Bhagavad Gita characterizes Karma, Jnana and Bhakti Yogas elaborately in
different chapters. Chapter 3 elaborates Karma Yoga, chapter 4
describes Jnana Yoga and in chapter 12 explains the virtues of Bhakti
Yoga. In all other chapters, answers to questions that come to human
intellect have been answered in greater details. At the intellectual
level, they do appear different and consequently we express our
preferences of one over the other according to our 'taste -vasanas." But
when remove our personal preferences and prejudices and understand the
hidden spiritual message, they are not different. They say the same
TRUTH but the language used to describe it is different. This analogy
is quite important because, languages are different - script, rules of
pronounciation and grammer, etc. When different languages are used to
communicate the same message, the messages may appear different for the
person who is not familiar with that language. A person who is well
versed in all the language will appreciate the richness and beauty of
the expression of the same TRUTH! Some languages are more powerful in
communicating a message and some are simpler to convey a fact. But the
substance of the message is always same but style and language may be
different.

The question, which Yoga is the correct approach to find the TRUTH of
Life depends on our skills, background, interest, discipline and
determination. In appearance, they appear different, and in appearance
we feel that we have a choice of our own. The choice of one of them is
no different from the other because none of them are excluded!

Ram Chandran



--
Ram Chandran
Burke, VA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ram Chandran [SMTP:chandran@...]
> Sent: Friday, October 08, 1999 7:13 PM
> To: Advaitin List
> Subject: [advaitin] Yoga Characterization - Karma, Jnana and Bhakti,
> Are they different?
>
> From: Ram Chandran <chandran@...>
>
> The question, which Yoga is the correct approach to find the TRUTH of
> Life depends on our skills, background, interest, discipline and
> determination.
[Madhava Replies:]

Hari Om!

I have a question in this context. Do you mean to say Bhakti Yoga
and Jnana Yoga are chosen by sadhakas? (i.e. is there a choice!) I heard
that Bhakti is some thing that springs forth in you naturally! Please
explain. Thanks.

Regards,
Madhava