Grace - How Sweet It is - How Do We Get Grace? Part 02

[Guest guest]

Grace - How Sweet It is - How Do We Get Grace? Part 02

 

In remote areas of New England, travelers to rustic lanes are

sometime bewildered by local attitudes. On asking directions to

their destination, they have sometimes received the reply " You can't

get there from here " . Fortunately, there is always a way we search

in the correct direction. The journey to spiritual grace is also

possible if we ask the right questions and enlist the right guide.

 

Some divine benefits are available to all who are receptive. It is

our birth right to receive God's love and aid. When we walk the

razor's edge, we become particularly aware of the light and love

which protect us.

 

" God's grace is as the shower of rain, as the sunlight. You have to

do some sadhana (spiritual practice) to acquire it; the sadhana of

keeping a pot upright to receive the rain, the sadhana of opening

the door of your heart so that the sun may illumine it " Baba

 

The use we make of our gifts determines the benefit we receive. We

are free to act according to our own will. We can use our gifts for

the benefits of others or toward their downfall. The quality of our

motivation colors the results we achieve.

 

Water in lakes, pits, wells and rivers is rain water, though the

taste, color, name, and form are different, based on where the rain

has fallen and how pure the container is. Divine grace is like rain,

pure, pellucid, falling on all. How it is received and used depends

on the heart of man

 

When we live a good life, grace follows us automatically. No special

request is required. The divine energy flows naturally to those who

love and serve others. As water naturally fills lakes and streams,

grace flows spontaneously to one living in accordance with spiritual

principles.

 

If a person has a pure heart and is living as per Bhagavan Baba's

teachings, then Baba's grace is automatic. No karma can prevent that

 

There are two types of grace; that which is earned and that which is

unearned. Grace from God may be bestowed at a particular time in our

lives as a result of past meritorious actions. Or it may be unearned

gift from the Lord based on our spiritual progress and devotion.

Ofcourse, we do not know which type of grace we have received,if we

realize we have received grace at all.

 

You can draw checks on a bank only when you have deposited therein,

or you can mortgage your property and take a loan, or the bank may

grant you an overdraft. The property on which you can take a loan is

the " accumulated merit consequent on the good deeds of previous

lives " . The overdraft on which you can draw in times of emergency is

grace, which God showers when you are sincere and steady enough to

deserve it. You must give some surety or someone as security to get

a loan; the surety is divine grace; the surety is the fixity of our

faith, the solidarity of your surrender

 

The principal means to earn grace is by dedicated and unruffled

spiritual practice. Dedicated practice is achieved by reforming our

character along the lines of right conduct and developing love for

all. We we purify our character, we become increasingly fit to

receive grace

 

Above all, try to win grace by reforming your habits, reducing your desires, and

refining your higher nature. One step makes the next one easier; that is the

excellence of the spiritual journey. At each step, your strength and confidence

increase and you get bigger and bigger installments of God's grace.

 

To master the art of self transformation, we must start early. The journey is

easier and more enjoyable when we plan sufficient time for the road. To win

grace, we should begin, if possible, while still young. If we waste youth in

pursuit of sensuous desires, who will listen to our cries when we reach old age?

The fear of death and sickness causes many to think of God, but who thinks of

God when life is pleasant and new? The difficulty of the path makes an early

start highly desirable

 

If at an advanced age you try to control your desires and senses, you may or may

not win the Lord's grace. On the other hand, if at this young age you control

your sense organs, there is no doubt whatsoever that you will gain God's grace.

 

But before we call for the grace of the Lord, we must first use all of our own

abilities to help ourselves. If we call on the Lord before we have used the

means already at our disposal, we are being lazy. We must first make our best

effort to solve our own problems.

 

" When you have done your best and that is found not enough, then call on me. I

am ever ready to reinforce your exertions with my grace " Baba

 

When we act in accordance with the call of the divine inner voice,

the journey becomes very easier. Spiritual development makes each step more

certain and the goal appears closer. Less effort is required as beneficial

habits are reinforced. As we waste the sweetness of the tonic, our practice of

discipline becomes more pleasurable. We become confident of our own abilities

and grace flows to us automatically.

 

" Individual effort and divine grace are both interdependent. Without effort,

there will be no conferment of grace. Without grace, there can be no gain from

the effort. To win that grace you need have only faith and virtue " Baba

 

By practicing selfless love, we identify directly with God. Practicing love for

man and God is the most potent means to earn grace. God is love and is drawn by

love. Love purifies us so that we may recognize and receive grace.

 

" The grace of God cannot be won through the gymnastics of reason, the

contortions of yoga, or the denials of asceticism. Love alone can win it, love

that needs no requital, love that knows no bargaining, love that is paid gladly

as tribute to the All-Loving, love that is unwavering. Love alone can overcome

obstacles, however many and mighty " Baba

 

 

Continued... Grace - How Sweet It is - How does Grace Appear? Part 03

[Guest guest]

Sai Ram, Swamy Mahadevan

 

I did not get the Part 1 of " How do we get Grace " . Please, forward this if you

can or if still have it on your email system.

 

Jai Sai Ram.

 

Bessie Sewsunker

Assistant Administrator

Information Systems & Technology

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (Westville Campus)

Private Bag X54001

Durban 4000

SOUTH AFRICA

 

Tel : 031 - 2607051

Fax : 031 - 2607251

e-mail : sewsunkerb

 

>>> " Swamy Mahadevan " <mahadevanvnswamy 11/8/2007 6:02:36 PM >>>

Grace - How Sweet It is - How Do We Get Grace? Part 02

 

In remote areas of New England, travelers to rustic lanes are

sometime bewildered by local attitudes. On asking directions to

their destination, they have sometimes received the reply " You can't

get there from here " . Fortunately, there is always a way we search

in the correct direction. The journey to spiritual grace is also

possible if we ask the right questions and enlist the right guide.

 

Some divine benefits are available to all who are receptive. It is

our birth right to receive God's love and aid. When we walk the

razor's edge, we become particularly aware of the light and love

which protect us.

 

" God's grace is as the shower of rain, as the sunlight. You have to

do some sadhana (spiritual practice) to acquire it; the sadhana of

keeping a pot upright to receive the rain, the sadhana of opening

the door of your heart so that the sun may illumine it " Baba

 

The use we make of our gifts determines the benefit we receive. We

are free to act according to our own will. We can use our gifts for

the benefits of others or toward their downfall. The quality of our

motivation colors the results we achieve.

 

Water in lakes, pits, wells and rivers is rain water, though the

taste, color, name, and form are different, based on where the rain

has fallen and how pure the container is. Divine grace is like rain,

pure, pellucid, falling on all. How it is received and used depends

on the heart of man

 

When we live a good life, grace follows us automatically. No special

request is required. The divine energy flows naturally to those who

love and serve others. As water naturally fills lakes and streams,

grace flows spontaneously to one living in accordance with spiritual

principles.

 

If a person has a pure heart and is living as per Bhagavan Baba's

teachings, then Baba's grace is automatic. No karma can prevent that

 

There are two types of grace; that which is earned and that which is

unearned. Grace from God may be bestowed at a particular time in our

lives as a result of past meritorious actions. Or it may be unearned

gift from the Lord based on our spiritual progress and devotion.

Ofcourse, we do not know which type of grace we have received,if we

realize we have received grace at all.

 

You can draw checks on a bank only when you have deposited therein,

or you can mortgage your property and take a loan, or the bank may

grant you an overdraft. The property on which you can take a loan is

the " accumulated merit consequent on the good deeds of previous

lives " . The overdraft on which you can draw in times of emergency is

grace, which God showers when you are sincere and steady enough to

deserve it. You must give some surety or someone as security to get

a loan; the surety is divine grace; the surety is the fixity of our

faith, the solidarity of your surrender

 

The principal means to earn grace is by dedicated and unruffled

spiritual practice. Dedicated practice is achieved by reforming our

character along the lines of right conduct and developing love for

all. We we purify our character, we become increasingly fit to

receive grace

 

Above all, try to win grace by reforming your habits, reducing your desires, and

refining your higher nature. One step makes the next one easier; that is the

excellence of the spiritual journey. At each step, your strength and confidence

increase and you get bigger and bigger installments of God's grace.

 

To master the art of self transformation, we must start early. The journey is

easier and more enjoyable when we plan sufficient time for the road. To win

grace, we should begin, if possible, while still young. If we waste youth in

pursuit of sensuous desires, who will listen to our cries when we reach old age?

The fear of death and sickness causes many to think of God, but who thinks of

God when life is pleasant and new? The difficulty of the path makes an early

start highly desirable

 

If at an advanced age you try to control your desires and senses, you may or may

not win the Lord's grace. On the other hand, if at this young age you control

your sense organs, there is no doubt whatsoever that you will gain God's grace.

 

But before we call for the grace of the Lord, we must first use all of our own

abilities to help ourselves. If we call on the Lord before we have used the

means already at our disposal, we are being lazy. We must first make our best

effort to solve our own problems.

 

" When you have done your best and that is found not enough, then call on me. I

am ever ready to reinforce your exertions with my grace " Baba

 

When we act in accordance with the call of the divine inner voice,

the journey becomes very easier. Spiritual development makes each step more

certain and the goal appears closer. Less effort is required as beneficial

habits are reinforced. As we waste the sweetness of the tonic, our practice of

discipline becomes more pleasurable. We become confident of our own abilities

and grace flows to us automatically.

 

" Individual effort and divine grace are both interdependent. Without effort,

there will be no conferment of grace. Without grace, there can be no gain from

the effort. To win that grace you need have only faith and virtue " Baba

 

By practicing selfless love, we identify directly with God. Practicing love for

man and God is the most potent means to earn grace. God is love and is drawn by

love. Love purifies us so that we may recognize and receive grace.

 

" The grace of God cannot be won through the gymnastics of reason, the

contortions of yoga, or the denials of asceticism. Love alone can win it, love

that needs no requital, love that knows no bargaining, love that is paid gladly

as tribute to the All-Loving, love that is unwavering. Love alone can overcome

obstacles, however many and mighty " Baba

 

 

Continued... Grace - How Sweet It is - How does Grace Appear? Part 03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please find our Email Disclaimer here: http://www.ukzn.ac.za/disclaimer/

[Guest guest]

Sai Ram Bessie Sewsunker

 

By Sai's grace sending Grace Part 01 to you

Part 02 is How Do We Get Grace, so sending part 1

to you Sai Ram

 

Jai Sai Ram

Swamy Mahadevan

 

Grace - How Sweet It Is - What is Grace Part 01

 

Spiritual grace is a benefit bestowed by God. It is a

transformation of attitude or events that helps us to

draw closer to realizing our divine nature. Grace

grants us opportunities to avoid wasted time and

trouble while on the spiritual path. It may manifest

as wisdom or inspiration or material aid. The result

can appear in any form

 

" Grace will set everything right. Its main consequence

is " Self realization " , but there are other incidental

benefits, too, like a happy, contented life here below

and a cool, courageous temper, established in

unruffled equanimity - This is the nature of Grace. It

fulfills a variety of wants "

 

Baba is every where just feel him and keep on saying `Om Sai Ram' to

whom so ever you meet.

 

OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI!!! Let us pray at the lotus feet of

Bhagwan Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of

all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him

 

Let us pray Shri Sai to give us the intellect and wisdom to make

tomorrow's world a happier place to stay always with unity by

following his principle of " Shraddha " and " Saburi "

 

Let us pray to Sri Sai to grant us steady faith and love on him.

 

Jai Sai Ram

Swamy Mahadevan

Bow to Shri Sai-Peace be to all

Baba Bless you ever!!!

 

, " Basanthie Sewsunker "

<sewsunkerb wrote:

 

Sai Ram, Swamy Mahadevan

 

I did not get the Part 1 of " How do we get Grace " . Please, forward

this if you can or if still have it on your email system.

 

Jai Sai Ram.

 

Bessie Sewsunker

Assistant Administrator

Information Systems & Technology

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (Westville Campus)

Private Bag X54001

Durban 4000

SOUTH AFRICA

 

Tel : 031 - 2607051

Fax : 031 - 2607251

e-mail : sewsunkerb

 

>>> " Swamy Mahadevan " <mahadevanvnswamy 11/8/2007 6:02:36 PM >>>

Grace - How Sweet It is - How Do We Get Grace? Part 02

 

In remote areas of New England, travelers to rustic lanes are

sometime bewildered by local attitudes. On asking directions to

their destination, they have sometimes received the reply " You can't

get there from here " . Fortunately, there is always a way we search

in the correct direction. The journey to spiritual grace is also

possible if we ask the right questions and enlist the right guide.

 

Some divine benefits are available to all who are receptive. It is

our birth right to receive God's love and aid. When we walk the

razor's edge, we become particularly aware of the light and love

which protect us.

 

" God's grace is as the shower of rain, as the sunlight. You have to

do some sadhana (spiritual practice) to acquire it; the sadhana of

keeping a pot upright to receive the rain, the sadhana of opening

the door of your heart so that the sun may illumine it " Baba

 

The use we make of our gifts determines the benefit we receive. We

are free to act according to our own will. We can use our gifts for

the benefits of others or toward their downfall. The quality of our

motivation colors the results we achieve.

 

Water in lakes, pits, wells and rivers is rain water, though the

taste, color, name, and form are different, based on where the rain

has fallen and how pure the container is. Divine grace is like rain,

pure, pellucid, falling on all. How it is received and used depends

on the heart of man

 

When we live a good life, grace follows us automatically. No special

request is required. The divine energy flows naturally to those who

love and serve others. As water naturally fills lakes and streams,

grace flows spontaneously to one living in accordance with spiritual

principles.

 

If a person has a pure heart and is living as per Bhagavan Baba's

teachings, then Baba's grace is automatic. No karma can prevent that

 

There are two types of grace; that which is earned and that which is

unearned. Grace from God may be bestowed at a particular time in our

lives as a result of past meritorious actions. Or it may be unearned

gift from the Lord based on our spiritual progress and devotion.

Ofcourse, we do not know which type of grace we have received,if we

realize we have received grace at all.

 

You can draw checks on a bank only when you have deposited therein,

or you can mortgage your property and take a loan, or the bank may

grant you an overdraft. The property on which you can take a loan is

the " accumulated merit consequent on the good deeds of previous

lives " . The overdraft on which you can draw in times of emergency is

grace, which God showers when you are sincere and steady enough to

deserve it. You must give some surety or someone as security to get

a loan; the surety is divine grace; the surety is the fixity of our

faith, the solidarity of your surrender

 

The principal means to earn grace is by dedicated and unruffled

spiritual practice. Dedicated practice is achieved by reforming our

character along the lines of right conduct and developing love for

all. We we purify our character, we become increasingly fit to

receive grace

 

Above all, try to win grace by reforming your habits, reducing your

desires, and refining your higher nature. One step makes the next

one easier; that is the excellence of the spiritual journey. At each

step, your strength and confidence increase and you get bigger and

bigger installments of God's grace.

 

To master the art of self transformation, we must start early. The

journey is easier and more enjoyable when we plan sufficient time

for the road. To win grace, we should begin, if possible, while

still young. If we waste youth in pursuit of sensuous desires, who

will listen to our cries when we reach old age? The fear of death

and sickness causes many to think of God, but who thinks of God when

life is pleasant and new? The difficulty of the path makes an early

start highly desirable

 

If at an advanced age you try to control your desires and senses,

you may or may not win the Lord's grace. On the other hand, if at

this young age you control your sense organs, there is no doubt

whatsoever that you will gain God's grace.

 

But before we call for the grace of the Lord, we must first use all

of our own abilities to help ourselves. If we call on the Lord

before we have used the means already at our disposal, we are being

lazy. We must first make our best effort to solve our own problems.

 

" When you have done your best and that is found not enough, then

call on me. I am ever ready to reinforce your exertions with my

grace " Baba

 

When we act in accordance with the call of the divine inner voice,

the journey becomes very easier. Spiritual development makes each

step more certain and the goal appears closer. Less effort is

required as beneficial habits are reinforced. As we waste the

sweetness of the tonic, our practice of discipline becomes more

pleasurable. We become confident of our own abilities and grace

flows to us automatically.

 

" Individual effort and divine grace are both interdependent. Without

effort, there will be no conferment of grace. Without grace, there

can be no gain from the effort. To win that grace you need have only

faith and virtue " Baba

 

By practicing selfless love, we identify directly with God.

Practicing love for man and God is the most potent means to earn

grace. God is love and is drawn by love. Love purifies us so that we

may recognize and receive grace.

 

" The grace of God cannot be won through the gymnastics of reason,

the contortions of yoga, or the denials of asceticism. Love alone

can win it, love that needs no requital, love that knows no

bargaining, love that is paid gladly as tribute to the All-Loving,

love that is unwavering. Love alone can overcome obstacles, however

many and mighty " Baba

 

 

Continued... Grace - How Sweet It is - How does Grace Appear? Part 03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please find our Email Disclaimer here:

http://www.ukzn.ac.za/disclaimer/

 

--- End forwarded message ---

[Guest guest]

Sai Ram Swamy Mahadevan for the Part 1 article, Swami bless u for the good peace

of work you are doing. I really enjoy reading all of them as they are so

motivating and knowledgable .

 

Jai Sai Ram.

 

 

 

Bessie Sewsunker

Assistant Administrator

Information Systems & Technology

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (Westville Campus)

Private Bag X54001

Durban 4000

SOUTH AFRICA

 

Tel : 031 - 2607051

Fax : 031 - 2607251

e-mail : sewsunkerb

 

>>> " Swamy Mahadevan " <mahadevanvnswamy 11/12/2007 11:32 PM >>>

Sai Ram Bessie Sewsunker

 

By Sai's grace sending Grace Part 01 to you

Part 02 is How Do We Get Grace, so sending part 1

to you Sai Ram

 

Jai Sai Ram

Swamy Mahadevan

 

Grace - How Sweet It Is - What is Grace Part 01

 

Spiritual grace is a benefit bestowed by God. It is a

transformation of attitude or events that helps us to

draw closer to realizing our divine nature. Grace

grants us opportunities to avoid wasted time and

trouble while on the spiritual path. It may manifest

as wisdom or inspiration or material aid. The result

can appear in any form

 

" Grace will set everything right. Its main consequence

is " Self realization " , but there are other incidental

benefits, too, like a happy, contented life here below

and a cool, courageous temper, established in

unruffled equanimity - This is the nature of Grace. It

fulfills a variety of wants "

 

Baba is every where just feel him and keep on saying `Om Sai Ram' to

whom so ever you meet.

 

OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI!!! Let us pray at the lotus feet of

Bhagwan Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of

all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him

 

Let us pray Shri Sai to give us the intellect and wisdom to make

tomorrow's world a happier place to stay always with unity by

following his principle of " Shraddha " and " Saburi "

 

Let us pray to Sri Sai to grant us steady faith and love on him.

 

Jai Sai Ram

Swamy Mahadevan

Bow to Shri Sai-Peace be to all

Baba Bless you ever!!!

 

, " Basanthie Sewsunker "

<sewsunkerb wrote:

 

Sai Ram, Swamy Mahadevan

 

I did not get the Part 1 of " How do we get Grace " . Please, forward

this if you can or if still have it on your email system.

 

Jai Sai Ram.

 

Bessie Sewsunker

Assistant Administrator

Information Systems & Technology

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (Westville Campus)

Private Bag X54001

Durban 4000

SOUTH AFRICA

 

Tel : 031 - 2607051

Fax : 031 - 2607251

e-mail : sewsunkerb

 

>>> " Swamy Mahadevan " <mahadevanvnswamy 11/8/2007 6:02:36 PM >>>

Grace - How Sweet It is - How Do We Get Grace? Part 02

 

In remote areas of New England, travelers to rustic lanes are

sometime bewildered by local attitudes. On asking directions to

their destination, they have sometimes received the reply " You can't

get there from here " . Fortunately, there is always a way we search

in the correct direction. The journey to spiritual grace is also

possible if we ask the right questions and enlist the right guide.

 

Some divine benefits are available to all who are receptive. It is

our birth right to receive God's love and aid. When we walk the

razor's edge, we become particularly aware of the light and love

which protect us.

 

" God's grace is as the shower of rain, as the sunlight. You have to

do some sadhana (spiritual practice) to acquire it; the sadhana of

keeping a pot upright to receive the rain, the sadhana of opening

the door of your heart so that the sun may illumine it " Baba

 

The use we make of our gifts determines the benefit we receive. We

are free to act according to our own will. We can use our gifts for

the benefits of others or toward their downfall. The quality of our

motivation colors the results we achieve.

 

Water in lakes, pits, wells and rivers is rain water, though the

taste, color, name, and form are different, based on where the rain

has fallen and how pure the container is. Divine grace is like rain,

pure, pellucid, falling on all. How it is received and used depends

on the heart of man

 

When we live a good life, grace follows us automatically. No special

request is required. The divine energy flows naturally to those who

love and serve others. As water naturally fills lakes and streams,

grace flows spontaneously to one living in accordance with spiritual

principles.

 

If a person has a pure heart and is living as per Bhagavan Baba's

teachings, then Baba's grace is automatic. No karma can prevent that

 

There are two types of grace; that which is earned and that which is

unearned. Grace from God may be bestowed at a particular time in our

lives as a result of past meritorious actions. Or it may be unearned

gift from the Lord based on our spiritual progress and devotion.

Ofcourse, we do not know which type of grace we have received,if we

realize we have received grace at all.

 

You can draw checks on a bank only when you have deposited therein,

or you can mortgage your property and take a loan, or the bank may

grant you an overdraft. The property on which you can take a loan is

the " accumulated merit consequent on the good deeds of previous

lives " . The overdraft on which you can draw in times of emergency is

grace, which God showers when you are sincere and steady enough to

deserve it. You must give some surety or someone as security to get

a loan; the surety is divine grace; the surety is the fixity of our

faith, the solidarity of your surrender

 

The principal means to earn grace is by dedicated and unruffled

spiritual practice. Dedicated practice is achieved by reforming our

character along the lines of right conduct and developing love for

all. We we purify our character, we become increasingly fit to

receive grace

 

Above all, try to win grace by reforming your habits, reducing your

desires, and refining your higher nature. One step makes the next

one easier; that is the excellence of the spiritual journey. At each

step, your strength and confidence increase and you get bigger and

bigger installments of God's grace.

 

To master the art of self transformation, we must start early. The

journey is easier and more enjoyable when we plan sufficient time

for the road. To win grace, we should begin, if possible, while

still young. If we waste youth in pursuit of sensuous desires, who

will listen to our cries when we reach old age? The fear of death

and sickness causes many to think of God, but who thinks of God when

life is pleasant and new? The difficulty of the path makes an early

start highly desirable

 

If at an advanced age you try to control your desires and senses,

you may or may not win the Lord's grace. On the other hand, if at

this young age you control your sense organs, there is no doubt

whatsoever that you will gain God's grace.

 

But before we call for the grace of the Lord, we must first use all

of our own abilities to help ourselves. If we call on the Lord

before we have used the means already at our disposal, we are being

lazy. We must first make our best effort to solve our own problems.

 

" When you have done your best and that is found not enough, then

call on me. I am ever ready to reinforce your exertions with my

grace " Baba

 

When we act in accordance with the call of the divine inner voice,

the journey becomes very easier. Spiritual development makes each

step more certain and the goal appears closer. Less effort is

required as beneficial habits are reinforced. As we waste the

sweetness of the tonic, our practice of discipline becomes more

pleasurable. We become confident of our own abilities and grace

flows to us automatically.

 

" Individual effort and divine grace are both interdependent. Without

effort, there will be no conferment of grace. Without grace, there

can be no gain from the effort. To win that grace you need have only

faith and virtue " Baba

 

By practicing selfless love, we identify directly with God.

Practicing love for man and God is the most potent means to earn

grace. God is love and is drawn by love. Love purifies us so that we

may recognize and receive grace.

 

" The grace of God cannot be won through the gymnastics of reason,

the contortions of yoga, or the denials of asceticism. Love alone

can win it, love that needs no requital, love that knows no

bargaining, love that is paid gladly as tribute to the All-Loving,

love that is unwavering. Love alone can overcome obstacles, however

many and mighty " Baba

 

 

Continued... Grace - How Sweet It is - How does Grace Appear? Part 03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please find our Email Disclaimer here:

http://www.ukzn.ac.za/disclaimer/

 

--- End forwarded message ---

 

 

 

Please find our Email Disclaimer here: http://www.ukzn.ac.za/disclaimer/