Question:
Which one is great Bhakthi or jnana ?
Sri Prabhuji:
We have to understand the term Bhakta and Mukta. Bhakta is one who loves God. Mukta or Jnani who has merged with God. Mukti is not possible without Bhakti. Hence Jnani is bhakta first and mukta next.
Bhagavadgita 7.16, 7.17 describes 4 types of Bhaktas. Arto, Jijnasu, Artharthi, Jnani. Shri Krishna says 4 types of bhaktas (devotees) are there.
Type 1 Bhakta : Arta – somebody in difficulty who seeks God – remembering God when he/she is in trouble. In kannada we call this as ‘sankata bandaga venkata raman’ – we call Venkata ramana when we are in difficulty. He is a part time devotee (bhakta).
Type 2 Bhakta : Artharthi – One who seeks favors from God for money, power, position, children etc. He prays to God many times a day for different kinds of favour and protection.
Type 3 Bhakta : Jijnasu – One who seeks God. He wants to see God. He wants to realize God. He can be a full time Bhakta – remembering God again and again.
Type 4 Bhakta : Jnani – One who has merged with God.
Normally Bhakti starts with type1, type 2, Type 3 and ends up in Typer 4. Bhakta becomes Mukta. Mukta is Jnani. Shri Krishna says in Bhagavadgita that Jnani is dearest to him.
Bhakta progresses to Jnana through 4 steps – Salokya (Iniviting God into home/puja Room), Sameepya ( spending time in Bhajans, Prayers), Sarupya (Developing Divine Qualities), Sayujya – Merging with God. At Sayujya level Jnani and Bhakta are same. Bhakta has become Jnani/Mukta at Sayujya level.