Relation between Devotion, Knowledge and Dispassion

The aspirants of God realization often hear different viewpoints from the Saints and the scriptures about the different paths of attaining the God or Salvation or Self realization. Some claim the path of devotion (Bhakti-Yoga) to be the superior one, while others claim path of knowledge (Gyana-Yoga) and dispassion (Vairagya) to be the superior one. A few others also praises about the path of selfless service (Karma-Yoga).

This debate about the superior path is not new. In fact it is as ancient as the spirituality itself. There is a beautiful story described in the Mahatmaya of Bhagavata Purana (verse 48 of first chapter), which can help you to dissolve some of these doubts.

At the beginning of the present age (Kali Yuga), Sage Narada traveled all over the holy places on earth, but he couldn’t find peace, truth, purity, charity or happiness anywhere because humanity has turned to bad actions. On his journeys, he had witnessed selfish people, ascetics who pursue sensual enjoyment, families who quarrel and scenes of pervading sorrow everywhere. When he reached Vrndavana, on the banks of river Yamuna, he saw a puzzling sight. A dejected young woman, being attended by heavenly angles, was crying over two old men who were lying unconscious beside her. At the arrival of Sage Narada, she controlled her cry and approached the sage for assistance.

When Sage Narada asked her who she was, she identified herself as Bhakti (Devotion) and the two men as her sons Gyana (Knowledge) and Vairagya (Dispassion), who were worn out by time. Then she tells her story to the sage, “I was born in the Sata Yuga (Age of Pious living) and my sons (Gyana and Vairagya) were young and thriving during that holy age. But, during the terrible times of Kali-Yuga, I was crippled by heretics, and I became weak and old along with my sons. But after reaching Vrindavana, where Sri Krisna lived once, I have become young and beautiful again; but, how can a mother live young when her sons are old and crippled. I am worried, please help me.”  

Narada showed his compassion for her plight and told her that this all is the result of the present age that is governed by Kali. He also saw that people neglect the path of Yoga and austerity, dishonest men become deified and saintly people suffer; the earth is burdened with wickedness and auspiciousness is not to be found. Men are full of attachments and have abandoned Bhakti (devotion); At the same time Sage Narada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu consoled her by saying that with the blessings of Lord Vishnu, she will surely regain her blissful state.

Then Narada tried to awaken Jnana and Vairagya. He shouted loudly in their ears, “O Jnana, O Vairagya, wake up! Wake up! Wake up!” But they didn’t stir. Seeing his efforts had no effect, Narada Muni began to utter verses of the Upanishads and Gita repeatedly into their ears. They raised their heads a little, yawned, and then fell back to sleep.

Sage Narada got a little concerned about his abilities to help Bhakti. He sat down peacefully, closed his eyes and began to meditate. He heard the inner voice that encouraged him to perform Sat-Karma (virtuous action). But still Sage Narada was not very clear in his mind about how to perform the highest form of Sat-Karma. He brought Rishi Kumaras (headed by Saunaka) to the scene and asked them about the highest form of Sat-karma.

The four Kumaras said, “All wise men declare that Gyana-Yajna (Knowledge sacrifice) is Sat-karma. That Gyana-Yajna is recitation of Bhagavata-Katha (Bhagwata Purana). If you perform  Sat-karma, bhagavata-katha, speak Bhagavata or do bhagavata-patha pravacana, then Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya will get strength. Bhakti-devi will be blissful. Her two sons, Jnana and Vairagya will regain their youth and be imbued with new strength. This is the highest form of Sat-karma.”

In this manner Sanakadi Rishis glorified Srimad Bhagavatam and its importance. At that time a wonderful incident took place. Just by listening to the glory of Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhakti-devi, assuming the form of a beautiful young girl appeared there with Jnana and Vairagya who were now full with the charm and vigor of youth.

So, dear Seekers, even in the holy scriptures, Devotion (Bhakti) is rightly portrayed as the mother of Knowledge and dispassion. Without strengthening the Knowledge and dispassion, Devotion in the heart doesn’t flourish or become youthful. Devotion remains venerable in the presence of weak and crippled knowledge (and dispassion).  It is also true that Devotion is the mother – the birth giver of knowledge and dispassion. The pious knowledge only makes home in your heart, if devotion is already present. When knowledge and dispassion flourishes, the heart is filled with love and devotion for Him - the all pervading Parmatma (God). So all the three, devotion, knowledge and dispassion flourish together in the heart of a devotee who is treading on the right path towards the goal of God realization.