(a) Importance of word ‘bhajate’

    • ‘Bhajate’ has its root in the verb ‘bhaj’ which is used when there is a need of servic
    • The word ‘worship’ does not convey the same meaning as ‘bhaj’

    (b) Difference between ‘worship’ and ‘service’

    • ‘Worship’ means to adore, or to show respect and honour to the worthy one
    • But ‘service’ with love and faith is especially meant for the Supreme Personality of Godhead

    (c) ‘Service’ to Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be avoided by a living entity

    • One can avoid worshiping a respectable man or a demigod and maybe called discourteous
    • But one cannot avoid serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead without being thoroughly condemned
      o Because every living entity is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord
      o One’s constitution is to serve the Supreme Lord

    (d) Supporting verse to differentiate ‘worship’ and ‘service’ – Ref. SB 11.5.3 ‘ya esam purusham…”

    • By neglect of service and duty unto the Supreme Lord, one falls down from his constitution
    • In this verse ‘bhajanti’ is only applicable to Supreme Personality of Godhead and
    • The term ‘worship’ can be applied to any demigod or any living entity
    • Importance of word ‘avajananti’ – Only fools and rascals deride the Supreme Personality of Godhead and try to comment on Bhagavad-gita without an attitude of service
      o They cannot properly differentiate between the word ‘bhajanti’ and ‘worship’

    (e) What features of the Lord does the highest or ideal yogi concentrate upon – “On Krishna as Shyamasundara” (Study purport)

    (f) How to achieve highest yogic perfection as explained in this verse – Achieved by bhakti yoga

    • Ref. Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23 “yasya deve…” – “Only by implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed.”

    (g) Purpose of ‘naiskarmya’ (Ref. Gopala-tapani Upanisad 1.15)

    • To practice devotional service, free from desires of material profit, either in this life or next
    • Devoid of such inclinations, one should absorb one’s mind fully in the Supreme

    (h) Conclusion of Yoga Ladder – It all starts from Karma-yoga without fruitive results (Niskamakarma-yoga)

    • Niskama-karma-yoga + knowledge and renunciation = ‘Jnana-yoga’
    • Jnana-yoga + meditation = ‘Astanga-yoga’
    • Astanga-yoga + realisation of Krishna in devotion = ‘Bhakti-yoga’

    SUMMARIZED THEME

    COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT YOGA SYSTEMS

    SNo.Karma, Jnana, Astanga Yoga etcBhakti-yoga
    1
    • They are different steps on Yoga ladder
    • They are progressions towards the destination of Bhakti-yoga
    • Goal of Yoga is Bhakti-yoga
    • Therefore Yoga actually means Bhakti yoga
    2
    • Selfish interests
    • Possess material desires
    • Selfless
    • Free from all material desires
    3
    • May fail to achieve success
    • They may stick to onepoint and fail to progress and thus they are called by that particular name
    • Guaranteed success
    • Definitely makes progress because means and end are same
    4
    • When Karma yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation it is called Jnana yoga
    • When Jnana yoga increases in meditation, it is Astanga yoga
    • When Astanga yoga comes to the point of realizing Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that is Bhakti yoga
    • Analogy: Krishna Consciousness is the highest rung of Yoga – e.g. Mount Everest is the highest peak of the Himalayas

    (a) Yoga is defined as linking consciousness to the Supreme Absolute Truth

    (b) Yoga is named differently according to different methods adopted

    (c) Bhakti-yoga is the ultimate perfection of yoga – anything short of that is imperfect

    LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 6.46 & 6.47: Thus Text 6.46 reveals the progressive rungs on the yoga ladder by clearly glorifying yogis above karmis, jnanis and tapasvis. Krishna now gives his final statement about the yogi of the highest caliber.

    Text 6.47

    THEME : Even better than yogi is a devotee who worships Krishna. Topmost yogi is Bhakti-yogi – because…

    • He has great faith in Krishna
    • Takes shelter in Him (“Always abides in Me”)
    • Always thinks of Him (“Always thinks of Me within Himself”)
    • Renders loving service (“unto Me”)
    Learnings from Purport 6.47

    (a) Importance of word ‘bhajate’

    • ‘Bhajate’ has its root in the verb ‘bhaj’ which is used when there is a need of servic
    • The word ‘worship’ does not convey the same meaning as ‘bhaj’

    (b) Difference between ‘worship’ and ‘service’

    • ‘Worship’ means to adore, or to show respect and honour to the worthy one
    • But ‘service’ with love and faith is especially meant for the Supreme Personality of Godhead

    (c) ‘Service’ to Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be avoided by a living entity

    • One can avoid worshiping a respectable man or a demigod and maybe called discourteous
    • But one cannot avoid serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead without being thoroughly condemned
      o Because every living entity is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord
      o One’s constitution is to serve the Supreme Lord

    (d) Supporting verse to differentiate ‘worship’ and ‘service’ – Ref. SB 11.5.3 ‘ya esam purusham…”

    • By neglect of service and duty unto the Supreme Lord, one falls down from his constitution
    • In this verse ‘bhajanti’ is only applicable to Supreme Personality of Godhead and
    • The term ‘worship’ can be applied to any demigod or any living entity
    • Importance of word ‘avajananti’ – Only fools and rascals deride the Supreme Personality of Godhead and try to comment on Bhagavad-gita without an attitude of service
      o They cannot properly differentiate between the word ‘bhajanti’ and ‘worship’

    (e) What features of the Lord does the highest or ideal yogi concentrate upon – “On Krishna as Shyamasundara” (Study purport)

    (f) How to achieve highest yogic perfection as explained in this verse – Achieved by bhakti yoga

    • Ref. Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23 “yasya deve…” – “Only by implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed.”

    (g) Purpose of ‘naiskarmya’ (Ref. Gopala-tapani Upanisad 1.15)

    • To practice devotional service, free from desires of material profit, either in this life or next
    • Devoid of such inclinations, one should absorb one’s mind fully in the Supreme

    (h) Conclusion of Yoga Ladder – It all starts from Karma-yoga without fruitive results (Niskamakarma-yoga)

    • Niskama-karma-yoga + knowledge and renunciation = ‘Jnana-yoga’
    • Jnana-yoga + meditation = ‘Astanga-yoga’
    • Astanga-yoga + realisation of Krishna in devotion = ‘Bhakti-yoga’

    SUMMARIZED THEME

    COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT YOGA SYSTEMS

    SNo.Karma, Jnana, Astanga Yoga etcBhakti-yoga
    1
    • They are different steps on Yoga ladder
    • They are progressions towards the destination of Bhakti-yoga
    • Goal of Yoga is Bhakti-yoga
    • Therefore Yoga actually means Bhakti yoga
    2
    • Selfish interests
    • Possess material desires
    • Selfless
    • Free from all material desires
    3
    • May fail to achieve success
    • They may stick to onepoint and fail to progress and thus they are called by that particular name
    • Guaranteed success
    • Definitely makes progress because means and end are same
    4
    • When Karma yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation it is called Jnana yoga
    • When Jnana yoga increases in meditation, it is Astanga yoga
    • When Astanga yoga comes to the point of realizing Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that is Bhakti yoga
    • Analogy: Krishna Consciousness is the highest rung of Yoga – e.g. Mount Everest is the highest peak of the Himalayas

      (a) Yoga is defined as linking consciousness to the Supreme Absolute Truth

      (b) Yoga is named differently according to different methods adopted

      (c) Bhakti-yoga is the ultimate perfection of yoga – anything short of that is imperfect

      LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 6.46 & 6.47: Thus Text 6.46 reveals the progressive rungs on the yoga ladder by clearly glorifying yogis above karmis, jnanis and tapasvis. Krishna now gives his final statement about the yogi of the highest caliber.

      Text 6.47

      THEME : Even better than yogi is a devotee who worships Krishna. Topmost yogi is Bhakti-yogi – because…

      • He has great faith in Krishna
      • Takes shelter in Him (“Always abides in Me”)
      • Always thinks of Him (“Always thinks of Me within Himself”)
      • Renders loving service (“unto Me”)
      Learnings from Purport 6.47

      (a) Importance of word ‘bhajate’

      • ‘Bhajate’ has its root in the verb ‘bhaj’ which is used when there is a need of servic
      • The word ‘worship’ does not convey the same meaning as ‘bhaj’

      (b) Difference between ‘worship’ and ‘service’

      • ‘Worship’ means to adore, or to show respect and honour to the worthy one
      • But ‘service’ with love and faith is especially meant for the Supreme Personality of Godhead

      (c) ‘Service’ to Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be avoided by a living entity

      • One can avoid worshiping a respectable man or a demigod and maybe called discourteous
      • But one cannot avoid serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead without being thoroughly condemned
        o Because every living entity is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord
        o One’s constitution is to serve the Supreme Lord

      (d) Supporting verse to differentiate ‘worship’ and ‘service’ – Ref. SB 11.5.3 ‘ya esam purusham…”

      • By neglect of service and duty unto the Supreme Lord, one falls down from his constitution
      • In this verse ‘bhajanti’ is only applicable to Supreme Personality of Godhead and
      • The term ‘worship’ can be applied to any demigod or any living entity
      • Importance of word ‘avajananti’ – Only fools and rascals deride the Supreme Personality of Godhead and try to comment on Bhagavad-gita without an attitude of service
        o They cannot properly differentiate between the word ‘bhajanti’ and ‘worship’

      (e) What features of the Lord does the highest or ideal yogi concentrate upon – “On Krishna as Shyamasundara” (Study purport)

      (f) How to achieve highest yogic perfection as explained in this verse – Achieved by bhakti yoga

      • Ref. Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23 “yasya deve…” – “Only by implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed.”

      (g) Purpose of ‘naiskarmya’ (Ref. Gopala-tapani Upanisad 1.15)

      • To practice devotional service, free from desires of material profit, either in this life or next
      • Devoid of such inclinations, one should absorb one’s mind fully in the Supreme

      (h) Conclusion of Yoga Ladder – It all starts from Karma-yoga without fruitive results (Niskamakarma-yoga)

      • Niskama-karma-yoga + knowledge and renunciation = ‘Jnana-yoga’
      • Jnana-yoga + meditation = ‘Astanga-yoga’
      • Astanga-yoga + realisation of Krishna in devotion = ‘Bhakti-yoga’

      SUMMARIZED THEME

      COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT YOGA SYSTEMS

      SNo.Karma, Jnana, Astanga Yoga etcBhakti-yoga
      1
      • They are different steps on Yoga ladder
      • They are progressions towards the destination of Bhakti-yoga
      • Goal of Yoga is Bhakti-yoga
      • Therefore Yoga actually means Bhakti yoga
      2
      • Selfish interests
      • Possess material desires
      • Selfless
      • Free from all material desires
      3
      • May fail to achieve success
      • They may stick to onepoint and fail to progress and thus they are called by that particular name
      • Guaranteed success
      • Definitely makes progress because means and end are same
      4
      • When Karma yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation it is called Jnana yoga
      • When Jnana yoga increases in meditation, it is Astanga yoga
      • When Astanga yoga comes to the point of realizing Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that is Bhakti yoga
      • Analogy: Krishna Consciousness is the highest rung of Yoga – e.g. Mount Everest is the highest peak of the Himalayas

      THE TOPMOST YOGI (6.46 – 6.47)

      PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SECTION VI

      • Ultimate stage of yoga practice is pure devotion to Krishna.
      • Bhakti-yoga is the perfection of yoga. It is not simply a process of purification; it is also the goal of purification, the eternal position of the living entity.
      Text 6.46

      THEME : Yogi is better than all others who endeavor perfection (Ascetic, empiricist, fruitive worker).

      Learnings from Purport 6.46

      (a) Yoga is defined as linking consciousness to the Supreme Absolute Truth

      (b) Yoga is named differently according to different methods adopted

      • If linking process is predominantly fruitive acts – called Karma yoga
      • If linking process is predominantly empirical – called Jnana yoga
      • If linking process is predominantly devotional – called Bhakti yoga

      (c) Bhakti-yoga is the ultimate perfection of yoga – anything short of that is imperfect

      • Ascetics without self knowledge – imperfect
      • Empiric knowledge without surrender – imperfect
      • Karma-yoga without Krishna Consciousness – waste of time

      LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 6.46 & 6.47: Thus Text 6.46 reveals the progressive rungs on the yoga ladder by clearly glorifying yogis above karmis, jnanis and tapasvis. Krishna now gives his final statement about the yogi of the highest caliber.

      Text 6.47

      THEME : Even better than yogi is a devotee who worships Krishna. Topmost yogi is Bhakti-yogi – because…

      • He has great faith in Krishna
      • Takes shelter in Him (“Always abides in Me”)
      • Always thinks of Him (“Always thinks of Me within Himself”)
      • Renders loving service (“unto Me”)
      Learnings from Purport 6.47

      (a) Importance of word ‘bhajate’

      • ‘Bhajate’ has its root in the verb ‘bhaj’ which is used when there is a need of servic
      • The word ‘worship’ does not convey the same meaning as ‘bhaj’

      (b) Difference between ‘worship’ and ‘service’

      • ‘Worship’ means to adore, or to show respect and honour to the worthy one
      • But ‘service’ with love and faith is especially meant for the Supreme Personality of Godhead

      (c) ‘Service’ to Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be avoided by a living entity

      • One can avoid worshiping a respectable man or a demigod and maybe called discourteous
      • But one cannot avoid serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead without being thoroughly condemned
        o Because every living entity is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord
        o One’s constitution is to serve the Supreme Lord

      (d) Supporting verse to differentiate ‘worship’ and ‘service’ – Ref. SB 11.5.3 ‘ya esam purusham…”

      • By neglect of service and duty unto the Supreme Lord, one falls down from his constitution
      • In this verse ‘bhajanti’ is only applicable to Supreme Personality of Godhead and
      • The term ‘worship’ can be applied to any demigod or any living entity
      • Importance of word ‘avajananti’ – Only fools and rascals deride the Supreme Personality of Godhead and try to comment on Bhagavad-gita without an attitude of service
        o They cannot properly differentiate between the word ‘bhajanti’ and ‘worship’

      (e) What features of the Lord does the highest or ideal yogi concentrate upon – “On Krishna as Shyamasundara” (Study purport)

      (f) How to achieve highest yogic perfection as explained in this verse – Achieved by bhakti yoga

      • Ref. Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23 “yasya deve…” – “Only by implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed.”

      (g) Purpose of ‘naiskarmya’ (Ref. Gopala-tapani Upanisad 1.15)

      • To practice devotional service, free from desires of material profit, either in this life or next
      • Devoid of such inclinations, one should absorb one’s mind fully in the Supreme

      (h) Conclusion of Yoga Ladder – It all starts from Karma-yoga without fruitive results (Niskamakarma-yoga)

      • Niskama-karma-yoga + knowledge and renunciation = ‘Jnana-yoga’
      • Jnana-yoga + meditation = ‘Astanga-yoga’
      • Astanga-yoga + realisation of Krishna in devotion = ‘Bhakti-yoga’

      SUMMARIZED THEME

      COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT YOGA SYSTEMS

      SNo.Karma, Jnana, Astanga Yoga etcBhakti-yoga
      1
      • They are different steps on Yoga ladder
      • They are progressions towards the destination of Bhakti-yoga
      • Goal of Yoga is Bhakti-yoga
      • Therefore Yoga actually means Bhakti yoga
      2
      • Selfish interests
      • Possess material desires
      • Selfless
      • Free from all material desires
      3
      • May fail to achieve success
      • They may stick to onepoint and fail to progress and thus they are called by that particular name
      • Guaranteed success
      • Definitely makes progress because means and end are same
      4
      • When Karma yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation it is called Jnana yoga
      • When Jnana yoga increases in meditation, it is Astanga yoga
      • When Astanga yoga comes to the point of realizing Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that is Bhakti yoga
      • Analogy: Krishna Consciousness is the highest rung of Yoga – e.g. Mount Everest is the highest peak of the Himalayas
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