Whitch Path Is Best?

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Below is a cut and paste from the Amritapuri web site

 

 

Which is Superior, Bhakti or Karma Yoga?

 

Question: "Which is superior, bhakti or karma yoga?"

 

Amma: "We can't really say that bhakti yoga and karma yoga differ from each

other, because a true karma yogi is a real devotee, and a true devotee is a real

karma yogi. Every action isn't necessarily karma yoga. Only those actions

performed selflessly, as an offering to God, can be called karma yoga. Neither

does doing four circumambulations, raising your arms, and offering salutations

to the deity qualify as bhakti. Our minds should dwell on God, and our every

action should be a form of worship. We should see our beloved deity in everyone,

and offer them our love and service. We should surrender to God with all our

heart. Only then we can say we have bhakti. A true karma yogi keeps their mind

on God while engaged in each action. We should have the attitude that everything

is God. Then it is bhakti. On the other hand, if we think about other things

while we are doing puja (ritual worship), then the puja cannot be considered

bhakti yoga, because it is just an external action and not

real worship. But even if our job is cleaning lavatories, if we chant the

mantra while working, with the attitude that it is God's work, then it is both

bhakti yoga and karma yoga."

 

Why Does Amma Place So Much Importance of the Path of Devotion?

 

"There are many reasons why we should consider the path of devotion the most

suitable path for most people. First of all, it gives much contentment to the

practitioner. A contented person will have enthusiasm and vigour. Such a person

will be very optimistic and endowed with an adventurous mind. Their attitude is

that life and everything that happens in life is a gift, and this gives them

immense patience and strength. Unlike those who pursue other paths, such a one

does not believe that happiness is a right to which he or she is entitled. As

far as they are concerned, there are no rights, there are only gifts. This

attitude helps them to accept everything as a gift, both good and bad, and also

instils them with courage and faith. Such a person will have a loving and

compassionate heart, a childlike innocence and a pleasing nature. Not wanting to

injure anyone or hurt anybody's feelings, he or she cannot harm anyone. They

will also have the power to renounce comforts and pleasures

for the happiness and peace of others. He or she will experience the same

problems in life as everyone else, but he will have the mental ability and

balance to remain calm and quiet when adversity arises. He or she practices

acceptance, for such a one's attitude is that life and everything that happens

in life is a gift, not a right.

"Children, as far as Mother is concerned, the path of devotion is the best and

the easiest since most people are predominately emotional in nature. Not only

that, bhakti marga (path of devotion) has no complications like the other paths.

There are no harmful techniques or complications involved in love. Simply love

the Lord. Love is not aggressive; it is a constant flow. "

 

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G4M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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