THE THREE PATHS TO HARI

In Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Krishna tells Uddhav:

य एतान् मत्पथो हित्वा भक्तिज्ञानक्रियात्मकान् ⁠।

क्षुद्रान् कामांश्चलैः प्राणैर्जुषन्तः संसरन्ति ते ⁠।⁠।

There are three paths to my attainment—Bhakti Yoga, Gyan Yoga, and Karma Yoga. Those who leave these and continue to enjoy petty pleasures through the fickle senses, they keep wandering in the cycle of the world in the form of birth and death again and again.

These three Paths have been described in detail in the Bhagwad Gita. Reading the relevant verses brings out the following understanding of the three paths.

1. Karma Yoga and Gyan Yoga (Sankhya/Buddhi Yoga) are both related to the Sansara and as such are “Laukik” (लौकिक). In Karma Yoga there is primacy of the Sansara and in Gyan Yoga there is primacy of Akshar (Indestructible) or the Jivatma. If primacy is given to Parmatma and not to the world (अलौकिक) or the Jivatma, then it is Bhakti (Marga).
2. In Laukik Margas effort of the Sadhak (Devotee) is the means to the end , while in Alaukik Marga devotion or surrender to Parmatma is the means to the end. Laukik Margas depend on Sadhak while Bhakti depends on Parmatma and his grace. Although Bhakti is also Laukik, however since the aim is Alaukik (Parmatma), it become Alaukik.
3. Karma Yogi strives to avoid thinking, aspiring or to do wrong to anybody through his Karmas. Karma Yoga Margi believes that he possesses nothing, nor desires anything and does not intend to do anything for personal benefit.
4. Gyan Yogi believes that It is actually the Gunas having their origin in Prakriti which are the cause of every worldly experience and all actions are happening by interplay between Gunas and corresponding senses. Believing so, there is no ego of being the “Doer” or Karta in Gyan Yogis.
5. The actions in conforming to Shastras which are required to be done owing to Varna, Ashram, nature or situation are performed by Karma Yogi without any affinity towards that Karma or the result thereof. He remains indifferent to the result of his action, being good or bad.
6. Karma Yoga can be done without Gyan Yoga but Gyan Yoga is difficult without Karma Yoga. Gyan and Karma Yoga are same in result while Bhakti and Karma Yoga are the same in Process or action.
7. Karma Yoga is better than sankhya Yoga and Bhakti is superior to Karma Yoga. That’s why Gita deals the three Margas in that order. Some devotees aim for Mukti and some aim for love of Parmatma. Seekers aiming for mukti come to understand Karma and Gyan Yoga. However, seekers of love come to understand the Parmatma as a whole. Ishwar gives the Bhaktas both Karma and Gyan Yoga.