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. 

Two types of Bhakti


     In Sanskrit, Apara means "lower" and "inferior" while Para refers to a higher form of devotion.


  • Apara Bhakti

          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.


  • Para Bhakti

         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.


    Two Types of Devotion


         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."


  • Sakam Bhakti
  •           Devotion with the desire of material gain.


  • Nishkam Bhakti
  •           Devotion with no desires of any kind. The Devotee knows that the Creator has and will continue to provide enough health and wealth.


    Nine Elements


         Sage Narada describes nine elements of Bhakti Yoga in the Bhakti Sutras.


  • Shraddha - Faith.

  • Satsang - Good spiritual company.

  • Hari Katha - To hear and read about God.
  • Ishvara Bhajana - To sing the praises of God.
  • Mantra Japa - The repetition of God's name.

  • Shama Dama - Withdrawal and control of the senses with regard to worldly things.

  • Santo Ka Adar - Showing honor to people who have dedicated their lives to God.

  • Santosha - Means contentment or self satisfaction. Being contented in outcomes or fruits of everything we do. This can also be seen as non judgmental living.

  • Ishvara Pranidhana - Devotion to God.


    Nine Forms of Bhakti

         There are nine forms or practices of Bhakti Yoga that are described in the Srimad Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana.


  • Sravan - Hearing the leelas, the divine play or play of God.

  • Kirtan - Singing God's name.

  • Samarpan - God's remembrance.

  • Padasevana - Service of Lord's feet.

  • Archana - Offering flowers to God.

  • Vandan - Prostrations to God.

  • Dasyam - Servant Bhava.

  • Sakhya - God's friendship.

  • Atmanivedna - Self surrender.


    Five Bhavas

         In Sanskrit, Bhava means "emotion," but also "habitual tendencies" or "emotional tendencies." Bhavas or feelings that are natural to human beings.


  • Shanta Bhava - The Devotee is Shanta meaning "peaceful." The Devotee does not jump and dance or act as highly emotional. The practitioners heart is filled with love and joy.

  • Dasya Bhava - The Devotee has a servant attitude and serves the Lord wholeheartedly. The Devotee finds joy and bliss in the service of his Master.

  • Sakhya Bhava - God is friend of Devotee and the Devotee treats the God on equal terms. They talk and walk together as intimate friends.

  • Vatsalya Bhava - The Devotee loves God as there own child.

  • Madhurya Bhava - This is the highest form of Bhakti where the Devotee regards the Lord as there lover.

  • The Four United Techniques of Yoga


    Jnana Yoga

       A technique of Yoga that focuses on the knowledge of the Supreme Self and needs a strong willpower and intellect.

    Karma Yoga

       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.

    Kriya Yoga

       A technique of Yoga that utilizes purification practices, breathing exercises as well as purification Meditations.

    © Copyright 2021 Karma Kriya Center - All Rights Reserved