Bhakti Yoga is a term within Hinduism which denotes the spiritual practice
of fostering loving devotion to God, called bhakti. Traditionally there are
nine forms of bhakti-yoga. Bhakti yoga is generally considered the easiest of
the four general paths to liberation, or moksha (the others being Karma, Raja
and Jnana Yoga), and especially so within the current age of Kali yuga (according
to the Hindu cycle of time). In scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana, bhakti
is described as a perfectional stage in itself which surpasses even moksha as
a level of spiritual realisation. Hindu movements in which bhakti yoga is the
main practice are called bhakti movements.
Philosophy
Bhakti is the Sanskrit term that signifies a blissful, selfless and overwhelming
love of God as the beloved Father, Mother, Child, Friend or whichever relationship
or personal aspect of God that finds appeal in the devotee's heart. Bhakti incorporates
a number of universal principles, also common in other world religions.
The 'Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu' (written by Rupa Gosvami) gives the following
as the nine primary activities of bhakti, with the instruction that by following
all, or just one, of these activities perfectly the aspiring devotee can achieve
pure love of God:
- Hearing about the Lord - singing & chanting God's names (japa), hearing stories
from scripture.
- Glorifying the Lord - describing God's all-attractive features.
- Remembering the Lord - internal meditation on the Lord's form, activities, names
or personality.
- Serving the lotus feet of the Lord - providing a form of physical
service.
- Worshiping the Lord - deity worship (puja) is a popular form of this
within India.
- Offering prayers to the Lord - any form of prayer offered to please
God.
- Serving the Lord - offering a service for Lord's pleasure, such as preaching
activity.
- Building a friendship with the Lord - having an internal, loving relationship
with God.
- Surrendering everything unto the Lord - surrendering one's thoughts,
actions and deeds to God.
The scriptural source of these nine primary forms of bhakti is a verse in the
Bhagavata Purana, spoken by Prahlada:
"Prahlada Maharaja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy
name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Visnu, remembering
them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship
with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming
His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering everything
unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the body, mind and words) — these
nine processes are accepted as pure devotional service. One who has dedicated
his life to the service of Krsna through these nine methods should be understood
to be the most learned person, for he has acquired complete knowledge."
These nine principles of devotional service are described as helping the devotee
remain constantly in touch with God. The processes of japa and internal meditation
on the aspirant devotees's chosen deity form (ishta deva) are especially popular
in most bhakti schools. Bhakti is a yoga path, in that its aim is a form of
divine, loving union with the Supreme Lord. The exact form of the Lord, or type
of union varies between the different schools, but the essence of each process
is very similar.
The Bhagavad Gita
While it has an extensive list of philosophical and religious associations,
the Bhagavad Gita is also seen as a cornerstone for Hindu Bhakti theism, especially
within Vaishnavism. However, it has been interpreted by many as being a manual
not limited just for devotees of Krishna. Whatever be the case, it is adamant,
in Krishna's words, that love and innocent pure intention is the most powerful
motive force in a devotee's spiritual life. It is a very succinct and comprehensive
statement on the mindset of the Bhakta (loving devotee) of Krishna, Svayam bhagavan:
Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances
to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come
to Me. (B-Gita 9.34)One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness
of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God. (B-Gita 18.55)
Branches
A large statue in Bangalore depicting Lord Shiva meditatingThe various bhakti
movements are monotheistic in their aim, being primarily devoted to worship
of either Vishnu, Krishna or Shiva as the Supreme Absolute or His personal energy,
known as Shakti. These movements, which followed the establishment of the three
Vedanta systems, rejuvenated Hinduism through their intense expression of faith
and responsiveness to the emotional and philosophical needs of India, illustrated
by Bharatanatyam, and can rightly be said to have affected the greatest wave
of change in Hindu prayer and ritual since the advent of Adi Shankaracharya.
There have been bhakti movements right through Indian history.
The philosophical schools changed the way people thought, but Bhakti was immediately
accessible to all, calling to the instinctual emotion of love and redirecting
it to the highest pursuit of Brahman and self-realization. In general a liberal
movement, its denouncement of caste offered recourse for Hindus from the orthodox
Brahaminical systems. Of course, however, Bhakti's message of tolerance and
love was not often heeded by those ensconced in the societal construct of caste.
Altogether, bhakti resulted in a mass of devotional literature, music, dance
and art that has enriched the world and gave India renewed spiritual impetus,
one eschewing unnecessary ritual and artificial social boundaries.
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