The Yoga of Love
Bhakti is a Sanskrit word that means "loving devotion" or "devotional service." It is the path of connecting with the Supreme Person, God (Sri Krishna), through heartfelt love and service. Unlike other paths that may focus on intellectual knowledge or physical discipline, Bhakti-yoga is centered on the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Soul (Paramātmā).
The great sage Narada defines Bhakti in his Bhakti-sutras as "the most exalted, pure love for God." It is a continuous, selfless flow of love from our heart to the Lord, free from any desire for personal gain or reward.
The Goal of Bhakti-yoga
What is the ultimate aim?
The ultimate goal of practicing Bhakti-yoga is to achieve Prema, which is pure, unadulterated love of God. This state of consciousness is the soul's original, constitutional position. By reawakening this dormant love, one transcends the material world of birth and death and enters the eternal, blissful, spiritual abode of the Lord.
It is not about merging into an impersonal void, but about perfecting a unique, loving relationship with Sri Krishna, the all-attractive Supreme Person.
How to Practice Bhakti: The Nine Processes
The Srimad-Bhagavatam outlines nine primary ways to engage in devotional service. A person can practice any one of these and make complete spiritual perfection.
śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam
arcanam vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam
— Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23
1. Śravaṇaṁ (Hearing)
Hearing about the Lord's names, forms, qualities, and pastimes from authentic spiritual sources and realized devotees.
2. Kīrtanam (Chanting)
Glorifying the Lord by chanting His holy names, especially the Hare Krishna maha-mantra: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare / Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
3. Smaraṇam (Remembering)
Constantly remembering the Lord and His divine activities throughout one's day.
4. Pāda-sevanam (Serving the Lotus Feet)
Serving the Deity form of the Lord in the temple or visiting holy places related to His pastimes.
5. Arcanam (Deity Worship)
The regulated practice of worshipping the Deity form of the Lord with offerings like incense, flowers, and food.
6. Vandanam (Offering Prayers)
Offering humble and heartfelt prayers to the Lord.
7. Dāsyam (Becoming a Servant)
Considering oneself an eternal servant of the Lord and acting in that capacity.
8. Sakhyam (Becoming a Friend)
Developing a friendly, confidential relationship with the Lord.
9. Ātma-nivedanam (Complete Surrender)
Surrendering one's mind, body, and soul completely to the will of the Lord, having full faith in His protection.
The Four Regulative Principles: Pillars of Purity
To support a life of pure devotion, serious practitioners of Bhakti-yoga voluntarily accept four regulative principles. These principles help to create a foundation of purity and self-control, which is essential for steady spiritual progress.
1. No Meat-Eating
This includes abstaining from all meat, fish, and eggs. This principle is based on the law of karma and the virtue of compassion (ahimsa). Causing violence to other living beings creates severe karmic reactions and hardens the heart, making it difficult to develop divine love.
2. No Intoxication
This includes abstaining from alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other mind-altering substances. Intoxication clouds the mind, weakens the intelligence, and makes it impossible to focus on the subtle truths of spiritual life. Purity of consciousness is required for spiritual realization.
3. No Gambling
This includes all forms of gambling and speculative ventures. Gambling creates anxiety, greed, and dishonesty, which are all obstacles on the path of truth and devotion.
4. No Illicit Sex
This means restricting sexual activity to within a marriage, for the purpose of procreating and raising children in a spiritual atmosphere. Unregulated sensual indulgence binds one tightly to the material world and distracts the mind from higher spiritual goals.
Have More Questions About Bhakti?
Our path is one of inquiry and understanding. If you have any questions about devotional service, our philosophy, or how to begin, we are here to help.
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