अनुग्रह anugraha: Celebrating the Deeper Meaning of Divine Grace
To comprehend the true essence of anugraha, let us deconstruct the word. It consists of two components: “अनु anu” and “ग्रह graha.” The prefix “अनु anu” implies the notion of being behind or following. It denotes a sense of continuity and alignment. The prefix anu in Sanskrit is attached to a noun or verb or verbal derivatives in the sense of after, along, behind, following etc. We see it, for example, in the word अनुराधा anurādhā, literally ‘one following Radha’, so, the attendant of Radha. The term “ग्रह graha” originates from the root-sound “ग्रह् grah,” which signifies actions like to seize, take by the hand, grasp, lay hold of; to arrest, catch, take possession of, captivate, overpower, eclipse; to gain, win, receive, accept, choose; to pluck, pick, gather, collect; to include, admit, approve; to obey, follow. The third person singular form of grah in present tense is गृह्णाति gṛhṇāti. When we combine these elements, अनुग्रह anugraha takes on a profound meaning. It implies that true blessings or the Grace bestowed by the divine involve a sacred interplay. When we are blessed, the divine stands behind us, moving in perfect harmony with our existence. It is as if the divine force is gently seizing and embracing us, guiding us on our spiritual path.
The word अनुग्रह anugraha has been translated ordinarily as favor, kindness, showing favor, conferring benefits, promoting or furthering a good object etc. In order to express the sense of obligation in Sanskrit one says, अनुगृहीतोऽस्मि anugṛhīto’smi, meaning ‘I am obliged’. But all these renderings are not adequate to enter into the true sense of the word अनुग्रह anugraha. So the compound word भगवदनुग्रह bhagavadanugraha is not just divine favor or grace but it denotes something much deeper than what has been understood by the word favor or grace. In the ancient Indian Tantrik tradition अनुग्रह anugraha is treated a force, अनुग्रहशक्ति anugrahaśakti. In a true sense अनुग्रह anugraha denotes an act on the part of the one whom adoration or worship is offered. When the one adored is pleased with the adorer he seizes him and this effect of the action of seizing continues uninterrupted. The adorer is seized and held in it so closely that nothing can separate him from his Lord. This is the significance of the word अनुग्रह anugraha. In its true sense it means a total seizing after. In a simple language, the adorer makes all effort to catch hold of his Lord and when the Lord is pleased with him, He follows after (अनु anu) him to seize or take hold of (ग्रह graha) him.
In the context of a devotee or seeker, anugraha signifies the divine presence actively working in their lives. It implies that when one receives genuine blessings, it is a testament to the divine’s deep involvement in their spiritual journey. The devotee becomes a vessel for divine grace, and the divine force manifests as an ever-present guide and supporter. Anugraha encapsulates the idea that blessings are not merely external favours or rewards but a profound connection between the seeker and the divine. When anugraha is experienced, the seeker is enveloped in the divine’s compassionate embrace, which nurtures their spiritual growth and evolution. It is a reminder that the divine is not distant but intimately involved in the seeker’s path, offering guidance and protection.
अनुग्रह anugraha goes beyond surface-level blessings and bestows upon us a profound understanding of the divine’s role in our lives. Recognizing the presence of anugraha inspires gratitude and humility within us, as we realize that the divine force is constantly working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our highest good. It fosters a deep sense of trust and surrender, allowing us to embrace the divine plan with open hearts and minds. Therefore, to invite अनुग्रह anugraha into our lives, we can engage in spiritual practices that foster a connection with the divine. Regular meditation, prayer, and acts of selfless service can create a receptive space within us, where anugraha can unfold and flourish. By cultivating devotion, surrender, and gratitude, we align ourselves with the divine’s grace and open ourselves to its transformative blessings.
अनुग्रह anugraha, when understood in its profound essence, reveals a beautiful truth about divine blessings. It teaches us that true blessings are not external boons but a sacred intertwining of the seeker’s journey with the divine’s loving presence. When we contemplate the deeper meaning of अनुग्रह anugraha, we recognize that the divine force stands behind us, gently seizing and guiding us on our spiritual path. Embracing अनुग्रह anugraha deepens our connection with the divine and enriches our spiritual experiences, leading us towards greater insight, growth, and fulfilment on our journey of our spiritual realisation.
“In short, the divine grace is so marvellous that, whatever you do, it will lead you more or less quickly towards the Divine Goal.”
-Sri Aurobindo
…If our souls could see and love and clasp God’s Truth,
Its infinite radiance would seize our hearts,
Our being in God’s image be remade
And earthly life become the life divine.
(Sri Aurobindo, Savitri)
This is the true Divine Grace which, as Sri Aurobindo says in his Synthesis of Yoga, “is not simply a mysterious flow or touch coming from above, but the all-pervading act of a divine presence which we come to know within as the power of the highest Self and Master of our being entering into the soul and so possessing it that we not only feel it close to us and pressing upon our mortal nature, but live in its law, know that law, possess it as the whole power of our spiritualised nature.” (CWSA Vol.23, p.621)
