How Do You Do Bhakti Yoga: A Spiritual Journey

Bhakti yoga, a spiritual path in Hinduism focused on devotion and love for the divine, comprises several key methods that practitioners follow to deepen their connection with the divine. These methods, often referred to as the “Nine Principles of Bhakti Yoga,” encompass various practices and attitudes aimed at fostering devotion. Let’s explore these principles:

1. Svarana (Listening): One foundational practice of Bhakti yoga involves attentive listening to ancient scriptures, sacred texts, poems, or stories, particularly those narrated by revered spiritual figures known as Saints or Bhaktas. This act of listening opens the heart and mind to the teachings and stories that inspire devotion.

2. Kirtana (Singing): Another crucial aspect of Bhakti yoga is the joyous expression of devotion through singing. Devotees often gather to chant hymns, bhajans, and mantras that praise the divine. This melodious form of worship creates a harmonious atmosphere filled with devotion.

3. Smarana (Remembering): Bhakti practitioners continually remember and contemplate upon the divine. This involves reflecting on the qualities and virtues of the chosen deity or form of the divine, deepening the connection through constant remembrance.

4. Padasevana (Service): Service to the divine, as well as to fellow beings, is an integral part of Bhakti yoga. Devotees believe that serving others is a way to serve the divine, as all living beings are considered manifestations of the divine.

5. Archana (Ritual Worship): Ritual worship, involving elaborate ceremonies and offerings, is an essential part of Bhakti yoga. This method includes the meticulous preparation and presentation of offerings to the chosen deity, symbolizing the devotee’s love and devotion.

6. Vandana (Prayer): Bhakti yoga emphasizes the power of prayer. Devotees offer heartfelt prayers to the divine, seeking guidance, blessings, and protection. These prayers serve as a direct means of communication with the divine.

7. Dasya (Unquestioning Devotion): Dasya bhakti involves surrendering to the divine with unwavering devotion and humility. Practitioners see themselves as servants of the divine and submit to its will without reservation.

8. Sakhya (Friendship): Some Bhakti practitioners develop a deep sense of friendship with the divine. This form of devotion emphasizes a loving, friendly relationship with the chosen deity, similar to the bond between close friends.

These nine principles of Bhakti yoga provide a comprehensive framework for cultivating devotion and love for the divine. By engaging in these practices and attitudes, devotees seek to strengthen their spiritual connection and experience a profound sense of oneness with the divine.

Beginning Bhakti: Steps to Initiate Your Spiritual Journey

If you’re eager to embark on the path of Bhakti, a devotional practice centered around love and devotion to the Divine, here are essential steps to help you get started:

1. Chanting Songs of Praise: Begin your Bhakti practice by singing songs of praise to the Divine. You can do this in the company of others or during your personal meditation sessions.

2. Create a Sacred Space: Establish a dedicated space for your Bhakti practice, known as an altar. Place a cherished image or representation of the Divine on this altar and regularly offer flowers, fruits, or incense as a symbolic gesture of devotion. Alternatively, you can engage in mental worship if that resonates more with you.

3. Meditate on the Divine: Deepen your connection by meditating on your chosen image or concept of the Divine. This meditation will help you focus your thoughts and emotions, fostering a stronger connection with the Divine presence.

4. Choose Your Relationship with God: Bhakti is deeply personal. Select a relationship with God that feels most authentic and natural to you. This could be as a parent, friend, lover, or any other relationship that resonates with your heart.

By following these steps, you can start your Bhakti journey with a strong foundation and develop a deep and meaningful connection with the Divine that aligns with your unique spiritual path and beliefs.

Bhakti Yoga is a spiritual path that centers around wholeheartedly surrendering to the Divine or forging a profound connection with the universal consciousness. This practice encompasses a range of transformative activities, including the rhythmic recitation of mantras, soulful singing, joyous dancing, and engaging in selfless service within the community. These activities serve as potent means to cultivate devotion, love, and a deep sense of oneness with the divine presence. Bhakti Yoga allows individuals to immerse themselves in the sacred and find spiritual fulfillment. (Note: The date “14th September 2020” appears to be unrelated to the topic and has been omitted in this revision.)

• Svarana (listening) Svarana involves listening to ancient scriptures, poems, or stories, especially those told by a Saint (aka Bhakta). …
• Kirtana (singing) …
• Smarana (remembering) …
• Padasevana (service) …
• Archana (ritual worship) …
• Vandana (prayer) …
• Dasya (unquestioning) …
• Sakhya (friendship)

1. Chant songs of praise to the Divine, either in a group or alone.
2. Set up an altar with a favorite image or representation of the Divine and offer flowers, fruit, or incense; or do mental worship.
3. Meditate on your chosen image of God. …
4. Choose a relationship with God that feels natural.