In the Bhagavata we find a synthesis of the four ways of sadhana: jnana, karma, bhakti, and yoga. By leading a contemplative life one can reach the threshold of jnana. This can be done, for instance, by contemplation on the divine forms, divine plays, and divine virtues of Bhagavan. Ultimately, one develops the capacity to meditate on the real nature of the Divine, beyond all names and forms. One can attain mukti by realizing this true nature of the Supreme Being. This knowledge manifests spontaneously when bhakti reaches its pinnacle. Then all distinction and sense of separation is destroyed forever. The mind becomes poised, engrossed in enjoying the constant and very lively presence of Bhagavan in the heart.
Devotees start with ritualistic worship of some symbolic
representation called Pratika — a Shalagrama, for instance — or a pratima,
image of the Chosen Deity. They concentrate all their minds on the Chosen Deity
through these forms. Gradually, a spirit of detachment towards worldly affairs manifests
in their minds, which then remain unperturbed by worldly woes — like the
unwavering flame of a candle in a place free from breeze. This is the state of
pure yoga, marked by a continuous stream of focused thought with uniform
content. In this state the mind takes the shape of the ishta devata, Chosen
Deity.
According to Prahlada, the essence of all such worship is
renunciation and total self-surrender to God; according to Narada, it is
continuous remembrance of God. The former emphasizes tyaga, the spirit of
renunciation, and the latter the spirit of yoga.
In the Gita, Krishna emphasizes both these aspects and adds
that the essence of all worship consists in self-control and in looking upon
all beings as God. He exhorts Arjuna to be a yogi. In the Bhagavata, Bhagavan
Kapila says to his mother Devahuti: ‘I abide in all beings as their innermost
soul. Ignoring my presence within them, mortal beings make a show of my worship
through images. So, one should worship me — who am the innermost soul residing
in all — in every being, with gifts, honour, love, and an attitude of
non-separateness’ (3.29.21, 27).
We can summarize the Bhagavata teachings on sadhana thus: Practicing
self-control, one should fix one’s mind on Bhagavan; working for his sake,
taking refuge in him, and surrendering all results of work unto him, one is to
serve everyone with utmost love, bearing in mind that all forms are temples of
the Divine — in every being the Lord resides, sports, and enjoys — and that no
one else exists but the Supreme Being, capturing all within and without.