A common space for harmonic peacemakers

III: 3

Chapter 3, Verse 3

Krishna says,

“In this world

There are two main paths:

The Yoga of discernment,

For contemplatives,

And for those who are active,

The Yoga of selfless action.”

Sri Aurobindo:

“The object of the first six chapters of the Gita is to synthesize these two methods which are ordinarily supposed to be contrary. For the Yoga of the Gita, action is not only a preparation but is itself the means of liberation. It is the justice of this view which Krishna seeks to bring out with such force and insistence. Renunciation is indispensable, but the true renunciation is the inner rejection of unskillful desire and egoism, without the outer physical abandonment of works. By the union of discernment with works, the soul dwells entirely in the Self not only in repose and inactive calm, but also in the midst and stress of action.”

A friend:

How wonderful to unite the paths of discernment (is this Gyan Yoga?) and action (Karma). It seems daunting, but I am reminded of what Bhagavan Das taught me a couple years ago: Stop; and start again.

[Gyan is usually translated as “knowledge,” but this can be misleading, because it’s not about book knowledge, but rather experiential knowledge in which the Source of our thoughts is recognized as the background of all mental and physical activity. This is also known as Buddhi Yoga, the Yoga of discernment. The one and only Source is the foundation of all manifestation. This provides a clue to understanding how Buddhi/Gyan Yoga and Karma Yoga are not opposed but complementary, like the head and the tail of a coin.]

Srila Prabhupada:

“Religion without philosophy is sentiment, while philosophy without religion is mental speculation. The ultimate goal is Krishna. The whole process is to understand the real position of the self in relation to the Superself. Krishna consciousness itself is the purifying process, and by the direct method of devotional service it is simultaneously easy and sublime.”

Another friend:

“For the devotee, it is love…a river of living water…that binds the soul to God. One might use the word ‘action’. One might use the word ‘service.’ Both are aspects of love. However, it is possible to perform active service mechanically, without drinking the living water. It is even possible to sing the Name mechanically, holding back from falling in love. Still, some benefit
accrues. The living water will find a little gap in the levee and slowly breach the barrier. That gradual progress is worked by the grace of God, who sees the tiniest inclination of the soul towards divinity and subtly increases its flow. Love - one thinks of the passion of the Gopis for Krishna - opens the channel forever. Discernment is good, works are good, and mystical experience is good, but only if they lead to love. Ultimately, God is love, and love is the way.”