Apart from this, my second question in this is that along with service, the knowledge that you have – whether it is about spirituality or any subject or language, how can you develop that knowledge as well as its remembrance?
If you ask me, I would genuinely say Grace. I was born in a middle order family that had enough to take care of all my needs without the spoiling effect that too much money often brings. Isn’t it a Grace.
My parents had tremendous faith and bhakti in Lord Rama and my mother had quite a streak of tapasya in her. To be born in such a family of honest, devoted parents is again a Grace.
I got everything in my life quite effortlessly, whether studies or games and certain helpful things in my Nature. As early as 17, I realised none of the achievements or capacities are mine. They are gifts of Nature and God and hence must be used to help humanity and make this world a better place. Why these feelings rose in me, why was I so fond of reading myths and philosophy and spiritual literature, etc is all a mystery and a Grace.
As far as actual practice is concerned, I sought true knowledge as I knew the limitations of worldly knowledge. I was an intense seeker; at one time felt a constant fire in my heart, searching for Truth and God. This is after coming in contact with Sri Aurobindo and after a phase of purifying agnosticism. All this is a Grace; what else as none of this was through any mental planning.
Finally, the Grace pushed me into Her Service, awakened love and devotion in my heart, developed faith, all without asking or effort. Therefore I say that it is all a Grace, Her Grace.
Even now, all that is developing in me is Grace, and in fact my entire life, till date is nothing else but Her Grace.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
