Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion, Bhagavad Gita)

“Sri Krishna: Who does not hate any being, who is friendly and compassionate, who is free from attachment and selfishness, who is equanimous in pain and happiness, who forgives, who is always content, firm in meditation, who is self-controlled and firm in conviction, who has surrendered his mind and intellect on Me, he (such a devotee) is dear to Me” Bhagavad Gita 12-12-14.

The Path of Devotion is the most popular, the one that most people follow. Under the Bhakti Philosophy, you not only have to love God, you have to love all of his creation.

“Who is equal to enemy and friend, who regards respect and affront, cold and heat, pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment, who regards blame and praise equally, who is silent, whoever is content with whatever belongs to him, whoever is homeless, whoever has a firm mind, that devotee of Mine is loved by Me” Bhagavad Gita 12-18-19.

The God with attributes is called Brahman Saguna, the God without any attributes, the absolute divinity, is called Brahman. It is important to note that in Hinduism we find those who advocate for a God with attributes, and others who advocate for an infinite God. Sri Ramakrishna said that both were valid. Within this path, the technique called Japa is used, which consists of repeating the name of God, Allah, Brahman, Sat-Chit-Ananda or whatever you want to call him.

“This is the essence of the entire teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. When that person realizes it and enters into his Being, one completely merges with Him.”

Several Swamis such as Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Santo Kabir, Tulsidas or Tukaram influenced the Bhakti path

“Salvation can only be achieved through the pure, unblemished love of God (combined with the knowledge of His greatness).” Madhvacharya.

For Swami Vivekananda, Bhakti Yoga is the Path of exclusive Devotion to the Lord, whoever seeks union through love or devotion is a Bhakti Yogi.

“Bhakti Yoga, or worship or love, in one form or another is the easiest, most pleasant and natural form of man. The natural state of this universe is attraction; and that is surely followed by a final disunity. Still, love is the natural impetus for union in the human heart; and although in itself a great cause of misery, properly directed towards the proper object, it brings liberation. The object of Bhakti is God. Love cannot exist without subject and object. Again, the object of love must initially be a being who can reciprocate our love. Therefore, the God of love must be in some sense a human God. He must be a God of love. Apart from the question of whether such a God exists or not, it is a fact that for those who have love in their hearts, this Absolute appears as a God of love, as personal.” Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda - Paths of Yoga Bhagavad Gita: Karma, Jnana, Bhakti