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Lesson VII: Bhakti Yoga.357
Lesson VII: Bhakti Yoga.
As we have stated in previous lessons, the Yogi Philosophy is divided into
several branches or forms, each specially adapted to the requirements
of certain classes of students. And yet, each path leads to the same end—
unfoldment, development, and growth. The man who wishes to grow by
force of will, or by the steady pressure of the mind upon the sheaths enfolding
the Higher Self, will be attracted to Raja Yoga. Another who wishes to grow
by knowing—by studying the Riddle of the Universe, and by an intellectual
comprehension of the principles underlying Life, naturally is attracted
toward Gnani Yoga. A third whose “religious nature” is largely developed,
prefers to grow into an understanding and union with the Absolute, by
the power of Love—by the inspiration that comes from the love of some
conception of God, and some form of worship that may accompany that
conception of Deity. Such an one is a follower of Bhakti Yoga.
Of course one may be an ardent Raja Yogi, or a learned Gnani Yogi, and
at the same time be filled with such a reverence and love of the Absolute
that he is an advanced Bhakti Yogi. In fact, we fail to see how one may avoid
being a Bhakti Yogi, if he studies any branch of Yoga. To know God is to
love Him, and the more we know of Him, the more we must love Him. And,
likewise, to know ourselves is to love God, for we perceive our relationship