Bhakti, Gyan, Karm - Yog and Sanatan Dharam

Bhakti-Gyan-Karm Yog and Islam

By: Khurshid Imam

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As per Hindu traditions, there are three paths to reach God. Bhagwad Geeta explains these paths for connecting with God.

A. Bhakti Yog: Emphasis is on devotion and love of God. The devotee immerses himself in the remembrance of God.

B. Gyan Yog: Emphasis is on the knowledge. The devotee strives to find the guidance and true path of knowledge.

C. Karm Yog: Emphasis is on actions. Deed should be as per dharma.

Different groups in Hinduism give different priorities to the above three paths.

Note that "Yog" refers to connecting with God.

One of the names of Islam is Deen-al-Qayeem [Quran 98:5] which is exact translation of Sanatan Dharma.

No wonder, Islam or Deen-e-Qayeem or Sanatan Dharma is based on three core principles that are similar to the three paths prescribed in Hindu Traditions.

Ask a Muslim and he will tell you that Tauheed, Akhirah and Risalat are core of Islam. In fact, a major portion of Quran is devoted to detailed explanation of various aspects of these three principles.

A. Tauheed => is based on oneness of Almighty God. God is one without any partner. A believer is supposed to submit his desire to God. Love of God is the core of belief in God.

"..But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.." Quran 2:165

Tauheed <=> Bhakti

B. Risalat => Message of God reaches to mankind through a messenger or Prophet. Messenger is the source of all divine knowledge. Only a human being, and not God, can be an ideal for human being. Messenger of God brings knowledge, provides guidance and teaches wisdom to the mankind.

"A similar (favour you received) in that We have sent among you an Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new knowledge." Quran 2:151

Risalat <=> Gyan

C. Akhirat => Human beings are accountable for their deeds. Good and bad deeds will be counted and the final recompense will be in the akhirah or the life hereafter. Our deeds should be correct and as per the guidance of God.

"On that Day will people proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done). Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it! And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it." Quran 99:6,7,8

Akhirat <=> Karm

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