Acharya Prashant addresses a question about the true essence of Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga for students. He explains that in spirituality, there are three popular paths: Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), and Gyan (knowledge). However, he clarifies that these three are not isolated or exclusive; they are fundamentally one. The mind is a restless entity, constantly in a state of discontentment, always feeling that something is missing. This state of discontentment means the mind is never fully satisfied, regardless of the situation. This constant dissatisfaction is equivalent to saying the mind is always in want of satisfaction, which means the mind is a constant lover, always longing for something. This something has been called realization, peace, fulfillment, rest, health, or security. This deep, fundamental urge of the mind is Bhakti. Bhakti is the deep love or longing for that which is missing. It is the realization of being separated from one's beloved state. The very word 'Bhakti' comes from the root 'bhaj,' which means division or separation. Therefore, Bhakti is the fundamental state of disquiet, the realization of being fragmented and separated. It is not something one does, but the very state of being a human who is born separated from their beloved. This deep love is Bhakti. Yoga, which is the final union, must begin with Bhakti. Bhakti is not about following rituals but about realizing one's separation and incompleteness. From Bhakti, Gyan (knowledge) naturally follows. Once you realize you are separated and long to be united, you inquire into the nature of this separation and the sufferer. This inquiry is Gyan Yoga. And once you know what causes the separation—the petty ego—your actions change. You stop listening to the ego's desires and demands. This is Karma Yoga, or Nishkam Karma (desireless action). Therefore, Bhakti, Gyan, and Karma are one and the same, flowing sequentially. A true seeker embodies all three concurrently. When organizations promote just singing and dancing as Bhakti, it is a misunderstanding. True dance is movement without caring for rewards, and true singing is speaking without concern for external validation. Devotion to a self-created image is merely ego-worship. The Upanishads often begin with Gyan because they assume the seeker already possesses Bhakti—the deep, honest acknowledgment of their suffering and the desire to be free from it.