Indeed, what we observe in this world is that the reward of service is obtained from the person served; and since, just like service, sacrifices also, alms, fire-offerings, etc., are acts, it stands to reason that the reward of their performance should come from those in whose honour they are performed, namely, the Lord.”

I DEPEND ON GOD

Shankara makes a very important point. My deeds, once finished, are finished. If I have offended someone, no deed that I can perform can change my relation with him, unless he himself forgives me.

My sin is offence against God, and no action of mine-prayer, penance, pilgrimage or ritual bath-can be of any value unless God agrees and accepts me back, like the father of the younger son. Nothing that boy could do would have been of any value unless his father welcomed him into his house again.

Only if God himself, whom I have offended by my sins-only if He stretches out his hand to me do I have any hope.

The most vital and important goal in the religious search of any man or woman is to discover whether God has, in fact and in history, in this way stretched out His hand to man. We must try to discover whether God has, in fact, offered us a second chance after we rejected His first offer by our sins.

OUR SEARCH

This is such an important matter for me that it calls for a serious effort. I cannot easily and without examination believe what anyone tells me or writes in books about it. I cannot take for granted that what I have always believed is the full story. I can always grow.

I must make an honest and sincere effort to see if God has really stretched out His hand to me and where His hand is to be found. Our important task is made more difficult because we can only consider what others have said or written.

But one factor will help us: if God’s hand is really present in a certain direction, in a certain set of historical events, then I will be able to see Him there. For if it is only men acting or talking, then I will not see beyond their weaknesses. But if God himself is present in the events described, I shall be able to see His presence there – on condition that I keep an open mind and remain completely honest.

GOD CALLS ME

Another help for me will be this. If God has once more stepped into the history of the human race that he established in the beginning with such love and care, then it is because He wants all of us to come back to Him. If He really wants me, He will call me. It will be possible for me to hear His call and follow.

This points to another condition for me in my search – I must listen for God’s call. Otherwise, I may fail to hear it.