Humans are a strange, complex mixture of will, feelings and thought. Humans use their will to possess the objects of their desires. They have emotions and feelings. They have reason and so think. In some, the emotional element may influence their decisions, while in some others the rational element may dominate.
That said, some maintain that the practice of Karma Yoga, the yoga of action to support others, is the only means for salvation. Some others hold that Bhakti Yoga, the devotion to God, is the only way to salvation. Some believe that the Jnana Yoga, the path of intuitive wisdom, is the sole way to attain the final beatitude.
Then there are still others who hold that all three paths together are equally effective in bringing about perfection and freedom. This term for this is Yoga of Synthesis. It alone can bring about integral development.
The Yoga of Synthesis will develop the head, heart and hand and lead one to perfection. Just as will, feeling and thought are not distinct and separate, so also action, devotion and knowledge are not exclusive of one another.
The Yoga of Synthesis is the most suitable and potent form of Sadhana. In the mind there are three defects: Mala or impurity, Vikshepa or tossing and Avarana or veil. The Mala/impurity should be removed by the practice of Karma Yoga. Vikshepa/the tossing of the mind should be removed by Bhakti worship or Upasana. The veil should be torn down by the practice of Jnana Yoga. Then only is Self Realization possible.
If you want to see your face clearly in a mirror, you must remove the dirt in the mirror, keep it steady and remove the covering also. You can see your face clearly in the bottom of the lake only if the turbidity is removed, if the water that is agitated by the wind is rendered still, and if the moss that is lying on the surface is removed. So too is the case with Self Realization.
The ideal of religion is to become harmoniously balanced in all directions of life. This can be achieved by the practice of the Yoga of Synthesis.
To behold the one Universal Self in all beings is Jnana, wisdom. To love this Self is Bhakti, devotion. To serve this Self is Karma, action.
When Jnana Yogis attain wisdom, they are endowed with devotion and selfless activity. Karma Yoga is a spontaneous expression of a spiritual nature, as the aspirant sees the one Self in all.
When the devotee attains perfection in Bhakti devotion, they possess wisdom and activity. Karma Yoga is a spontaneous expression of their divine nature, as they see the one Lord everywhere. The Karma Yogi attains wisdom and devotion when their actions are wholly selfless.
Yoga of Synthesis. The three paths – Karma, Bhakti, Jnana – are in fact one, in which the each temperament also utilizes the other components. Yoga supplies the method by which the Self can be seen, loved and served.
Hence everyone should have one Yoga as their basic Yoga, then combine it with the other Yogas. You can combine Nishkama Karma Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Sankirtan Yoga, with Jnana Yoga as the basis. This is my Yoga of Synthesis, which will ensure rapid spiritual progress.
A little practice of Hatha Yoga (Asanas and Pranayamas) will give you good health.
Raja Yoga will steady your mind.
Upasana and Karma Yoga will purify your heart and prepare you for the practice of Vedanta.
Sankirtan will relax your mind and inspire you.
Meditation will take you to liberation.
Such a Yogi has all round development. This Yoga of Synthesis will help you to attain God Realization quickly. Upanishads, Gita and all other scriptures speak of this Yoga. Therefore, O Mokshapriya, practice this unique Yoga of Synthesis and attain Self-realization quickly.
Here is my little song of the Yoga of Synthesis, for your daily practice:
Eat a little, drink a little
Talk a little, sleep a little
Mix a little, move a little
Serve a little, rest a little
Work a little, relax a little
Study a little, worship a little
Do Asana a little, Pranayama a little
Reflect a little, meditate a little
Do Japa a little, do Kirtan a little
Write Mantra a little, have Satsang a little
Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize
Be good, Do good; Be kind, Be compassionate
Enquire ‘Who am I ?’, Know the Self and be Free