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Four ways to reach Krishna || Acharya Prashant, on Bhagavad Gita (2020)
Scriptures and Saints
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3 years ago
Bhagavad Gita
Abhyasa Yoga
Sahaj
Dharma
Worship
Attention
Sincerity
Action
Description

Acharya Prashant explains the four ways of worshiping the manifest as described by Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12. The first and most superior way is the Sahaj way, which requires no method or training. It is for the sincere and dedicated seeker who can instantly and effortlessly settle their mind in the truth. This way is characterized by great love and a direct, frictionless movement toward the ultimate. If one cannot achieve this, the second way is Abhyasa Yoga, or the path of practice. Since biological tendencies like foolishness and lust come naturally, wisdom and attention must be practiced. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that understanding one's biological predicament is a form of resistance against primitive cycles, requiring one to be vigilant and inquisitive about their internal reactions and thoughts. For those unable to operate at the subtle mental level, Shri Krishna offers the third way: performing actions for His sake. This involves dedicating one's life to the right work and choosing a cause aligned with the truth rather than being a servant to personal patterns or littleness. The fourth and least preferred option is for those who cannot change their current path or 'job'; they are advised to at least dedicate the fruits of their actions to the Divine. Acharya Prashant notes that while the first way is the ideal for everyone, the subsequent ways are concessions for those lacking the necessary determination or sincerity. He urges seekers to strive for the highest path possible, as the lower paths represent a loss of opportunity.