DIMENSIONS OF MEDITATION
1. Aspects of Meditation: Jnana, Bhakti, Karma
Of the three paths, jnana (knowledge), karma (action), or bhakti (devotion), one should
choose one which suits one’s nature. No one of these paths is superior or inferior to the
others. It is sheer ignorance to consider one’s own path to be superior and those of others
to be inferior. The follower of the path of knowledge begins practicing meditation
through intellect, the devotee does so with the heart, and the yogi begins with the body. In
society there are very few intellectuals, but those believing in God and duty or action
(karma) are found in, large proportions. Under such circumstances it is natural and
appropriate that those involved in worldly affairs take recourse to either the path of
devotion or that of action.
Followers of the path of knowledge study books on philosophy. Devotion to God does
not interest them. They do not even practice yoga for they believe that action results in
bondage. In ancient times such people were known as sanyasis (renunciate of worldly
life). Devotees (bhaktas) are not as interested in philosophical discussions as they are in
God. This group still leans towards worldly enjoyments and hence vairagya (the spirit of
non-attachment) is lacking. Nonetheless, they are certainly capable of performing yoga
(withdrawal from possessions and social activities). They also do not consider knowledge
or action to be worthless.
The followers of the path of Karma Yoga (action) are most interested in action. They are
scientific-minded and always try to find causes and effects. They try to understand and
know God from a neutral point of view. They do not accept anything as quickly as do the
devotees and unlike the followers of the path of knowledge, they do not consider mere
intellectual indulgence without actual experience as the proper course. Experiment is
their medium and a satisfactory result is what they want to attain.
Those who believe knowledge, action, and devotion to be different are mistaken.
Knowledge means learning everything about the attainment of God; devotion means the
intense desire to attain God or limitless love for God; and action means the process of
attaining God or Brahma. The sum total of all these three is yoga. Yes! They differ in
technique but not in result.