' Three Types of Grace '...

There are three types of Grace:

firstly, that which has the appearance of Grace but which actually descends out of past good karma and is entirely self-earned;

secondly, that which a Master gives to disciples or aspirants when the proper external and internal circumstances exist--this is in the nature of a temporary glimpse only but is useful because it gives a glimpse of the goal, a sense of the right direction, and inspiring encouragement to continue on the Quest;

thirdly, when a man attains the fullest degree of realization, he is enabled in some cases to modify overhanging negative karma or in others to negate it because he has mastered the particular lessons that needed to be learned.

This is particularly evident when the Hand of God removes obstructions in the path of his work.

The philosophic conception of Grace shows it to be just and reasonable.

It is indeed quite different from the orthodox religious belief about it, a belief which regards it as an arbitrary intervention by the Higher Power for the benefit of its human favourites.



-- Notebooks Category 18: The Reverential Life > Chapter 5: Grace > # 73
-- Perspectives > Chapter 18: The Reverential Life > # 43 Paul Brunton