Kripavad

 Kripavad (also spelled Kripavada) is a philosophical idea in Indian spirituality meaning “the doctrine of grace” — the belief that liberation (moksha) is attained through divine grace rather than solely through personal effort.

Key Meaning

• “Kripa” = grace
• “Vada” = doctrine or philosophy
  So, Kripavad literally means “the philosophy of grace.”

Core Idea

Kripavad teaches that:

• Human effort (austerity, rituals, knowledge, meditation) has value.
• But final spiritual realization happens only through the grace of God or the Guru.
• Divine compassion plays the decisive role in liberation.

Where It Is Seen

This idea is especially emphasized in:

• Bhakti movement traditions
• Vaishnavism and devotional schools
• Teachings of saints who stressed surrender (sharanagati)

Contrast With Other Views

• Purushartha-vada → Emphasizes self-effort.
• Kripavad → Emphasizes divine grace.

Many traditions actually combine both — effort prepares the seeker, and grace completes the journey.

If you’d like, I can also explain how Kripavad appears in different Vedanta schools (like Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, etc.).