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{{about|Kripa in [[Indian philosophy]]||Kripa}}

'''Kripa''' (कृपा) is the concept of [[divine grace]] in [[Hinduism]]. It is the central tenet of [[Bhakti Yoga]] and [[Bhakti movement]]s, which are seen as reform movements in Hinduism as compared to the Hinduism which finds its origins in the [[Veda]]s;<ref>''The Embodiment of Bhakti'', by Karen Pechilis Prentiss, Oxford University Press US, 1999. {{ISBN|0-19-512813-3}}. ''Page 3-6.''</ref> though variously it can mean "grace", "mercy", or "blessing", depending upon the context.<ref>[http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/light/light_glo.html Glossary of Sanskrit Terms - Kripa] ''www.swami-krishnananda.org.''</ref> The Hindi word Kirpala from Sanskrit Kripala means "kind" and is used as a given name for males, while "Kripa" (Kṛpā), is used as a female given name.

{{Hindu philosophy}}

== Significance of Kripa ==

Kripa is akin to similar beliefs prevalent in [[mysticism]] of all traditions. In Hinduism as well, the bestowal of divine grace or Kripa is considered an event which catapults a devotee or [[bhakta]] into a period of intense personal transformation leading to his [[Moksha]].

Devotional or [[Bhakti]] literature available throughout India is replete with references to Kripa as the ultimate key towards realizing the spiritual path of self-realization <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060512000536/http://www.hindu.com/2005/06/30/stories/2005063000400900.htm Descent of divine grace] ''[[The Hindu]]'', June 30, 2005.</ref> In fact, some like the ancient sage [[Vasistha]], in his classical work [[Yoga Vasistha]], considered it to be the only way to transcend the bondage of lifetimes of Karma. He states to [[Rama]] that divine grace or Kripa is the only way to help us go beyond the effects of [[Prarabdha karma]], or collection of all the past [[Karma]]s, [[Sanchita karma]] chosen to experience during a lifetime.

The [[Hindu philosophy|Hindu philosopher]] [[Madhvacharya]] held that grace was not a gift from God, but rather must be earned.<ref>McGreal,Ian. ''Great Thinkers of the Eastern World''. HarperResource, 1995. {{ISBN|978-0-06-270085-8}}</ref>

As [[Krishna]] says to [[Arjuna]] in the final chapter of the [[Bhagavad Gita]], ''Verse 18.66'', "Setting aside all meritorious deeds ([[Dharma]]), just [[surrender (religion)|surrender]] completely to My will (with firm faith and loving contemplation). I shall liberate you from all sins. Do not fear."<ref>{{cite web
| last = [[A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]]
| title = Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Verse 18.66
| work =
| publisher = Bhaktivedanta VedaBase Network (ISKCON)
| date =
| url = http://vedabase.net/bg/18/66
| accessdate = 2008-01-14
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071207232557/http://vedabase.net/bg/18/66/
| archive-date = 2007-12-07
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>

Similarly, [[Adi Shankaracharya]] composes his famous verse [[Bhaja Govindam]] in 8th century, where he declares:
<poem>
:: "''Bhajagovindam bhajagovindam''
:: ''Govindam bhaja muudhamate''
:: ''Sampraapte sannihite kaale''
:: ''Nahi nahi rakshati dukrijnkarane.."''
:: Translation:
::Worship [[Govinda]], Worship Govinda,
:: Worship Govinda. Oh fool!
:: Rules of Grammar will not save you
:: At the time of your death.
</poem>

The [[Skanda Purana]] mentions the grace of a [[Guru]] in various places, especially in the Uttarakhand, section ''Guru Strotram'', known as [[Guru Gita]], in the form of a dialogue between [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati|Uma]] (Shakti):
<poem>
:: "Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu
:: Guru Devo Maheshwara
:: Guru Sakshat Param Brahma
:: Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah"

:: "Dhyana Moolam Guru Murti.
:: Puja Moolam Gurur Padam,
:: Mantra Moolam Gurur Vakyam,
:: Moksha Moolam Guru Kripa".<ref>[http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1983/gjuly83/stotram.shtml Guru Strotram]</ref></poem>

== Bhakti movement ==
{{main|Bhakti movement}}
[[Bhakti]] or devotion has often remained an ignored aspect in [[Indian philosophy]], hence its significance was lost to majority of the populace. For some time it was considered befitting only to the lower classes and woman, as only the elite were considered able to comprehend the message of the [[Vedic]] tradition. Things changed with the revival and reform movements in Hinduism which brought this aspect of Kripa into a new light and made the divine accessible to all, and not just the preserve of the priestly class.<ref>''Tradition and Modernity in Bhakti Movements'', by Jayant Lele. Published by Brill Archive, 1981. {{ISBN|90-04-06370-6}}. ''Page 6''.</ref>

== Kinds of Kripa ==

Kripa has been categorized in various ways as [[Ishwara]] kripa (grace of God), variously [[Hari]] Kripa, [[Shastra]] kripa (grace of the Scriptures), [[Guru]] kripa (grace of the Guru) and lastly [[Atma (Hinduism)|Atma]] kripa (grace of the Self).

==See also==
* [[Prasāda]]

== References ==

{{Contains special characters|Indic}}
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kripa (Philosophy)}}
[[Category:Bhakti movement]]
[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]

Kripa (philosophy) - Revision history

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