Bhakthi, Karma and Jnana Yoga

[Jaldhar H. Vyas]

On Mon, 5 May 1997, VP Nandakumar wrote:

>         I've been thinking about what was said on Bhakthi Yoga, Karma Yoga and
> Jnana Yoga. That one cannot attain Brahman, by practicing each alone, but
 should
> practice all three.
>

Actually, the division into three is rather artificial and mostly stems
from the imagination of Vivekananda.  Most of the Advaita works deal with
Karma vs Jnana and are vehement the two cannot be combined.

>         A true devotee such as Purandaradasa who truly loved God and devoted
 his
> life to composing and singing his praises would have attained Brahman. His
> Bhakti Yoga itself would have led him to both Krama and jnana.
>

It would have been the Jnana that led him to Brahman, not the singing.

>         A true social worker, such as Mother Theresa, who practices Karma Yoga
> by dedicating her life to help people in need without bothering about
> the fruits
> of such actions could attain Brahman too, without practicing the other two.
> OK,
> I agree that Mother Theresa is a Christian nun, but it's her service to the
> poor
> and needy that distinguishes her.
>

If Karma Yoga means anything it means the dispassionate performance of
ones _Dharmic_ duties.  Even if Mother Theresa were a Hindu, her social
work wouldn't count as Karma Yoga unless there was a Dharmic obligation to
feed the poor.  There isn't.  Which doesn't mean it isn't a good thing
(though it can be argues that Socialist do-gooders are responsible for
much of modern Indias woes.)  It just means it isn't Karma Yoga.

>         Finally, a jnani who realises Brahman thru knowledge, would definitely
> thru his wisdom practice both of the above.
>
>

In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna Bhagavan says a Jnani has no need of
performing action.  He does it merely as an example for lesser people.
(3.26)

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