MARGA

(Sanskrit: path), in Hinduism, the path, or way, of reaching salvation. In Hindu tradition three means are enumerated: jana-marga, the way of knowledge, involving the study of philosophic texts and contemplation; karma-marga, the way of action, the proper performance of one's religious and ethical duties; and bhakti-marga, the way of devotion and self-surrender to God. (The three ways are also distinguished as the three yogas or disciplines; i.e., jana-yoga, karma-yoga, and bhakti-yoga.) In the Bhagavadgita Lord Krishna (Krsna) praised all three means, but he favoured bhakti-marga, which was accessible to members of any social class or caste.