Self-realization · 10 of 11
Knowledge, action and devotion
Three things carry a person forward: knowing, doing and loving. The first two are roads. The third is where the roads arrive.
On each page the marked passages are the words of Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti, from the books. The lines between them are ours and only lead from one passage to the next.
Three aides
Everybody knows that jiṋána (knowledge), karma (action) and bhakti (devotion) are the three aides for progress along the path of spirituality. A jiṋánii (person of knowledge) reaches near the goal but yet a little distance remains in between. A karmii (person of action) reaches nearer the goal but even then a little gap remains. A bhakta (person of devotion) reaches right to the goal.
In my opinion all three – knowledge, action and devotion – are necessary. But devotion is more important than the other two…
Where knowledge and action fall short
Each of the two roads has its trap, and it is the same trap.
However simple an intellectual may be, vanity always remains concealed in the inner cells of the mind.
Karmiis, too, feel proud when they think they have accomplished some work. Outwardly they may express that they have done nothing, but secretly they harbour desire in their minds that newspapers may publish their names.
What devotion is
Devotion is not praise and not ritual. It is the whole mind turned one way.
When all the thoughts and propensities of the human mind are exclusively channelized towards one’s Iśt́a [Supreme Goal], this is called bhakti.
On the paths of action and knowledge, Parama Puruśa is the goal, the entity to be realized, and there is a definite cult to attain Him, to realize Him. But on the path of Bhakti (devotion), it is the goal itself and not a cult.
Those who follow the paths of action and knowledge say, “I want to realize the Supreme Entity.” But the idea in the devotee’s mind is, “I want to serve Parama Puruśa.”
Nothing to lose
What does a devotee gain? The question is turned around.
Bhaktas have nothing to lose. Since they realize Parama Puruśa as their own, they have nothing to lose or to gain.
The spiritual aspirant should always bear in mind that to attain liberation, bhakti is indispensable.