भक्ति योगा — भक्त लक्षण Qualities of a Devotee

Sanjay Mehta

The Bhakta (devotees) have certain qualities.  Bhakta may be jnani, yogi, or karm-phal-tyaagi.  Regardless of what they may ultimately be, they are devoted to Bhagwan and his teachings.

How do Bhakta conduct themselves in the world?  How do they face different situations in life?  What are the characteristics (lakshan) of a Bhakta?

Bhagwan describes Bhaktalakshana:

अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च,
निर्ममो निरह अहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी || १३ ||

Adweshtaa sarvabhootanm maitrah karun ev ch,
Nirmamo nirahankaar samdukhsukhah kshami ||13||

He who does not despise anything, who is friendly and compassionate to all , who is free from attachment and self-centeredness, balanced in pleasure and pain and forgiving.

Always completely content, self, controlled, with firm conviction, with mind and intellect dedicated to Me, that devotee is dear to Me,

यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः
हर्षामर्शभयोद्वेगैरमुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः || १५ ||

Yasmaannodvijate loko lokaannodvijate ch yah
Nirmamo nirahankaar samdukhsukhah kshami ||15||

A devotee by whom the World is not disturbed or agitated, who is not disturbed or agitated by the World, and who is free from hyper ecstasy, resentment, fear, and anxiety and is dear to me.

Types of Bhakta:

Characteristics and conduct of a Bhakt:

Bhagwan concludes by saying, “The path of being a true Bhakta lies in pursuing the conduct described by Me.”

Essence: 

Image Credit
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