Bhakti Yoga
In Sanskrit, Bhakti means "to adore God" or "worship God" therefore this technique of Yoga is known as the path of devotion. According to the Narada Bhakti Sutras, Bhakti is an intense love for God.
The practitioner has love and devotion to God's Creation with respect and care for all living beings and all of Nature. This practice also includes the worship of a form of God.
God is everywhere and the Creator dwells with in us and all around us. God is Universal love, love and Divine Grace surrounds us and flows through us, but we are not always conscious of this.
The practitioner accepts everything that happens to them as a gift of the Creator with no desire or expectation, there is simply complete surrender to the will of the Creator. The practitioner accepts each life situation as placed before them by destiny.
In Sanskrit, Apara means "lower" and "inferior" while Para refers to a higher form of devotion.
The first stage in the practice where the Devotee decorates an idol with flowers and garlands, offers food and preforms Arti meaning "fire ritual." The Devotee observes all rituals and ceremonies according to there perspective faith.
The highest practice where the Devotee knows that all of Creation is the manifestation of the Creator and all actions are dedicated to the Creator. With such devotion, the ego is extinguished and only the Creator remains.
In Sanskrit, Sakam means means "jointly," "together" or "simultaneously" while the word Nishkam is composed of two words. Nish, means "without" and Kamya means "wish" and is translates to "not seeking any favor."
Devotion with the desire of material gain.
Devotion with no desires of any kind. The Devotee knows that the Creator has and will continue to provide enough health and wealth.
Sage Narada describes nine elements of Bhakti Yoga in the Bhakti Sutras.
There are nine forms or practices of Bhakti Yoga that are described in the Srimad Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana.
In Sanskrit, Bhava means "emotion," but also "habitual tendencies" or "emotional tendencies." Bhavas or feelings that are natural to human beings.
A technique of Yoga that focuses on the knowledge of the Supreme Self and needs a strong willpower and intellect.
A technique of Yoga that focuses on the actions, both mentally and physically. The practitioner goes through life performing acts selflessness for the benefits of other without attachments of any results.
A technique of Yoga that utilizes purification practices, breathing exercises as well as purification Meditations.