The Grace of Self-Realization
The Self reveals itself by its own power.
The Self cannot be attained by mere effort - it reveals itself to whom it chooses. Yet this 'choosing' responds to sincere seeking, purity, and devotion.
This Self is not attained by instruction, nor by intellect, nor by much learning. It is attained only by the one whom the Self chooses.
Grace and effort work together in realization.
Katha Upanishad
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- What the Upanishads say about doubt
Then the hardest verse for anyone trying to think their way through: this Self is not attained by instruction, nor by intellect, nor by much learning. Having prescribed hearing, reasoning and a teacher, Katha says none of it is sufficient — and the tradition leaves that contradiction standing.