Geeta teaches man that the true goal of life is union with Bhagavan or Para- Brahmam, and the principal means to attain it are the three paths of Karma or work, Jnana or knowledge, and Bhakti or loving devotion.
The different paths cater to the varying temperaments, inclinations and stages of spiritual development of individuals, and they follow the path most suited to them. The Geeta has been interpreted differently, both by the ancients as well as by contemporary and commentators.
Which is the supreme path? Some "generic Hindus" argue that the Geeta does not single out unequivocally any particular yoga as supreme and at best it propagates a synthesis of the three yogas.
However, Vaishnavas (who are committed to follow Sri Krishna's teachings in letter and spirit), understand that Geeta reveals several pointers to bhakti-yoga being its principal theme, wherein Krishna clearly specifies bhakti and Saranagati (total surrender to Him) as the highest sadhana for jivas .
Karma yoga, Jnana yoga and Bhakti yoga appear to be separate processes for self-realization, but are in fact the first, second and third steps of the same yogic process. Of the three Yogas recommended in Geeta, Karma and Jnana yogas are not direct means to attain the goal of human life. They are secondary Yogas and are linked to bhakti , which is the principal Yoga.
Performing karma as prescribed in the vedic sastras , that is, without seeking the fruits of the action nor claiming the doership make one eligible for Jnana yoga and thereby to gain knowledge of God. Once the necessary Jnana is acquired, the aspirant is qualified to understand and pursue Bhakti yoga. The Gita tells us that all karma must be done as a sacrifice in devotion to Sri Krishna.
Bhagavan Krishna says, ''All actions, unless done as an offering to Me, become causes of bondage. Every action that you perform must be offered to Me. Whatever you do, do only for My pleasure, and offer everything to Me only.''
The followers of Jnana-yoga become more effective if the object of concentration and meditation is Bhagavan . Sri Krishna says ''Of all the Yogins , he is the most attuned in spiritual communion, who worships Me with abiding faith and with his innermost self fused with Me.''
About the Jnani Krishna says: ''After many births and deaths, he who is actually in know-ledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.''
The words Bhakti and Saranagati are used repeatedly by Krishna. He constantly urges us to worship Him, sing His praises, bow down to Him and finally surrender completely to Him. The Geeta establishes suddha-bhakti as the jiva 's one and only supreme objective.
Bhagavd Gita everywhere stresses the importance of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and devotion to Him in making all spiritual disciplines complete. If the Geeta tilts toward any of the yogas, it is toward bhakti , with the other yogas integrated into it. Bhagavan Krishna declares Himself, the personal aspect, superior to the impersonal Brahman. And in His last instruction to Arjuna, Krishna establishes Bhakti and Saranagati as the ultimate means to attain Him .
Please chant :
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
And be happy !
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