If both bhakti and karma yogas are practiced together, all the better. But it should be in the way which I have described. These two yogas need wholehearted intense longing and selfless devotion to realize God.
Someone asked, "While meditating, whose name should we remember? Some say Ram, some say Krishna and some utter the name of God — Paramatma or Ishwar. Which is best?" Baba explained:
Remember anyone's name — either Ram, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha or God. But how are you going to remember God's name? While remembering Ram, Krishna or any of the other Prophets, you can bring his image before your mind's eye — but what about God? Mere remembrance of the name has no meaning. It should be done with one-pointed devotion, with a mental picture of God before you. If you have His image before you in any form, it becomes easy. How can you concentrate thinking only of God? You must have some suitable image of an Avatar or Sadguru before you.
With a wandering mind, even if you go on saying, "Ram, Ram, Ram," like a parrot for twelve years, it has no value. If you have a guru, keep his image before you. This is best.
The devotee then said, "I find it difficult to concentrate. Please bless me and enable me to do so."
"I will see to it," Baba promised. "While sitting in remembrance, concentrate on me. Keep my image before your eyes. If you do this, I will see to the rest."
An educated man, who had read many religious books and had a genuine interest in spirituality, came for Baba's darshan in Dhulia. He was not satisfied with the perusal of books; he longed to renounce the world, but sexual desires persisted, he admitted. He sought Baba's blessings. The Master explained:
Renunciation is the stepping stone to the spiritual path. As soon as renunciation is born, the pilgrim enters the Path. But such renunciation is most difficult. It is not an easy thing. The reason is that the mind, which is the root of all disturbances, must be stopped.
When it is annihilated, only then does renunciation happen. But it is not easy for the mind either to stop or be gotten rid of. It is as difficult as carrying the Himalayas on your head!
The affliction of the mind should go; then [complete] renunciation comes. To get rid of this mental curse, you should try to have the longing for divinity to such an extent that you forget yourself.