In the past several weeks, I discussed mainly about the four paths talked about by Bhagavadgeetha – namely, the path of inquiry (Jnyaana Maarg), the path meditation (Yoga Maarg), the path of selfless service (Karma Maarg) and the path of devotion (Bhakti Maarg).
A casual reader of Bhagavadgeetha often gets confused. Each path seems to contradict the other. And some people have even criticized Bhagavadgeetha for this reason.
But actually, there is no contradiction. The paths are different. But they lead to the same destination namely, the ultimate realization.
How is that?
In the path of inquiry, one goes on analyzing things and finally concludes that the apparent diversity is only superficial. Underlying this diversity is a unity among all things - animate as well as inanimate. We exist as a single entity that appears to be divided into many things. Realizing this unity in diversity is the ultimate realization that is supposed to bestow eternal peace.
In that case..
Why do we see things as many, and not as one? That is because we have a mind that constantly acts and classifies things as ‘me’, ‘mine’,’that’, and so on. Once the mind stops its ceaseless activity, the diversity just disappears from our perception. That is the state that we reach by meditation. In the ultimate state of meditation – samadhi – the mind almost stops and there is no diversity!
How about selfless service?
Selfless service appears to be a path that works in the domain of diversity. If there is no diversity, there is no serving of others. There has to be ‘me’ and ‘other’ to do any service. But that is only the beginning stage. As one progresses on this path, one sees lesser and lesser demarcation between ‘me’ and ‘that’. One finally embraces the entire universe. That is when diversity fades out. See the life of great souls who are known for service.
How about the path of devotion?
In the path of devotion one expects that there is a devotee and a God. So, the dichotomy is bound to be there. But not really. If you have read about great souls who moved on the path of devotion, sooner or later they reached a state where they start identifying themselves with their God. And if this God is defined as all encompassing, they too become all encompassing.
That is what Jesus Christ probably meant when he said “I am He (Ena Na)”, Or when Krishna said “I am the God”, or when the Upanishadic sages said “I am He (Soham)”
The paths may lead to the same destination, but still, is some path among these , the best? We will discuss that in the next post.
In that case..
Why do we see things as many, and not as one? That is because we have a mind that constantly acts and classifies things as ‘me’, ‘mine’,’that’, and so on. Once the mind stops its ceaseless activity, the diversity just disappears from our perception. That is the state that we reach by meditation. In the ultimate state of meditation – samadhi – the mind almost stops and there is no diversity!
How about selfless service?
Selfless service appears to be a path that works in the domain of diversity. If there is no diversity, there is no serving of others. There has to be ‘me’ and ‘other’ to do any service. But that is only the beginning stage. As one progresses on this path, one sees lesser and lesser demarcation between ‘me’ and ‘that’. One finally embraces the entire universe. That is when diversity fades out. See the life of great souls who are known for service.
How about the path of devotion?
In the path of devotion one expects that there is a devotee and a God. So, the dichotomy is bound to be there. But not really. If you have read about great souls who moved on the path of devotion, sooner or later they reached a state where they start identifying themselves with their God. And if this God is defined as all encompassing, they too become all encompassing.
That is what Jesus Christ probably meant when he said “I am He (Ena Na)”, Or when Krishna said “I am the God”, or when the Upanishadic sages said “I am He (Soham)”
The paths may lead to the same destination, but still, is some path among these , the best? We will discuss that in the next post.
Based
on Bhagavad Geetha, one of the most quoted and widely translated of
the ancient Indian scriptures, believed to have been composed by
Vyasa as part of the great Indian Epic Mahabharata, 5000 years ago.
The interpretation of the verses and audio recital are by Dr.King
(Copyright © 2018 Dr. King)
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