Bhakti-yoga - The Ultimate Goal of All Yoga Systems
In the vast library of Vedic knowledge, various systems of yoga are described to help the conditioned soul reconnect with the Absolute Truth. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while these different paths—such as karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga, and haṭha-yoga—offer specific benefits and elevations, they are not independent ends in themselves. Rather, they are progressive steps on a "yoga ladder" that ultimately culminates in bhakti-yoga, or pure devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.
Yoga Ladder: A Progressive Evolution
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently employs the analogy of a staircase to explain the relationship between different yoga systems. One does not remain on the lower steps of a staircase but climbs to reach the top floor; similarly, karma-yoga (regulated action) leads to jñāna-yoga (philosophical inquiry), which leads to dhyāna-yoga (meditation), and finally results in the perfection of bhakti-yoga.
- It (yoga) is something like a long staircase, and the upward steps are variously designated as regulated work, transcendental knowledge, mystic powers, and ultimately bhakti-yoga, or devotional service.
- 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.
- Bhakti-yoga is at the top of the stairs of all the yogas. The first step is karma-yoga, and then jnana-yoga and dhyana-yoga, but the ultimate is bhakti-yoga.
Supremacy of Bhakti Over Other Systems
In the Bhagavad-gītā, Lord Kṛṣṇa explicitly declares the supremacy of the devotee over all other types of transcendentalists. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while other yogis may attain partial realization of the Absolute Truth—such as the impersonal Brahman or the localized Paramātmā—only the bhakti-yogi attains the complete realization of the Supreme Person, making this path the highest of all.
- The Lord says in Bhagavad-gita (BG 6.47): Of all yogis, he who always abides in Me (Krsna) with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all.
- If one is fortunate enough to come to the point of bhakti-yoga, it is to be understood that he has surpassed all the other yogas. Therefore, to become Krsna conscious is the highest stage of yoga.
- In Bhagavad-gita, many yoga systems are explained, but the bhakti-yoga system is considered highest of all. Ultimately, all yogas end in bhakti-yoga. The ultimate conclusion of jnana-yoga and hatha-yoga is bhakti-yoga.
Direct Method vs. The Gradual Path
Other yoga systems are described as gradual, difficult, and fraught with the risk of falling down, especially in the current age. In contrast, Śrīla Prabhupāda describes bhakti-yoga as the "blacksmith's hammer"—a direct and powerful method that immediately solves the problems of material existence, whereas other methods are like the slow tapping of a goldsmith.
- The blacksmith's method and the goldsmith's method. The goldsmith, he has got a small hammer - tuk, tuk, tuk, tuk, tuk. And the blacksmith has a big hammer - dumh, finish. So our is blacksmith method. We take the big hammer of bhakti-yoga and finish all.
- Whatever abominable characteristics we have developed, if we want to counteract it, we have to take to bhakti-yoga only. Anartha. Anartha. We have developed so many anartha. We don't require it, but we have developed all these symptoms.
- There are different types of yoga, of which bhakti-yoga is the best. In other yoga systems, one must undergo various processes before attaining perfection, but bhakti-yoga is direct.
Bhakti as the Only Means to Know Kṛṣṇa
While mental speculation (jñāna) can lead to liberation and mechanical yoga (aṣṭāṅga) can lead to mystic powers, neither can reveal the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that God is not a subject for experimental verification or mental gymnastics; He is revealed only to those who approach Him with love and devotion through bhakti-yoga.
- Bhakti-yoga is the only process by which one can become competent to know Him (Krsna). The empiric philosophers & mystic yogis cannot conceive of the Personality of Godhead, He is called anupalaksya-vartmane, God of the inconceivable way, or bhakti-yoga.
- If you want to know Krsna, it is not possible to any other means. There are many other means - karma, yoga, jnana and bhakti - but if you want to know Krsna, then you have to take the bhakti-yoga, no other.
- Krsna says, "If you want to know Me, then you have to accept this bhakti-yoga. No other means will . . ." because without full surrender unto Krsna, nobody can know Him.
Incompleteness of Yoga Without Bhakti
A crucial point in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings is that any yoga system performed without the element of devotion is ultimately unsuccessful. The goal of all yoga is to link with the Supreme; therefore, if one stops short of surrendering to the Supreme Lord, their yoga practice is incomplete.
- Complete practice of yoga means bhakti-yoga; unless one comes to the point of bhakti-yoga, or surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one's yoga practice is not complete. This same point is corroborated in the Srimad Bhagavad-gita.
- When one surpasses the astanga-yoga and comes to the point of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna, it is called bhakti-yoga, the culmination.
- All kinds of yogis-karma, jnana, hatha, etc.-eventually have to attain devotional perfection in bhakti-yoga, or Krsna consciousness, before they can go to Krsna's transcendental abode and never return.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda firmly establishes that while the Vedic texts describe various paths to accommodate people of different inclinations, bhakti-yoga is the ultimate goal of all yoga systems. Whether one begins by working without attachment (karma-yoga), cultivating knowledge (jñāna-yoga), or controlling the mind (dhyāna-yoga), success is achieved only when one reaches the platform of pure devotion. In the current age, this perfection is easily accessible through the chanting of the Holy Names, offering a direct link to Kṛṣṇa that bypasses the arduous difficulties of other systems.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Bhakti-yoga - Devotional Service to God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.