alone, powerless, with no way of achieving liberation; In this dark hour, there is nothing we can do. And then the miracle happens, through grace, as a benediction, existence opens up within oneself. And this greatest gift, which is our birthright, is given to us. But not because of anything we have done. Rather we could say, despite everything we have done. That is why in the Christian tradition it is said that it is through the grace of God that we are liberated.

I do not much use the Christian terminology, for it too easily traps us in the idea of being separate from God. This is why instead I use the word ‘Existence’. The whole of existence, unseparated, is moving through one. And it is this process which brings us to the state of enlightenment, when we have done all that we can in the way of striving and we have still fallen short. When we can accept that, then this benediction comes upon us.

The second meaning of the word grace, which I wish to speak of, is the simple one: of gracefulness. Have you watched a master during satsang? The way his body moves has a perfume to it, a gracefulness, and a stillness, even in movement. And this grace of the outer form comes to us with the enlightened state of consciousness; As a reflection, a physical manifestation, of a grace of being in the consciousness. The consciousness itself has become graceful, flowing, at ease in the world, not tense, no longer stressed. And with this inner fluidity comes the outer gracefulness. It can be seen in the small gestures of the hands; the way the head turns; the smallest things. And when you fall into the state of enlightenment, you will feel your own body moving this way. It will feel strange to you, as if it is not your body, as if you are watching a cat moving smoothly. It will not feel that you are moving the body. This grace comes when we are no longer even in control of our own body and its movements. Surrender all this to existence and grace will come to you.