The Three Steps to Devotion

Madusudhana Saraswati has beautifully described the path of devotion, the ladder which one has to climb to achieve the state of god – realization. It helps us to ascertain where we are on this journey and gives us the direction to progress further. It is simple, yet very profound.

The steps are,

1. तस्य एव अहम् Tasya eva aham
   This means that “I belong to him – the almighty”. This is the first but difficult step to achieve. From being a non-believer, we have to first have the belief that God exists and that we are part of him. Once this “belongingness” comes, we will feel that we are part of his grand plan and that we are obliged to perform our duties as ordained by him. This is the KARMA YOGA of the Bhagavad Gita.
2. मम एव असौ (Mama eva asau)
   This means that “He-the almighty is mine”. Just compare this statement with the first. You will realize that the second statement makes you closer to god. When you feel that god is yours, you will automatically get the trust that he will take care of your needs. Your devotion increases. This is the BHAKTI YOGA of the Bhagavad Gita.
3. स एव अहम ्(Sa eva aham)
   This means that “He- the almighty is I”. This stage is reached by very few yogins and sanyasis. To reach this stage of non-duality, our mind must become extremely pure. It is said that in a pure mind, the Atman reveals itself. The Katho Upanishad clearly states that the Atman will reveal itself to whom it chooses. Logic fails at this stage and only purity counts. Our efforts in this lifetime must be to achieve that purity and pray that this realization and wisdom dawns on us. This is the JNANA YOGA of the Bhagavad Gita.