It is a sacred journey that invites us to surrender completely to the divine, immerse ourselves in the ocean of devotion, and experience the boundless joy that comes from connecting with something greater than ourselves.
What is Bhakti Yoga?
Bhakti means “devotion” or “love”, and this Sanskrit term comes from the root word “bhaj”, which can be translated as “devotion, worship, or service to God”. The word “yoga” translates as “union” or “yoke”. Thus, bhakti yoga is understood as the path of devotion to find spiritual liberation and union with the divine.
Bhakti yoga is one of the four main yogic paths to enlightenment. Bhakti means “devotion” or “love” and this path includes various practices to unite the bhakta (bhakti yoga practitioner) with the divine. Bhakti yoga is considered the easiest yogic path to master and the most direct way to experience the unity of mind, body, and spirit. While Hatha Yoga requires a strong and flexible body, Raja Yoga a disciplined and focused mind, and Jnana Yoga a sharp intellect, the only requirement for Bhakti Yoga is an open, loving heart. But bhakti-yoga complements the other yoga paths well, and it is said that jnana (knowledge or wisdom) arises naturally when one engages in the devotional practices of bhakti yoga.
How to Practice Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga is about developing a deep sense of love and devotion towards the Divine. This selfless devotion can be directed towards a specific deity, such as Krishna, Ganesha, Shiva, or any other form of God that is significant to the practitioner. Through constant remembrance and contemplation of the chosen deity, one seeks to establish a personal and intimate relationship with the divine.
The practice of devotion often includes various rituals, prayers, chants, and the singing of hymns or mantras. These acts of devotion are not just external rituals, but rather tools to purify the heart and awaken the love and devotion within. By offering one’s thoughts, words, and actions to the Divine, the practitioner cultivates a sense of devotion and selflessness.
The ultimate goal in the practice of bhakti yoga is to attain the state of rasa (essence), a feeling of pure bliss achieved through devotional surrender to the Divine.
The Nine Limbs of Devotion
There are nine main practices of Bhakti Yoga, which can be practiced independently or together. Each of these limbs creates a specific bhava (feeling) that appeals to the various inner constitutions of the practitioner.
Shravana – “listening” to the ancient scriptures, especially effective when recited by a saint or a genuine bhakta.
Kirtana – “chanting” of devotional songs, usually practiced in a group with call and response.
b “remembering the divine” by constantly meditating on its name and form.
Padasevana – “service at the feet” of the Divine, combining the practice of karma yoga (selfless service) with bhakti (devotion).
Dasya – the “unconditional” devotion to the Divine, which involves the cultivation of service to God’s will instead of one’s own ego.
Sakhya – the “friendship” and relationship that exists between the Divine and the devotee.
Atmanivedana – the “self-sacrifice” and complete surrender of the self to the Divine.
Archana – the “ritual worship” of the divine through practices such as puja (worship of the gods) and havan or homa (fire sacrifice).
Vandana – the “prostration” before the image of one’s chosen image or representation of the Divine.
The ultimate goal in the practice of bhakti yoga is to attain the state of rasa (essence), a feeling of pure bliss achieved through devotional surrender to the Divine.
Benefits of Bhakti Yoga
The benefits of a consistent practice of Bhakti Yoga are immense – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Swami Sivananda writes: “Bhakti softens the heart and removes jealousy, hatred, lust, anger, selfishness, pride and arrogance. It gives joy, divine ecstasy, bliss, peace and knowledge. All worries, cares and fears, anxieties, mental anguish and tribulations disappear completely. The devotee is freed from the samsaric wheel of births and deaths. He attains the immortal abode of everlasting peace, bliss and knowledge.”
On a physical level, the devotional practices of Bhakti Yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote general well-being. The rhythmic chanting and singing in Bhakti Yoga can have a calming effect on the nervous system and promote a sense of inner peace.
Another powerful aspect of bhakti yoga is the practice of chanting or singing devotional songs. The vibrations created by these sacred sounds can purify our hearts and bring us closer to the divine. By taking a few minutes each day to chant, we can create a space of peace and tranquility within ourselves. The simple act of surrendering our voice and emotions to the divine creates a deep sense of connection and oneness with something greater than ourselves.
Conclusion:
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of work, responsibility and stress. But Bhakti Yoga teaches us that true fulfillment lies in connecting with something greater than ourselves by cultivating a deep and unwavering devotion to the Divine.
There is a longing in the depths of our hearts to be united with the Divine. This intense longing is the fuel that propels us on the path of Bhakti Yoga. It is a flame that burns brightly and leads us to a life of love, compassion, bliss, unity and selflessness. This transformative journey invites you to discover the immense power of an open, loving heart.
