Yoga: The Yoga Ladder

Bhagavad-gita Chapter 12.8-12 offers us a sequence of elevation to perfection. The Yoga Ladder similarly offers us such a sequence.

Q. 1. How do these two descriptions compare?

Q. 2. It seems that there is a discrepancy between the two lists regarding where in sequence one places karma-yoga. Can you explain?

Different things, Krsna consciousness included, can be viewed from different angles. Depending on the angle of viewing something, descriptions may differ even of the same object.

Q. I would like to ask you a question regarding the talk between Ramananda Raya and Lord Caitanya. [CC Madhya 8.63-65]. Could you explain why Ramananda Raya says that the stage of brahma bhuta (Bg 18.54) is superior to the stage of surrender to Krishna (Bg 18.66)?

I have heard reference to a "Yoga Ladder" which is taught within Bhagavad-gita and other of the Vedic literatures. Can you explain this concept?

Here is a picture of the Yoga Ladder: Yoga Ladder Picture