Author: Datta Swami
As per Gita, intelligence is the driver of the body. But if the intelligence is not equipped with sufficient knowledge, it cannot take decisions. If the body is driven by mind, it goes by emotions. So first we have to acquire knowledge to strengthen the buddhi. Then it can take right decisions. How can one identify a guru without acquiring the true divine knowledge?
Gita is a mixture of the intelligence of the Lord (Guru buddhi) and the intelligence of Arjuna (Atma Buddhi). Thus Jnana yoga is the interaction of the self with the superself. Gita is not simply preaching of Krishna like a non-stop express train. It is the series of answers given to the enquiries of Arjuna. Thus the Jnana yoga becomes the knowledge with relevance to the soul.
Hanuman stands as an example like a mountain for knowledge, devotion and service. The knowledge of Hanuman was over even before meeting Rama. The devotion rose like a Tsunami when He met Rama. Thus both the knowledge and devotion are in hidden state in Hanuman. The entire Ramayana of Valmiki, especially the Sundara Kanda, relating to Hanuman is simply concentrated on the service of Hanuman to the then human incarnation. The service (karma yoga) cannot result without devotion (Bhakti yoga). The devotion cannot be generated without knowledge (jnana yoga).
Rukmini heard about all the details of Krishna (Jnana yoga) and developed terrible attraction (Bhakti yoga) to attain Krishna by such knowledge. Her devotion is selfless and her attraction to Krishna was not to become the queen of Dwaraka. She wanted to be present at the feet of Krishna and press feet continuously & her aim was such service (karma yoga). Karma yoga implies the existence of Bhakti yoga & jnana yoga already.
