Q: If a jīva has no desire for bhakti at all — then, according to some explanations, Bhagavān does not show mercy to him. But in such a case, how can His compassion still be called unconditional? Shouldn’t truly divine grace reach even those who don’t seek it?
A: The desire for bhakti itself is Bhagavān ‘s grace.
Q: So how does Bhagavān choose whom to give grace?
A: He does not choose based on what the qualities are in a given person. Bhakti is not a reward.
Q: So that’s the question what are criteria that krishna chooses a soul. Because there are infinite souls in the multiverse.
A: There are no criteria. It is His will.
Q: So that is unfair to other souls
A: How? If He gives it based on some criterion, then it is unfair.
Q: Actually, giving according to some criterion, is fair in my perspective.
A: He gives to anyone – rich or poor, regardless of birth or nationality. Regardless of learning, looks, strength, etc.
Q: But why does He choose some souls and not others?
A: There is no why. His grace is causeless. If there were criteria, they would be a cause.
Q: Why does Krsna not show causeless mercy to everyone?
A: Why should He? He should follow your rules?
Q: No but we hear that Krsna is merciful but He does not show mercy to everyone. That’s a paradoxical thing.
A: He gives grace to anyone. He does not discriminate. But He is not going to play by your rules and liberate everyone. And what you hear from various sources needs to be forgotten when you come to Sri Jiva Goswami. Assume you know nothing. Then you can benefit.
[Note added: See this article for more discussion on this topic]
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