ladder / staircase
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Imported quote 13573 According to the development of consciousness, God realization is present. In the human form of life it is recommended, therefore, that one undergo the different types of penances and austerities described in Bhagavad-gita (karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, dhyana-yoga and bhakti-yoga). Like a staircase, yoga has different steps for reaching the topmost floor, and according to one's position upon the staircase, he is understood to be situated in karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, dhyana-yoga or bhakti-yoga. Of course, bhakti-yoga is the topmost step on the staircase of realization of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In other words, according to one's development in consciousness, one realizes spiritual identity, and thus when one's existential position is purified fully, he becomes situated in brahmananda, which is ultimately unlimited. Therefore the sahkirtana movement contributed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead as Lord Caitanya is the direct and easiest process for coming to the purest form of consciousness-Krsna consciousness, the platform on which the Supreme Personality is fully realized. Directions for performing different types of yajnas are specifically arranged for the highest realization of the Supreme Lord, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gita by the Lord Himself. Ye yatha mam prapadyante tams tathaiva bhajamy aham (Bg. 4.11). The Supreme Personality of Godhead is realized according to the proportion of one's surrender. Full surrender, however, occurs when a man is perfectly in knowledge. Bahūnam janmanam ante jnanavan mam prapadyate (Bg. 7.19).
(More...) Imported quote 18330 So bhakti-yoga is the last status of yoga system. Therefore it is said, bhakti-vitana-yogam. Bhakti... Just like you are going upstair, and step by step, when you go to the topmost step, that is the end of your going up; similarly, the karma-yoga, jnana-yoga and dhyana-yoga, and then bhakti-yoga. So ultimate end is bhakti-yoga. So if you have got..., gone few steps, that is karma-yoga; if you have got few more steps, that is jnana-yoga; and if you go few more steps, that is dhyana-yoga; and when you reach the ultimate status, that is called bhakti-yoga. The step is the same. Mama vartmanuvartante manusyaḥ partha sarvasaḥ [Bg 4.11].
(More...) One who has no such realization must mechanically try to escape material desires before being elevated to the top rung of the yoga ladder. When a person is fully engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, he is pleased in himself, and thus he is no longer engaged in sense gratification or in fruitive activities. Otherwise, one must be engaged in sense gratification, since one cannot live without engagement. Without Krsna consciousness, one must be always seeking self-centered or extended selfish activities. But a Krsna conscious person can do everything for the satisfaction of Krsna and thereby be perfectly detached from sense gratification. One who has no such realization must mechanically try to escape material desires before being elevated to the top rung of the yoga ladder.
(More...) The complete ladder is called yoga and may be divided into three parts, namely jnāna-yoga, dhyāna-yoga and bhakti-yoga. The process of linking oneself with the Supreme is called yoga, which may be compared to a ladder for attaining the topmost spiritual realization. This ladder begins from the lowest material condition of the living entity and rises up to perfect self-realization in pure spiritual life. According to various elevations, different parts of the ladder are known by different names. But all in all, the complete ladder is called yoga and may be divided into three parts, namely jnana-yoga, dhyana-yoga and bhakti-yoga. The beginning of the ladder is called the yogaruruksa stage, and the highest rung is called yogarūḍha.
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