Hare Krsna,
In the sixth chapter of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krsna explains the process of meditation and dhyana-yoga to Arjuna. In this chapter, Krsna describes astanga-yoga in greater detail as a means to control the mind and the senses. The word “yoga” means linking with the Supreme. When the linking process is predominantly in fruitive activities it is called karma-yoga, when it is predominantly empirical and analytical it is called jnana-yoga, and when it is predominantly in a devotional relationship with the Supreme Lord and service to Him it is called bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga, or Krsna consciousness, is the ultimate perfection of all yogas. Then in BG 6.47, Krsna gives the conclusion of the process of meditation and yoga.
yoginam api sarvesam
mad-gatenantar-atmana
sraddhavan bhajate yo mam
sa me yuktatamo matah
“And of all yogis, he who always abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all.”
The culmination of all kinds of yoga practices lies in bhakti-yoga. All other yogas are but means to come to the point of bhakti in bhakti-yoga. Yoga actually means bhakti-yoga; all other yogas are progressions toward the destination of bhakti-yoga.
In this chapter (SB 3.15), we see that the four Kumaras attained the final goal of meditation and yoga by (a) inhaling the sweet fragrance of the Tulasi leaves emanating from the toes of the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, and (b) viewing the transcendental form of the Lord again and again. The effect of this is that they immediately got transformed from the impersonal conception of the Lord to the personal conception of the Lord. This is a rare transformation not easily achieved. It is possible only by the causeless mercy and grace of the Supreme Lord Himself.
My understanding of this transformation of the Kumaras is that they got elevated from other yogic processes to the bhakti-yoga process immediately by seeing the personal form of the Lord. Real yoga is to search out the four-handed Supersoul within one’s heart and see Him perpetually in meditation. Such continued meditation is called samādhi, and the object of this meditation is the four-handed Nārāyaṇa who is sitting in everyone’s heart.
A conditioned jiva like me is not qualified and eligible to experience such a dramatic transformation of my heart like the Kumaras. In our cases, our transformation is affected by the grace of a bonafide spiritual master like Srila Prabhupada. Our transformation starts by reading the books on Krsna consciousness, chanting the Holy Name of Krsna, tasting prasadam, hearing about the Lord’s name, form, qualities, pastimes, etc., and associating with devotees. In this age, this is the best process of practicing Krsna Consciousness.
“In the beginning of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, dictation is received through the transparent medium of the spiritual master. When one is sufficiently trained and acts in submissive faith and love for Kṛṣṇa under the direction of the bona fide spiritual master, the dovetailing process becomes more firm and accurate. This stage of devotional service by the devotee in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the most perfect stage of the yoga system.” (SB 3.15.45 P)
It is not true that we are not bereft of the opportunity for transformation that the Kumaras underwent. Srila Prabhupada came from Vaikuntha and created that opportunity for us, by the mercy of Lord Caitanya.
“The only way to realize the perfect stage of yoga is to follow the principles of Bhagavad-gītā as practiced by Lord Caitanya. This is the simplest and highest perfection of yoga practice. Lord Caitanya demonstrated this Kṛṣṇa consciousness yoga system in a practical manner simply by chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa, as prescribed in the Vedānta, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā and many important Purāṇas.” (SB 3.15.45 P)
In this age, the process of intense meditation and astanga-yoga is not possible. “The meditation process was possible in the golden age, Satya-yuga, because people in that age used to live for hundreds of thousands of years. If one wants success in practical yoga practice, it is advised that he take to the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare, and he will actually feel himself making progress. In Bhagavad-gītā this practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is prescribed as rāja-vidyā, or the king of all erudition.” (SB 3.15.45 P)
“Those who have taken to this most sublime bhakti-yoga system, who practice devotional service in transcendental love of Kṛṣṇa, can testify to its happy and easy execution. The four sages Sanaka, Sanātana, Sanandana and Sanat-kumāra also became attracted by the features of the Lord and the transcendental aroma of the dust of His lotus feet.” (SB 3.15.45 P)
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 