Class Summary for Feb 09, 2020 - Chapter-12 Introduction

Summarized by :  Bala Dhandapani

Introduction to Chapter 12- Bhakti Yoga –– Yoga of Devotion

High level summary of Chapter 1 (Arjuna’s grief), Chapter 2 (Ideal State  Sankya Yoga) and Chapter 3 (karma Yoga – attitude that we need when doing karma) was rdone as a recap.

Four paths to Brahman was discussed

• Jnana Yoga – Intellectual (Meditation)

• Bhakthi Yoga – Emotional (Devotion)

• Karma Yoga – Applies to both Intellect & Emotions

• Hatha Yoga – Applies neither to Intellect nor Emotion

With Jnana Yoga – acquire the knowledge and then meditate.

Shravanam is listening, Mananam is understanding and digesting the informatio.  Mananam is also removal of doubts, more questions may come up in the beginning of mananam, later – the questions will fade away and setle down.

The above 4 paths are not mutually exclusive and are not independent.

Shravanam, Mananam and Nidhitasyanam was discussed.

Jnana yoga appelas to Intellectuals, Bhakthi yoga to emotional, Karma yoga to both intellectual and emotional.  Hatha yoga is a path to discipline the body, it is a physical activity to prepare your body.  Body has to be fit to do anything.  Also, body should not be distracted to other things.  

Inter-dependancy of Bhakthi yoga with other yogas to attain Brahman was described through example of a staircase.  Consider that the staircase leads to Brahman with 5 steps and Bhakthi Yoga as the stair railings.

Step 1: Karma

Step 2: Karma Yoga

Step 3: Upasana Yoga  - meditation on single God (Ista devata)

Step 4: Upasana Yoga – meditation on all forms of Gods (Vishva roopa)

Step 5: Jnana Yoga – meditation on Nirguna Brahman, final step before merging with Brahman. Shravanam, Manama & Nidithyasanam.

Consider steps 1-4 as a pole valut, 5^th step prior to jumping.

Another definition of Bhakthi – Faith.  Meera Bhai used Bhakthi to reach Moksha.   Intense Bhakthi  is to completely surrender. Faith in yourself and completely surrender.

Bhakthi Yoga consists of 3 sadhanas – Karma Yoga, Upasana Yoga and Jnana Yoga  (Nirguna – meditate on space, no smell, no shape).