The Bhagwad Gita: A Unique Science of Jnana, Karma and Bhakti Yoga

Exploring the Three Paths of Yoga in the Bhagwad Gita

Abstract

The Bhagwad Gita literally means “the song of the lord” which is a conversation between Arjuna and Krishna in the battle field of Mahabharata. The Krishna represents the Supreme Being and Arjuna represents an ordinary being. Through Arjuna’s questions and Krishna’s answers the complete science of Yoga is revealed. In this Krishna mainly mentions about three forms of Yoga- the Jnana Yoga, the Karma Yoga and the Bhakti Yoga. The Jnana Yoga or the path of knowledge is a means of the attainment of moksha through attaining the knowledge of the self and the Supreme. It is also called as the highest form of Yoga. The rest two fulfills the purpose. Karma Yoga forms the central teaching of the Gita philosophy. According to which no being can escape actions or fruits of the karma done in the past or present only by performing Niskama karma one can attain liberation. Also, it is impossible to walk on the path of Jnana Yoga without walking on the path of Karma Yoga. The Bhakti Yoga is the perfected form of Karma Yoga, where a being performs selfless devoted action towards the lord. It is the path where one can be liberated by nurturing intense love and devotion towards the lord. Although, the Gita mentions about more forms of yoga like the Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, etc. but the Gita mainly inculcates these three forms of yoga at its very foundation, since, only through these three paths one can attain liberation. It is considered as a science because it describes the concept of Yoga in a systematic step by step way. However, the original purpose of yoga according to Bhagwad Gita is to connect one’s consciousness to the supreme consciousness by controlling one’s body, mind and senses good health is just a by-product of the endeavor because a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.