Srimad Bhagavad Gita (The two paths of Self Realization)

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bhagavan srstvedam jagat, tasya ca sthithim chikirsu:, ....... anushtiyamAnO

dhirgEna kAlEna

 

The created the universe and desiring order there in He created the prajapathis

(Lords of Beings) such as Marichi and attracted them to follow Pravrttilakshana

Dharma, path of action. For others such as sanka, sanandana etc., the

attraction was towards nivrtti lakshana dharma, the path of knowledge and

renounciation. The cause of order in this universe is the practice of this

dharma. This (two fold path of) dharma, which directly leads to the ultimate

good of all beings, has been practiced from time immemorial by people of all

classes (varnas) - brahmanas etc., who desired welfare.

 

[There are different paths for self-realization as well as gaining worldly

prosperity. All paths are classified here in to two types - the path of action

and the path of renounciation. In terms of ultimate result namely Self

realization or realization of parabrahman, Vasudeva, these two paths are

identical. It is childish to say they are different. However, the path of action

is easy for the embodied as it allows provision for taking care of the body.

The path of action is further classified further. In terms of ease with which

some one can practice they are graded in the descending order of superiority as

follows :

1) karma phalatyaga - Controlling oneself, one should offer the results of all

actions to lord with devotion to the lord. This is the best because it produces

peace of mind immediately, which is a conducive for spiritual pursuit. Every one

can do this.

2) Dhayana Yoga - This is more difficult because it requires more control of the

mind. And therefore it is the second best process.

3) Jnana Yoga - This is cultivation of jnana and it is more difficult because of

the need for control of mind and sharpness of intellect. Therefore, it is the

third best process in the path of action.

4) Abhyasa Yoga - This is a serious attempt to fix the mind and intellect on the

lord constantly. This is more difficult as it needs continuous practice, which

is not easy for every one. So this is the fourth best process in the path of

action.

5) Bhakti Yoga. All the above four processes by giving the necessary

qualification gradually leads one to the highest process of devotion or Bhakti

Yoga. Here one effortlessly (unlike abhyasa yoga) fixes the mind and intellect

on the lord, renouncing all actions in Him, meditating on Him incessantly and

performing exclusive devotion to Him alone. The process of devotion is the best

because the lord becomes the deliverer from the ocean of samsara.

The above 5 are different processes are paths of action of which devotion to the

lord considering Him to be an external is the best. This is recommended for the

embodied beings as in all these cases the body, mind, intellect and ego are used

by directing it to the lord.

The other path is the path of knowledge and renounciation. This is of two types

:

1) Karma Sannyasa : This is mere cessation from all actions. This is not

recommended because it is very dry.

2) Sankhya Yoga : This is renounciation of all actions with the mind fixed on

the lord as one's own Self and seeing the lord in all beings. This is difficult

for the embodied because of the need to distance oneself from even one's subtle

body (mind, intelligence and ego) and allowing the power & bliss of pure jnana

of every thing to shine forth from within while prarabda wears out. Those who

are successful in this path become jivan muktas or identify themselves with

their innermost Self while still in their body. This is not recommended because

it is very difficult for the embodied. One should follow the path of devotion

but respect the advaita-jnanis, who may appear as children or as crazy people,

because they are one with the lord.

One should not think that pure jnana and pure bhakti are different on the

identity of the result. A pure devotee will atain pure jnana either in the

planets of the lord such as vaikuntha or in rare cases right here in the world

manifest to us. A pure jnani will relish the bliss of a pure devotee while here.

There is no difference in the quality of ananda as the cause is the parabrahman,

the supreme isvara. ]

 

So what happened to the paths established by the Lord ? This is dealt with in

subsequent portions by Sankara.

 

 

 

 

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