Guest guest Posted March 18, 1999 Report Share Posted March 18, 1999 Hi, everyone... A few comments (opinions) on the path of jnana, one that seems to be somewhat "in competition" with bhakta these days. It seems that bhakti and jnani don't tend to agree on much, at least on the level of mind/intellect. Anyone else notice this? It's been something of an annoyance to me lately which I'm attempting not to let become a distraction or an item that the ego may make a grab at. I would like to point out that Adi Sankara himself is generally considered a jnani. Jnana is certainly not for everyone, and I will never allow myself to get into the "My yoga is better than your yoga" game, but I would like to point out the words of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna's primary disciple: "The path of Bhakti or devotion to God is a slow process, but is easy of practice. In the path of yoga there are many obstacles; perhaps the mind runs after psychic powers and thus draws you away from attaining your real nature. Only the path of jnana is of quick fruition and the rationale of all other creeds; hence it is equally esteemed in all countries and all ages. But even in the path of discrimination there is the chance of the mind getting stuck in the interminable net of vain argumentation. Therefore along with it, meditation should be practiced. By means of discrimination and meditation, the goal of Brahman has to be reached. One is sure to reach the goal by practicing in this way. This, in my opinion, is the easy path ensuring quick success. (7:198) To me, Bhakti can be useful as a means of the practice of humility, which is important for all... but those who do not practice at least *some* discrimination, as Sri Sankara implored us to do, seem to me to be weak of mind and weak of will, and looking for the "easy way out." They may attain nirvikalpa samadhi after many years through this yoga only, but why not pursue Truth with a burning desire for liberation? Why resort only to surrender and devotion when we have been given a mind, and a purpose for such a powerful instrument? Just some food for thought, Ayam Atma Brahman, Tim ----- The CORE of Reality awaits you at: http://www.eskimo.com/~fewtch/ND/index.html - Poetry, Writings, Live Chat on spiritual topics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 1999 Report Share Posted March 18, 1999 -- Hi, everyone... A few comments (opinions) on the path of jnana, one that seems to be somewhat "in competition" with bhakta these days. It seems that bhakti and jnani don't tend to agree on much, at least on the level of mind/intellect. Anyone else notice this? It's been something of an annoyance to me lately which I'm attempting not to let become a distraction or an item that the ego may make a grab at. Among the great yogis that Marcus is aware of, this has never been an issue. The notion of competition is in the eyes of the beholder. This one has never heard of a strict practice to one yoga before. Bhakti means devotion, jnani means knowledge, karma yoga concerns detached awareness and deliberate caution in performance of actions. Shiva Yoga uses the means of Shambava, Shakta and Shambhava Upayas. Yoga means "union with the Divine." The Mahayagi observes all of these practices and has a deep reverance for all forms of yoga. Only the foolish put political agendas and judgements on forms of Yoga. Any being attempting any form of merger with the Absolute should given due honor and respect. Bhaktananda Marcus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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