The word “bhakti” comes from the root “bhaj,” which means “to pray” or “to share.” Bhakti Yoga is one of the four main yogic paths to enlightenment. Bhakti means “devotion” or “love” and this path contains 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 method to experience the unity of mind, body, and spirit. While Hatha Yoga requires a strong and flexible body, Raja Yoga requires a disciplined and concentrated mind, and Jnana Yoga requires a keen intellect, the only requirement for Bhakti Yoga is an open, loving heart. But Bhakti Yoga complements other paths of yoga well, and it is said that jnana (knowledge or wisdom) will dawn by itself when you engage in the devotional practices of Bhakti Yoga.
The use of Hindu deities in Bhakti Yoga can be a large obstacle for Western practitioners, especially for those with a deeply religious background. But the use of the Hindu deities is not required for this practice — in fact, finding your own object(s) of devotion will be all the more effective in achieving yoga (union) with the Divine.
There are nine main practices of Bhakti Yoga that can be practiced independently or together. Each of these limbs creates a specific bhava (feeling).
The Nine Limbs of Devotion
- Shravana — “listening” to the ancient scriptures, especially potent if told by a saint or genuine bhakta.
Reference : Shri Bhagvat Geeta
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया। उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः।।34।।
Understand that knowledge by going to the Tatvdarshi wise ones, by paying obeisance to them, by serving them and leaving hypocrisy and asking simple questions, those wise Mahatmas who know the essence of God very well will teach you that Tatvgyan |(34) )
2. Kirtana — “singing” devotional songs, usually practiced in a call-and-response group format.
Reference : Shri Bhagvat Geeta
य इमं परमं गुह्यं मद् भक्तेष्वभिधास्यति।
भक्तिं मयि परां कृत्वा मामेवैष्यत्यसंशय़ः।68|
The person who, having great love for me, will tell this supremely mysterious Gita Shastra to my devotees, he will be attained by me — there is no doubt about it.(68)
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक्।
If even a most vicious person worships Me with exclusive devotion, then he deserves to be considered as a saint, because he has true faith, that is, he has firmly decided that there is nothing like the worship of God.(30)
क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा शश्वच्छान्तिं निगच्छति।
He soon becomes righteous and attains eternal peace. Hey Arjun! Know with certainty that my devotee never perishes.(31)
3. Smarana — “remembering” the Divine by constantly meditating upon its name and form.
Reference : Shri Bhagvat Geeta
यो मां पश्यति सर्वत्र सर्वं च मयि पश्यति।
तस्याहं न प्रणश्यामि स च मे न प्रणश्यति।।30|
The person who sees me Vasudev as the self of all beings in all beings and sees all beings under me Vasudev, for him I do not disappear and he does not disappear for me.(30)
4. Padasevana — “service at the feet” of the Divine, which incorporates the practice of karma yoga (selfless service) with bhakti (devotion).
5. Archana — the “ritual worship” of the Divine through practices such as puja (deity worship), and havan or homa (fire offering).
6. Vandana — the “prostration” before the image of one’s chosen image or representation of the Divine.
7. Dasya — the “unquestioning” devotion of the Divine involving the cultivation of serving the will of God instead of one’s own ego.
8. Sakhya — the “friendship” and relationship established between the Divine and the devotee.
9. Atmanivedana — the “self-offering” and complete surrender of the self to the Divine.
