What is the meaning of Yoga, a word which we hear so often? How many Yogas are there? How do we practise yoga?
Yoga is that which ‘unites’ (yuj—to yoke) the Jivatman (the individual soul) with the Paramatman (the Supreme Self or God). Any path of spiritual discipline which help achieve this union is ‘Yoga’. Yogas are generally considered four in number: Jnanayoga,
Is Bhakti different from Jnana?
The path of Bhakti is different from the path of Jnana. However, in their maturity they do not differ, but are to be understood as the obverse and the reverse of the same coin of spiritual realization. At the disciplinary stage there appears to be a difference.
Who is a true bhakta or devotee?
Many descriptions of a true devotee are given in the scriptures. Striking descriptions are given in the Bhagavata , especially in 3.25.21-24. The Gita gives its own description of a Bhakta in chapter 12. Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings seem to imply that
Is bhakti alone sufficient for the attainment of God, for His vision?
Yes, one can see God through bhakti alone. But it must be "ripe" bhakti, prema-bhakti and raga-bhakti. When one has that bhakti, one loves God even as the mother loves the child, the child the mother, or the wife the husband.
What are the means by which one can see God?
Can you weep for Him with intense longing of heart (Bhakti) ? Men shed a jug-full of tears for the sake of their children, for their wives, or for money. But who weeps for God? So long as the child remains engrossed with its toys, the mother looks after
How a lover of God (Bhakta) feels?
His attitude is: 'O God, Thou are the Master, and I am Thy servant. Thou art the Mother, and I am Thy child.' Or again: 'Thou art my Father and Mother. Thou art the Whole, and I am a part.' He doesn't like to say, 'I am Brahman.'
May one meditate on the form of one's own mother?
Yes, the mother should be adored. She is indeed an embodiment of Brahman.
In the early stage of spiritual practice, which one is easier - to meditate on God with Form or without Form?
Now you see that the mind cannot be fixed, all of a sudden, on the formless aspect of God. It is wise to think of God with form during the primary stages.
Is it possible to become a Brahmajnani(A Knower of God) by following the path of discrimination according to the Vedanta philosophy?
Yes, one may reach Him [God] by following the path of discrimination too: that is called Jnanayoga. But it is an extremely difficult path. I have told you already of the seven planes of consciousness. On reaching the seventh plane the mind goes into samadhi.