Description
Samsara — the ceaseless flow of existence, characterized by the swirl of worldly life and by the cycle of birth, death and rebirth — is often likened to a sea. A seeker of Truth must crossthis vast realm of transmigration in order to attain moksha, spiritual liberation. The key to a successful crossing is ishwara kripa, God’s grace. How does one earn kripa? By clinging to God, the way a monkey clings to its mother? Or, as with a young kitten, by allowing the Divine Mother to pick one up by the scruff of one’s neck, as it were? By being both the monkey and kitten, i.e. by striving and surrendering, for they are different phases of the journey to God. Amma says as much. She defines the word ‘ashram’ (generally translated as ‘monastery’) as “aa shramam” — “that effort” (one makes to reach the spiritual goal). From this, it is clear that She endorses sadhana (spiritual striving). However, Amma time and again stresses that more than human effort, what one needs is divine grace. What exactly is grace? It is the X-factor that crowns struggle with success. It manifests as the noble impulse to do good and to turn Godward. Though intangible, kripa is palpable, as legions of devotees will affirm. This book is a testament to the waves of divine grace that have anointed their pilgrimage through life.
