38. A Remarkable Prayer

Udayanacharya, the renowned logician and philosopher, dedicated his life to establishing the existence of Ishwara through reason and debate. In one of his greatest works, he meticulously laid out logical arguments proving the presence of the Divine. Yet, at the end of his treatise, he penned a remarkable verse that reflected not just his intellect but also his deep compassion:

“O Lord, I have presented numerous arguments to establish Your existence. Still, there are those with hearts hardened by doubt who refuse to believe in You. I feel pity for them. But, O Compassionate One, please protect even these skeptics! For, in their rejection, they unknowingly engage in constant remembrance of You. They repeatedly cry out, ‘There is no Ishwara’, and in doing so, they utter Your name countless times. Surely, if nothing else, this alone should earn them a portion of Your divine grace.”

Such was the wisdom and kindness of Udayanacharya.

Despite all logical reasoning, if a person still refuses to believe in Ishwara, what can be the cause? Udayanacharya suggests that the answer lies not in intellect, but in karma–the unseen consequences of past actions. The lingering effects of one’s past sins can cloud the mind, creating an inner resistance to divine truth. Such individuals may be unable to counter rational arguments, yet they cling stubbornly to disbelief, their minds unwilling to surrender. This very obstinacy, he suggests, is itself a form of spiritual misfortune.

Udayanacharya’s words offer a fascinating perspective: Even denial of the Divine can lead one closer to Him—if only by the unconscious repetition of His name. This paradox highlights the all-encompassing nature of divine grace, which reaches even those who resist it.

In the end, whether through devotion or denial, the Lord finds His way into the hearts of all. ❃❃❃❃