BHAKTI : the easiest path to liberation

Mon, 03/01/2010

The objective of life as advocated by the Sanatan Dharma (eternal truths) is to realize that atman equals Brahman. Atman is the self, and Brahman is the abstract concept referring to the principle of universality. Three paths for elevating one to this platform of spiritual consciousness seeking the absolute truth are delineated in the Vedas: karma, jnana and bhakti.

Jnana-kanda – (the path of knowledge) through rigorous austerity, asceticism, and study of Vedic texts one learns to detach altogether from the illusory influence of Maya, this path is arduously difficult.

Karma-kanda – (the path of ritual and good works) through selfless activities, and sacred rituals one can enjoy the world to maximum benefit and make material advancement, even reach heavenly planets. This path however is intrinsically slow.

Bhakti – (the path of emotional devotion) this is the synthesis of the previous two; in which the individual focuses on love and service to the absolute truth. This way the aspirant remains active in the world without falling prey to the influence of Maya. This path is easy because it’s easy to love.

Jñana yoga and karma yoga require strict discipline of the body and mind, two things that are difficult to control. Bhakti yoga is generally considered the easiest of the three general paths to liberation, or moksha the most direct method to merge in cosmic consciousness, the shortest way to experience the divine. It is especially so within the current age of Kali yuga (according to the Hindu cycle of time).

According to Yoga science (as described in the Vedic texts) Bhakti is the most powerful yoga system because it is the only yoga that dissolves the false ego 100 percent and reveals one's true identity. By karma-yoga we attempt to get out of the gross body, and by jnana-yoga we attempt to get out of the subtle body, but by bhakti-yoga we can directly transcend both the subtle body (mind, intelligence and ego) and the gross material body.

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