SAIVA-SIDDHANTA

"
"
THE FOUR PATHS.
2OJ
DIFFERENT PATHS AND UPASANAS.
Of course, we have read and heard people talk, about
Karma-mar ga, Bhakti-marga and Yoga and Jnana-margas, as
though there is little or no bhakti, or bhakti is not wanted in
other margas, as though there are no actions or duties attached
to the others, or all those who do not follow the Jiianamarga
are only ignorant people. Does men s smearing themselves with
ashes and namams, repeating God s names, constitute bhakti ?
Does not the relieving of the poor and infirm and the sick con
stitute part of one s religious duties? Is it the highest duty of
the Yogi and Jnani that he considers himself superior to others,
and thinks that he will be polluted by the mere touch of others,
and that he has achieved a great thing if he has injured none ?
And then we have heard of different Upasanas and Vidyas,
Sandilya, Dahara, Sakala and Nishkala and Saguna and
Nirguna ;
and there are people who would advocate the
Saguna against the Nirguna and the Nirguna against the
Saguna.
To begin a statement of my
views. Hindus hold as an
axiom that no study is of any benefit unless it can lead one to
the worship of the supreme One.
And that we cannot be rid of the ills flesh is heir to, and
cross the sea of births and deaths, and attain to everlasting joy
unless we reach the feet of the Supreme Lord.
Gtfsn? nvr .
(Jke Kliraf) .
To get rid of our ills and to attain to His joy is our goal.
That this human birth is
given
to us to work out our
salvation and in this mundane plane, is admitted by all
religions, Christianity included.