Tattva-viveka
Endevour and mercy
NrsinghaDas - December 17, 2004 9:37 pm
This morning while chanting japa, I was considering the importance of balancing the relationship between whole hearted endevour and a mood of complete dependency on mercy.
I dont know why this was such a confusing idea for me to harmonize, and I wonder if it is at all confusing for other devotees?
It seems to me that if Iam endevouring without recognizing that Iam actually dependent on mercy, then my endevour is irreverent and can even be offensive. On the other hand trying to understand that my progress is ultimatly dependent on Krsnas mrecy, can sometimes cause me to become susceptable to a feeling carelesness.
I dont really know how to put this in the form of a question, so maybe if any one has any realizations on this that they could share, I will be very much appriciative.
Gauravani Dasa - December 18, 2004 1:16 pm
Lately, I have been endeavoring to beg for mercy. In my sadhana, I have been trying to cultivate and maintain a mood of dependence.
There was a period of time when I could not even go to Mother Madan Mohan Mohini Prabhu's house because my asthma and allergies were so bad. I couldn't even chant japa while I was there—I could hardly breathe. It was then that I realized even the ability to chant japa is the Lord's mercy.
So I guess for me, it is a matter of recognizing that anything I do, or have the desire to do in devotional service, is the Lord's mercy. He is kindly allowing me to do some service. But at the same time, I recognize that I am far from having pure consciousness. So I perform my sadhana as an attempt to whole-heartedly beg for mercy.
I am sure there are other techniques, but this is what I am able to manage right now. I hope this helps 
Shyam Gopal Das - December 18, 2004 1:46 pm
Didn't Benjamin Franklin say "God helps those that help themselves"? Not to quote him as sastra, but I think it sums up the idea quite well, right?
Babhru Das - December 18, 2004 6:08 pm
Many years ago, I heard a lecture in which Srila Prabhupada ws discussing sadhana siddha and kripa siddha. He made the point that we should act as though our success depended on our endeavor while simultaneously understanding that it was only possible by mercy. That would best ensure our progress. Later, I'll make time to see if I can find this in VedaBase. Or maybe Ekanath prabhu could find it more easily.
Madangopal - December 18, 2004 6:52 pm
On book distribution I used to get into discussions with Christians about endeavor vs. mercy. They would propose the solely mercy approach, which can (but does not have to) translate into inaction. "Just sign on the line that 'I accept Jesus Christ as my personal savior' and you're good to go!" We can never be free from sin, Christ died for our sins, so don't bother trying...
I used to give a somewhat goofy analogy of the proper understanding: Spiritual life is like jumping on a trampoline to get into heaven (BTG, siddha, etc). One has to jump with all their effort, try as hard as you can, but in reality you cannot jump your way there no matter how hard you try. God has to reach down and catch you at your highest point. The jumping is our ENDEAVOR TO GET MERCY. But if you don't even try, why would God reach down and scoop you up?
Ever heard of a relationship that involves no effort? Well yes, actually the relationship with tamo guna requires very little effort. 
Ekanatha - December 19, 2004 2:46 pm
Many years ago, I heard a lecture in which Srila Prabhupada ws discussing sadhana siddha and kripa siddha. He made the point that we should act as though our success depended on our endeavor while simultaneously understanding that it was only possible by mercy. That would best ensure our progress. Later, I'll make time to see if I can find this in VedaBase. Or maybe Ekanath prabhu could find it more easily.
Hare Krishna Babhru Prabhu,
Surely I can produce all kinds of relevant quotes. But I don't want to necessarily deprive you of the illuminating experience to interact with the Bhaktivedanta VedaBase.
Ys Ek
Nanda-tanuja Dasa - December 19, 2004 5:46 pm
illuminating experience to interact with the Bhaktivedanta VedaBase
Ek is a King of Shameless Plug
Swami - December 21, 2004 1:39 am
Bhava is attained by either ardent spiritual practice or grace. Bhava attained by grace is of two kinds: the grace of Bhagavan or the grace of a bhakta. Of the two, practice and grace, the former is the norm and the latter is by far the exception. When bhava is attained by grace, however, it exceeds in excellence that bhava which is attained by sadhana (at least at first), for bhava resulting from sadhana is attained gradually. This is the opinion of Srila Rupa Goswami found in his Bhaktirasamrta-sindhu.