Talk:Transcending Karm through mokṣa: Integral Yog of the Bhagavad Gītā and Vaiṣṇava Tradition

By Vishal Agarwal

In the concluding verses of the Bhagavad Gītā, Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa advocates that the common man should combine the four Yog-s sequentially to attain the Supreme Goal of Mokṣa. Each stage builds upon the earlier, and together they lead to complete spiritual realization:

He should first cultivate the Daivī Sampat (divine qualities) as listed in Gītā 16.1–3, and give up the Āsurī Sampat (demonic traits) described in Gītā 16.4–5. This cultivation of virtuous traits and pursuit of discernment constitutes the preparatory stage aligned with Jñānayog.

The first active stage is to determine one’s Svadharm (personal duty or ordained role). He should then spiritualize all his actions related to this Svadharm and perform them as worship of the Bhagavān, renouncing attachment and the desire for results. This purifies the Buddhi (intellect) and prepares the seeker for the next level. This stage closely aligns with Karm Yog (Gītā 18.45–50).

Next, the seeker practices Dhyāna Yog. He meditates on the Bhagavān, gives up negative emotions like anger, desire, and ego, and begins to see all Jīva-s as alike and abiding in Brahman (Gītā 18.51–54).

Thereafter, the devotee seeks complete refuge in the Bhagavān, surrenders his whole being to Him, performs all actions for His sake, and fixes his Buddhi in Him. Eventually, he becomes a mere instrument of Divine Will (Gītā 18.55–58, 18.61–62, 18.65–66).

In the Vaiṣṇava tradition of Hindu Dharm, these four Yog-s are not viewed as mutually exclusive, but rather as complementary aspects of spiritual practice. The spiritual seeker continues to engage in the following:

Perform his ritual and worldly duties (Karm),

Meditate upon and worship the Bhagavān (Dhyāna),

Understand the nature of the universe, the Bhagavān, and the soul (Jñāna), and

Ultimately surrender with devotion (Bhakti).

In this framework, Bhakti is not only emphasized but is seen as the culmination and essence of the other three Yog. It is through Bhakti that the seeker ultimately attains Mokṣa.