The Gita according to Gandhi 155

The Gita according to Gandhi -Mahadev Desai

Karma and Free-will We have already discussed the doctrine of karma and rebirth. Whilst one critic says that the author of the Gita contradict himself by asserting the doctrine of karma in one breath and the doctrine of grace in the other (IX. 27-28; XVIII. 56,58,66), another critic says that there is no freedom of will in the Gita and man is but an automaton 'a being spun round on a machine’ (XVIII. 59), asked to be no more than an instrument (XI. 33). The first criticism betrays ignorance of the doctrine of karma, and may be disposed of in a paragraph. The doctrine of karma or the moral law contains and comprehends the doctrine of grace. The same law that tells us that we shall reap as we shall sow, also tells us that if we throw ourselves on God in a broken and contrite spirit our contrition will by His grace result in rebirth. Mercy and grace form but another phase of God's justice, in fact mercy is ever hidden in His justice if we can but see it. The critic's objection arises solely from the orthodox Christian's belief in grace coming from somewhere outside man. But, as Principal Gaird says, "that to which we thus surrender ourselves is in reality our truer self", God who is in the heart of man.