A bhakta is a “devotee of God.” A jnani is a “seeker of knowledge.” These have been two main paths of liberation. A third path involves liberation through karma, which is “following one’s duty.” The evolution of Hinduism has been from Jnana (knowledge) to Karma (duty) to Bhakti (devotion). Bhakti is the popular mode of Hinduism in India today.
In today’s world, all major religions proclaim devotion to God; but each religion has an aspect focused on knowledge. Jews have Kabbalah; Christians have Christian Mysticism; and Islam has Sufism.
I have always sought knowledge as a jnani. I never got interested in devotion to a deity. The mindset of a devotee (bhakta) has always mystified me. Finally, I think, I am able to resolve this mystery for myself; and that has inspired this post.
For a jnani, self is necessary for resolving anomalies. Once all the anomalies are resolved the self is no longer necessary. At that point a jnani is liberated. A Buddhist is like that.
A jnani’s attention is not on self but on resolving anomalies. A bhakta, on the other hand, is trying to surrender his ego through a relationship with God.
A bhakta has his own ideal in God. That ideal cannot be questioned. The bhakta is trying to dissolve his ego by focusing on that ideal. It is all very subjective because he does not deal with the concepts of God and ego. He just goes by feelings and emotions.
From a jnani point of view, ego is a fixation on self. There is nothing wrong with self, but a fixation on self is detrimental and slows down one’s progress.
Until now I have not been quite aware of what a bhakta is doing. I think it is becoming clear to me now. He is just focused on surrendering his ego. It is just a very different approach. That approach does not welcome questions or discussions. Bhaktas pray to God. They just love music, dance and company. They probably get their realizations that way. That is fine with me.
Now that I understand this, I shall not bother bhaktas asking for discussions. I shall leave bhaktas alone.
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