One of the things that really appealed to me about the eastern religions compared with the western that I'd been brought up in was that they seemed much more open. They recognized the vastness of God and consequently allowed for the infinite variety of ways in which women & men worship. If you visit a Hindu home and they invite you to see their puja (worhsip) room, you will often find a variety of gods and gurus on the alter. There may be a primary family deity, secondary deities and a living guru who gives teaching and clarification. There is no conflict here. This diversity represents the many faces of God and gives the devotee many views from which to meditate on the divine. Contrary to popular western perception, these different faces of God are exactly that and it is recognized by most that the one God transcends all classifications, names & forms. Consistent with this openness, the ancient texts suggest a variety of paths or Margas for the spiritual apsirant. For some Bhakti is the best where they can develop a personal relationship with their chosen form of God. For others Seva or service is the best option where they can get down and get their hands dirty making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Another possible orientation is that of Hatha Yoga, where the individual finds God through the physical body. The Jnana Marga is another option for those drawn to the process of self-inquiry.
A fascinating aspect of these Margas is that at some point they all converge. You could say that these apparently diverse paths ultimately lead to the same end. At some point, if followed with diligence, the omnipresence of God is recognized. So if you're spiritually inclined, pick the path that most suits your nature and inclination and rest easy in the fact that God is revealed regardless of the marga. For the atheists out there, we need not name any of this. Often times naming carries baggage and distracts us. For atheists we could call it a path of increasing the experience of Love in life.
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