All methods and paths are correct, but it is very very important to stick to one method persistently, and not mix up one method with another. That is, if one is inclined in Atma Vichara, one should stick to it persistently, if we mix up other methods with this, then our tapas gets contaminated and very many questions begin to spring and the answers we mostly arrive then will be of across paths, thereby only creating confusion, stranded, neither here nor there.
Similarly, if one is into the path of devotion, if one is in path of ritual worship, if one is in path of communion through karma, one should not deviate from it. All solutions or answers are available within ones own path, there fore it is very very important to stick to one path. What we do is while we follow one path, and if we have questions and if we do not immediately get any light from ones path, we look for answers from other paths, and when that brings light, we begin yet again another new path, and when we get stuck there, we look for answers in another path, and so on. The wisdom to is to stick to ones own path even if one does not get any answers trusting that there must be a reason for not getting any answer at that moment and wait patiently.
We have to be clear with the path, we are really inclined to, and chose putting all the burden on the God. However having said this, this path is purely internal, ones external actions do not contradict ones actions, that is, one should not let ones path affect ones routine. Say, for instance, if one chooses Atma Vichara, it does not mean that one stop ones daily routines puja or other devotaional karmas, etc... and vice verse.
It is the most important thing a serious spiritual Sadhaka must be clear with ones path.
If If is inclined with Atma Vichara, one should stick with just one source, Ramana Maharshi and even among many books, it is best if one narrows down to just Who Am I book alone for guidance, if, however, if we, out of our inquisitiveness, look around and explore other scriptires such as Tripura Rahasya and Ashtavakra Gita and Bhagavad Gita, or bring in the views of Sri Ramakrishna or Swami Sivananda, one may end up getting contradicting views Or if one sticks to Buddha, we should not mix up Shankara or Ramana or Ramakrishna with this path. If we stick with Nisargadatta Maharaj, we must be steadfast with only trusting one Guru, one line of thought and only one line of Sadhana, by this focus is natural.
Too many cooks spoil the broth
This does not mean one is right and the other is wrong, but simple, we should not mingle and mix up two different paths.
If one is inclined with Ashtavakra Gita, one must stick to just that alone, all answers and solutions will be got from that itself, similarly, if we are inclined with Sri Ramakrishnar, it is best we stick to that alone, all answers and solutions will be got from that itself. Or if we are inclined with Tamil scriptures, we must stick to that alone, even under them narrow down to only one either Tirumoolar or Thayumanavr or manickavachakar, mixing up all only adds confusion.
But, the most important of them all, is the path that we must chose. How do we chose which is the right path for me. Most of us have deviated from the original inspiration, if we trace back to when our spiritual journey began, we can remember where we got pulled to, that is the path that we started off, and since we have deviated a lot since then, we have lost the grip of our path.
Thank so much,
ॐ
