T Ram Sewak

AgaM GYAN

Shri Ram has previously highlighted in Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.44 the simplicity and delightfulness of bhakti. He now compares it to the path of knowledge (Gyan Marg).

Gyan agam aneka, sadhan teka

Karat koau, bhakti soau

"Gyan is difficult to attain (agam) and beset with numerous obstacles. The path involving quietude, abstinence, observance (sama, yama, niyam), etc., is rugged, and the mind has no foundation for support. Scarcely one attains it after a hard struggle; yet, that jeev (being), if lacking in devotion, fails to win My love."

Firstly, Shri Ram is not undermining or looking down upon the path of knowledge. The path of knowledge has been termed difficult in contrast to the easy (sulabh) and pleasant (sukhad) bhakti, as there is a sakar roop (form) to be worshipped (upasya) that becomes the anchor for the bhakt.

The path of knowledge demands deep study, reflection, and contemplation of the scriptures. It's not easy for every mind to fully grasp the conceptual framework in the pursuit of truth, which transcends all names, forms, and attributes. Shri Krishna also declares in Gita 12.5 that reaching the unmanifested Supreme is a challenging journey fraught with difficulty for embodied beings.

There are at least two significant challenges on the gyan marg. The first is the mind - it is fickle and does not remain still, presenting the biggest obstacle to achieving self-control. Thus, following ashtanga yoga and keeping one's external self in front of the inner self is an extremely difficult practice. The second is ahankar (the ego) it invariably pushes the jeev into the entrapment of Maya (the illusive creation), ensnaring it into the delusion of 'I' and 'Me', 'You' and 'Yours'.

Bhakti can lead to gyan when we practice Navdha Bhakti (nine forms) to cultivate discipline and self-control. Tulsidasji thus connects the two - "Gyan is the fruit, and bhakti is the juice in that fruit." / DAILY WORLD /

Namami Ramam Musings-74

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com