भक्ति योग The Yoga of Devotion

The Bhagwad Gita

Chapter 12 (1)

Sanjya Mehta

Bhakti Yog means ‘The alignment of one’s thoughts/choices/actions to Ishwar’s orders (actions rooted in Dharma) or keeping Ishwar in your thoughts and throughout daily activities.’

Bhakti comprises of various spiritual practices.  It is a confluence of Karma, Upaasana and Gyan.

After listening to Bhagwan’s explanation that Bhakti (five-point program) is the straightforward way to realize and become one with Ishwar/Divinity, Arjun asked: “Which path is easier?  A Sagun Bhakt (devotee who worships Brahman in manifested form ) or a Nirgun Bhakt (devotee who worships Brahman in un-manifested form

Bhagwan answered, “Though Sagun Bhakti is easier to practice, a practitioner of either form of Bhakti is considered ad true Yogi by Me.  I am attainable through either path as follows:

सन्नियम्येन्द्रियग्रामं सर्वत्र समबुद्धयः,
ते प्राप्नुवन्ति मामेव सर्वभूतहितो रताः|| ४ ||

Samniyamyendriyagraamam sarvatra samabuddhayah,
Te praapnuvanti maameva sarvabhootahite rataah ||4||

Having restrained all the senses, even-minded everywhere, always engaged in the welfare of all beings – those are the devotees that can attain Me.
Although, both paths have challenges due to the bodily limitations and materialistic desires of the practitioner.

Bhagwan says that Abhyaas Yog (repeated practice is the way to overcome the challenges.  Abhyaas Yog is also known as “ek roop Ishwar Dhyan” (single pointed Bhakti of a deity).  If you are unable even to practice (Abhyaas Yog), perform Karma and leave the benefits of its results for my sake.  You shall attain perfection.

Bhagwan further describes a path of graduation from Abhyaas (practice) to Tyaag (renunciation of the Karma phal – fruits of action)

श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाग्यानाध्यानं विशिष्यते,
ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् || १२ ||

Shreyo hi jnaanamabhyaasaat jnaanaaddhyaanam vishishyate,
Dhyaanaat karmaphatyaagas tyaagaacchaantir anantaram. ||12||

Knowledge (awareness) is better than practice, meditation (dhyaan/absorption of knowledge) is better than knowledge, and renunciation of fruits of action is better than meditation.  Shanti (agitation-free state of mind) immediately follows renunciation.

A spiritual practice (Bhakti Yog) is not only a physical act, but it also requires knowledge and comprehension of the Shaastra for spiritual progress and self-confidence.  Deeper and consistent contemplation on the messages of the Shaastra results in renunciation

Image Credit
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