The Four Paths ( Yogas )

04/16/2004

Kaayena vachaa manasendri yairwa
Buddhyaat manaava Prakritheh swabhaavaath
Karoami yadhyath sakalam parasmy
Naaraayanaayethi samarpayaami.

( As per my own nature, whatever activities have been performed by my body,
or thru speech, mind, senses, or intellect --- all these I hereby humbly offer to
the Supreme God Sree Naaraayana )
- - - - - - - - -
Hello everyone ! Sukravaaram Suprabhaath !

There is a general belief, a common apprehension that, as per our Scriptures,
there are four distinct paths for a Seeker ----- (one with thirst for knowledge and
wisdom, one aspiring for an enduring state of happiness and serenity, one desirous
of acquiring a synthetic overall understanding of the inter-relationship between
one's individual self, the world around with its myriad diversities that he comprehends,
and the imaginary Entity of some Godhead somewhere unknown, in which some
believe, and some even do not) ----- to reach the ultimate goal of one's life, call it
Deliverance, Nirvaana, Moaksha, Kaivalya, or Aathma-gnyaana --- or by whatever
name one may designate it. The four paths are considered akin to reaching the
peak of a mountain, by various paths from different directions and starting points.
The paths then are independant of each other, each on its own reaching the summit.
Our scriptures speak of the four paths as: Karma Yoga (path of activity), Bhakthi
Yoga (path of devotion), Raja Yoga (path of meditation), and Gnyaana Yoga
(path of Knowledge and Wisdom). Many believe that they are four independent
approaches to reach the goal of life. But Advaithists ( Monists ) consider that they
are not four alternate paths, but are various stages in the one path to perfection.
It is like ,say, base camp, intermediate camps, and final camp to reach the peak,
a sequence of stages. They believe that the goal is finally reached only thru the
path and portal of Gnyaana (Realisation), and not thru mere karma (activities),
or upaasana (worship). Even saguna bhakthi (worship of Diety with form) has to
dissolve itself into nirguna bhakthi (contemplation on the formless, attributeless
Pure Consciousness). However, in the sequence of stages referred to, the
starting stage depends upon the level of spiritual development and mental ripeness
of the individual. For one without much of religious or spiritual background (or a
secular person), the easiest and most practicable starting stage is said to be
Karma Yoga (the path of action), and in this Yuga (macro time-scale unit) is
particularly advisable for any individual of any calling. This path would be the
topic of the next Fri-Call.

Now, one of my short poems from 'Random Musings' :

HIM AND THOU

Be humble before Him
Thou shalt be dignified before others.
Love Him, and all shall love thee.
Have Faith in Him ;
Thou shalt command faith from all.
Realise Him in thee ----
Thou art all Supreme !

Musings

Next, some musings from my book 'Pearls of Wisdom' :

The more we learn, the more we realize that little we know !
* * *
Wait not till the other person says 'Good Morning' to you.
Better say it first yourself !
* * *
Truth is simpler than the simplest. It is our unnecessary imagination and
effort, and misapprehension, that makes it look complicated !
* * *
It is not uncommon that people blame on God or some Higher Power
for their miseries and mishaps in life. This is like putting the blame on
gas (petrol) for an auto mishap ! The fuel merely supplies the energy.
The cause of the mishap could be in the vehicle equipment, or the person
at the steering wheel, or some other circumstance. So also, the Supreme
Consciousness, with Its Sakthi, is the motivating Energy, a mere Witness.
The causes and effects are derived not, and belong not to That.

OK, Bye ! Wishing you all nice time, and a pleasant week,