Srimad Bhagavad Gita -Ramanujacharya 395

Srimad Bhagavad Gita -Ramanujacharya

Chapter-12 Bhakti Darśana Yogaḥ

śreyo hi jñānam abhyāsāt jñānād-dhyānaṃ viśiṣyate | dhyānāt karma phala tyāgas tyāgāt-chāntir anantaram || 12 || 12. Wisdom is far better than the practice [of mindfulness of the Lord]. Meditation is esteemed to be better than wisdom; and the renunciation of fruits of action is better than meditation — from such renunciation, peace ensues. Commentary In the absence of a spontaneous intense love for the Lord, the practice of mindfulness of the Lord is difficult, so therefore the next best means to well-being is the attainment of wisdom — which is direct Self-realisation by contemplating on the imperishable nature of the Ātman (Akṣara). Better than imperfect Self-realisation, is perfect meditation on the Self, as it is more conducive to one’s well-being. More conducive to well-being than imperfect meditation, is the work performed with renunciation of the rewards. The peace of mind that follows the absolution of sins, is attained only through the performance of works without a desire for their fruits. When the mind is at peace, perfect meditation on the Ātman is possible. From meditation one obtains the direct realisation of the Ātman. From this direct Self-realisation arises consummate devotion. It is in this format alone that Atma-nistha or ‘establishment in the Ātman’ becomes useful for a person who is incapable of practising Bhakti Yoga. And for one practising the discipline for Self-realisation (Jñana Yoga) without perfect tranquillity of mind, unmotivated work (Karma Yoga), which includes contemplation on the nature of the Self, is the better path to Self-realisation — this is the purport.