There is a good story about a jnani (knowledgeable person) and a bhakta (devotee). Once there lived a bhakta and a jnani. God always walked behind the bhakta. Somebody one day asked God as to why he was walking behind the bhakta and not the jnani?
Bhagavan answered that the jnani has all the knowledge. He is smart, educated and has all the worldly wealth. So Bhagavan does not have to worry about him. Jnani might sooner or later find Bhagavan.
But the Bhakta of Bhagavan is innocent, simple, uneducated, loves none else but him, therefore he has to take care of him and make sure he is within his sight and hearing, just like an infant or child is with his or her mother.
Explanation:
The story of the Jnani (knowledgeable person) and the Bhakta (devotee) illustrates a deep teaching in Hinduism that explores the nature of divine grace and the relationship between God, knowledge, and devotion. This parable, which contrasts the path of knowledge (Jnana) and the path of devotion (Bhakti), offers insight into the different ways one can connect with the Divine. Let’s unpack the story and its various aspects in terms of its importance, meaning, symbolism, modern relevance, and parallel thoughts in other cultures.
1. The Characters and Their Symbolism
The Jnani (Knowledgeable Person): The Jnani represents someone who seeks God or truth through intellect, reasoning, and self-inquiry. The path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) is considered one of the primary ways to achieve liberation (Moksha) in Hindu philosophy. A Jnani often relies on wisdom, detachment from worldly desires, and self-realization. The Jnani's journey can be solitary and driven by self-discipline and contemplation.
The Bhakta (Devotee): In contrast, the Bhakta walks the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), seeking connection with the Divine through love, surrender, and faith. A Bhakta’s strength lies in the purity of heart and unwavering love for God. Bhakti is often seen as a simpler, more emotional path, but equally valid and powerful.
God’s Role (Bhagavan): In the story, Bhagavan (God) chooses to walk behind the Bhakta because the Bhakta’s innocence, simplicity, and unwavering love require more attention and care. Like a mother watching over a child, God ensures that the Bhakta, who depends entirely on divine love, is always under His protection.
2. Importance and Meaning of the Story
This story underscores a profound teaching:
Divine Grace vs. Human Effort: The Jnani relies on self-effort, using knowledge to navigate life and eventually reach God. Therefore, God trusts that the Jnani will find Him. The Bhakta, however, depends entirely on God’s grace, making God the active agent in the relationship. The story reflects the idea that the simpler and more dependent one’s faith, the more God showers grace and protection upon the devotee.
Heart Over Intellect: While intellectual knowledge is highly valued in spiritual traditions, this story emphasizes the primacy of the heart. Love, devotion, and surrender to God can be a more direct and powerful way to experience divinity. God is often said to be more accessible through love than through intellectual effort alone.
Humility and Surrender: The Bhakta’s attitude of humility is an important virtue in Bhakti Yoga. God favors those who admit their dependence on Him, those who surrender completely. Jnana Yoga emphasizes self-realization, but Bhakti teaches self-surrender.
3. Symbolism
God Walking Behind: Symbolically, God walking behind the Bhakta can mean that God is always present but not necessarily visible to us. We may not always be aware of God’s presence, but He is constantly supporting and guiding us. It also shows how the Bhakta’s devotion leads to protection, as a parent would ensure the safety of a child.
The Jnani Walking Alone: The Jnani, by walking alone, symbolizes self-sufficiency and independence. This path requires effort, willpower, and intellectual discernment. The lack of visible divine support reflects the confidence that such a person will eventually find their way.
4. Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality
In today’s world, the contrast between the Jnani and Bhakta paths is still very relevant:
Knowledge and Rationalism: Modern society often values intellect, education, and scientific reasoning, aligning with the path of the Jnani. However, this can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation or disconnection from a deeper sense of love and spirituality.
The Importance of Devotion: The Bhakta’s approach of surrender, faith, and simplicity can serve as a reminder that not everything in life can be controlled or understood through knowledge. Especially in times of personal crises, people often turn to faith and devotion as a source of comfort and hope, recognizing that intellectual answers are not always sufficient for the soul’s deepest questions.
Balance Between the Two: Ideally, one would balance both Jnana and Bhakti. We can cultivate wisdom and knowledge while also maintaining a humble heart and an attitude of surrender toward the Divine. Both are necessary for a complete spiritual life.
5. Similar Thoughts in Hinduism and Other Cultures
Hinduism:
- Bhagavad Gita: The Gita repeatedly emphasizes that both Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion) lead to the same goal—union with God. However, Lord Krishna in the Gita often suggests that Bhakti, being more accessible to all, is the easiest and quickest path to realization.
- Adi Shankaracharya: One of the greatest proponents of Jnana Yoga, Adi Shankara, also emphasized the importance of Bhakti. Though he focused on Advaita (non-dualism), he acknowledged that pure devotion could lead to the same realization of oneness with the Divine.
Christianity: The idea of faith and surrender is echoed in Christian teachings. For instance, Jesus emphasizes childlike faith and humility in entering the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:3). The dependence on divine grace and unconditional love parallels the Bhakta’s relationship with God in Hinduism.
Islam: In Sufi mysticism, the emphasis on the heart, love, and direct communion with God reflects a Bhakti-like approach. Sufi poets like Rumi speak of surrendering to God’s will and loving Him as the ultimate path to divine union.
Buddhism: While Buddhism traditionally emphasizes wisdom and self-effort, in the Mahayana tradition, devotion to the Bodhisattvas (such as Avalokiteshvara) reflects a Bhakti-like sentiment, where compassion and faith are as important as wisdom.
6. Benefits of the Bhakti Path
Emotional Fulfillment: Bhakti provides emotional connection and a sense of belonging. Devotees often find great joy in their relationship with God, feeling a personal bond with the Divine.
Relief from Ego: Surrendering to God allows the Bhakta to let go of ego-driven anxieties, allowing for a more peaceful and contented life.
Accessible to All: Bhakti requires no intellectual qualifications, making it open to anyone—rich or poor, educated or uneducated. It’s a path of the heart, available to anyone willing to love God.
The story of the Jnani and the Bhakta offers profound insights into the relationship between knowledge, devotion, and divine grace. In the modern world, where intellectual pursuits often dominate, this story serves as a reminder that the heart, with its capacity for love, surrender, and faith, holds an equally important place in the spiritual journey. Both paths—Jnana and Bhakti—are valid, but the Bhakta’s reliance on God’s grace reminds us that the Divine’s love is always near, even when we are unaware of it.