What is
Bhakti Yoga? Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of devotion. Although
people generally take yoga to mean a kind of gymnastic exercise, in actuality, yoga is
meant for linking with the Supreme Lord or Creator. In some forms of yoga, like Hatha
Yoga, special "stretching" exercises are meant to be used but only as a physical
method of bringing the mind under control so that one can meditate on the Supreme Lord.
Bhakti means love for love's sake. There is no selfish expectation here
and the devotee wants God and God alone. There is no demand or expectation of any reward
for the devotion. There is no fear either.
Bhakti Yoga or the YOGA of Devotion is considered the simplest of the
Yogas. It is a practice of self-surrender for the purpose of eventually identifying with
the source of love, or the higher SELF. It is similar to the devotion and service
associated with religion in the West. The yogi selects a Saint, Ideal, Guru or other
figure to direct his devotions upon. Every part of his life is then dedicated to serve the
beloved one.
Visualizations and mantras also form a
part of the practice. The main aim is to visualize the Lord at all times. At first
visualize a picture or representation until the visualization skill is developed. A sound,
word, or phrase is repeated over and over again at the same time as the visualization.
This sound, word or phrase is called a mantra. There are many words that can be used as
mantras but the sound of "OM" (A-U-M) is one that is most common.
Although it appears simple, Bhakti YOGA requires thorough discipline
and training of one's will and mind. It can be achieved by following the eleven
fundamental factors that Sri Ramanuja had prescribed. They are practice of continuous
thinking of God; discrimination; freedom from everything else and longing for God;
truthfulness; straightforwardness; doing good to others; wishing well being to all;
compassion; non-violence; charity; and cheerfulness and optimism.
Bhakti yoga is to be performed under the guidance of a spiritual master. One must chant
Hare Krishna and following certain regulative principles
