Bhakti Yoga The science of devotion

Bhakti Yoga The science of devotion

Bhakti means devotion to the Almighty. Bhakti yoga deals with devotion to God and achieving oneness with Him. This is the simplest of all types of yoga. This branch of yoga teaches the relationship between the devotee and the divine. It does not involve any technical or complex procedures. No intellectual capacity is required to master this yoga. It appealed to the common man because it gives him a sense of security and develops a sort of trust and dependence on the object of his devotion.

Bhakti yoga assumes that there is a higher power t

hat created the universe and is omnipotent. This power has the ability to grant him grace and mercy, thus protecting him from all harm and evil. A devotee or bhakta is expected to prepare himself to receive this divine grace. For this he must practice devotion and virtue. His ultimate goal should be union with this divine power and eternal rest in happiness and peace. The devotee surrenders all his motives and acts to the Divine Power. He renounces all responsibility for the good or bad consequences of all his actions and attributes it to the will of the Supreme.

Devotion and faith play a vital role in this branch of yoga. A devotee or bhakta should be highly religious, take a friendly attitude towards all other living beings including animals, read religious texts, concentrate on the symbol of divinity, think and wish good to others, etc. The beauty of this yoga lies in its simplicity. This has made it one of the most attractive of all types of yoga. Following this yoga develops mental peace in an individual. A peaceful individual will always think happy and prosperous thoughts and thus lead a happy life.

Bhakti