The Bhagavad Gita speaks of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti as paths to God-realisation. While Krishna explains each of these in detail, it is also made clear that these are not to be seen as separate from each other since they are inter-related and even intra-related.
Similarly the Vedas, which are believed to be divine in origin, infinite and eternal, and hence form the basis of faith for those who accept its supreme authority, might appear as two sections, namely Karma Kanda and Jnana Kanda. But they talk of the same ultimate goal, God-realisation, pointed out Sri K. Srinivasan in a lecture.
There are many layers of meanings embedded in the Vedas ranging from the physical and the material to the metaphysical, the mystical and the philosophical, etc. There is scope for each one to look out for what he wants from the Vedas. One interested in rituals researches into it. Another might search for historical information from them. Lord Krishna says that four kinds of people worship Him, namely, the man in distress, the seeker for knowledge, the seeker for wealth and the man of wisdom. He is ready to grace those who seek Him, whatever may be their intent in seeking Him. Basically people engage in action with a view to attaining material goals or with a view to attaining liberation from samsara. The first three expect some kind of fruit and reward, while the best are single-minded worshippers. A jnani understands that the Paramatma is the dweller within each being, and He alone is fit to be worshipped. He has unflinching faith in and love for Him. Work done in the right spirit with inner renunciation implies self control and discipline. It brings about chitta suddhi by freeing the soul from desire. This leads to peace and tranquillity.
