Bhakti Yoga: Divine Love and the Bhagavad Gita
Reflection by about Bhakti Yoga (Bhagavad Gita) and
In this profound reflection captured at the historic Scala Dei (Staircase to God, Tarragona, Spain), Pedro Nonell explores the heart of Bhakti Yoga. By examining Bhagavad Gita 12.14, we discover the profile of the devotee who is truly "loved by God"—one who is content, self-disciplined, and firm in conviction.
Complementing this is the wisdom of Swami Vivekananda, who identifies Bhakti as the most natural path for the human heart. This path transforms the natural human impulse of "attraction" into a spiritual force for liberation, proving that whether we address the Absolute as Brahman, Allah, or Sat-Chit-Ananda, the underlying bridge is always Love.
The Essence of Devotion: Bhagavad Gita 12.14
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Good afternoon, Namaste!
I am also still in this magnificent sanctuary of The Cartuja of Scala Dei, “Scala Dei” means staircase of God and we are making a beautiful visit.
We are in what was the interior of a monk's cell so you can see the austerity in which they lived. I wanted to read you a couple of verses from the Bhagavad Gita because I think they define the essence of Bhakti Yoga very well, they are in my book “The Yoga of Wisdom”. In chapter 12- The Yoga of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga), in verse number 14 we read:
“Sri Krishna: He who is content, devoted to yoga, self-disciplined, that devotee (Bhakta) of Mine is loved by Me” Bhagavad Gita 12-14.
In addition, the four main Paths of Yoga are perfectly defined
Swami Vivekananda on the Easiest Path to God
And now, although it is a little long, I will read you some reflections from Swami Vivekananda, which I believe will help us perfectly understand what the Bhakti path is. In his own words:
“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 Personal 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 to those who have love in their hearts, this Absolute appears as a God of love, as personal” Swami Vivekananda.
And I think this defines very well what this path is, the Yoga of Devotion, and I think that this place is special, I tell you that we are in a cell, and it transmits that connection with God, whatever you call it: God, Sat-Chit-Ananda, Allah or Brahman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Vivekananda call Bhakti the "easiest" path?
Because humans are naturally emotional beings. We already experience attraction and love; Bhakti Yoga simply takes that natural force and directs it toward the Infinite rather than the finite.
What is the significance of Scala Dei in this reflection?
"Scala Dei" means the Staircase to God. It symbolizes the ascent of the soul. Reflecting from a monk's cell emphasizes the internal nature of this journey—a connection with God that requires no external noise.
How can the "Absolute" appear as a "Personal God"?
Vivekananda explains that for the human heart to love, there must be an object that can reciprocate. Therefore, the Absolute (Brahman) manifests as a "God of Love" (Ishvara) to meet the devotee's need for relationship.
Conclusion
Bhakti Yoga is the bridge between our human vulnerability and the divine strength of the Bhagavad Gita. As Pedro Nonell shares from the silence of Scala Dei, the path of the heart is not about complex theology, but about being "content, self-disciplined, and devoted." When love is directed toward the Divine, it ceases to be a cause of misery and becomes the ultimate tool for liberation.
Thank you very much, Namaste!
Bhakti Yoga (Gita, Vivekananda) 
Bactiioga (Bhagavad-Gita, Swami Vivekananda).
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Buy the Book: The Yoga of Wisdom (Spanish) by
- Bhagavad Gita (Gandhi, in Spanish)
- Hinduism, Gita and Paths of Yoga
- Free adaptation of the Bhagavad Gita
More information:
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
