GRACE IN THE GITA by Nancy Carlson

As a lover of the Divine, grace has been a focus of contemplation in my life...

Starting in my youth as a practicing Catholic and, most recently, as an aspiring student of bhakti- yoga.

There are many descriptions of grace, what it is and how it is given, within a spiritual context:

“Blessings that come, regardless of merit, God’s mercy, God’s gift, having a quality of kindness....The key that is required for self-realization, must it be earned? But deeds alone are not enough, grace and mercy are needed....Divine favor, Divine care....Exclusive to the practice of devotion, surrender to a Divine Source....

Do nothing, yet get everything, in a non-material sense...”

And what about experience and Mystery?

I am not an expert on grace nor the words to describe it.

Recently, I participated in a yoga retreat at a friends lovely yoga studio and home in Vermont. It was a sweet combination of meditation (japa), asana practice, walks in the woods, silence, cooking and sharing food, community and studying the Bhagavad Gita with Dr. Edwin Bryant PhD. He was asked, “Where is grace noted in the Gita?”. This poem arose from that discussion. It is my personal exploration of God’s grace in the Gita.

~Gita -meaning the Bhagavad Gita- is a sacred spiritual text from the Hindu tradition, known as “the song of God”. Taking place on a great battlefield, it is a dialog between the warrior, Arjuna and his teacher, Krishna (God).~

Grace in the Gita

Imagine His grace...

So limitless, beyond any mortal knowing,

Expansive, generous.

These words pale in explanation.

Such a simple thing,

Surrender all actions

to Him, for Him, by Him.

Think only of Him,

fixing your mind on Him.

This flying must be, as if,

stepping off a cliff.

Trusting there is refuge...

Imagine!

Even without understanding,

as we could only

with this mortal mind,

Delusion is destroyed,

wisdom gained.

How can one surrender that completely,

beyond any understanding?

It is complete Love.

Always thinking of Him,

all for Him, all by Him.

As He is the Controller,

the Beloved One.

Only with my whole being,

fixed on Him,

can His Grace be known.

Radical love, a radical life

in this human body.

Everything that is shown, points to Him.

All love, brings you to Him.

All desires, are only the desire of Him.

Feel His love, His sweetness

holding you in his hands.

The mind does not know this.

It is only just knowing and being this loving way.

And there is Grace, listen...

Eternally Home, Eternally Peaceful, Eternally Loved.

Nancy Carlson: "I am an evolving poet, writing mostly as reflection, contemplation. But most recently, as a student of bhakti-yoga, as an expression of my devotion. I work as an Holistic Nurse Coach, yoga/meditation teacher and Reiki Master. You may contact me on Facebook here or via my website 'Joyful Healing' here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

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