Knowledge and Devotion (With Special Reference to the Bhagavata)

The Srimad Bhâgavata or the Bhâgavata Purana is one of the canonical texts of Sanatana dharma. Its spiritual philosophy, which is put in an epic form, is devotional. It is the first treatise that popularises the concept of bhakti extensively. In fact, our religious way of life is basically influenced by the thoughts of the Bhâgavata. Though it makes mythical treatment of knowledge and devotion, the ideas contained in it are rather critical than dogmatic. Apart from bhakti and jñâna, it makes a clear exposition of the path of Karma, the concept of liberation, bondage, swarga (heaven), narka (hell), etc. . Jñâna, karma and bhakti have been construed as three distinct ways of attaining the summom bonum of life. This summom bonum is the state of liberation (mukti), perfection and union with the universal consciousness. Different scholars differ in their views regarding the supremacy of any one path over the other two. Some take them as complementary in order to reach the same goal.