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Features of Bhakti

CHENNAI: Bhakti Yoga denotes the spiritual practice of fostering loving devotion to God and is generally considered the easiest of the paths to liberation — the others being Karma and Jnana. The Bhagavata Purana extols Bhakti as capable of leading to the stage of spiritual realisation. But in reality Bhakti Yoga is difficult to practise for God can be realised by paying the price of Bhakti — offering pure and selfless love to God by relinquishing all sense of I and Mine towards people or possessions, said Sri M. V. Anantapadmanabhachariar in a lecture. Scriptures have probed the nature of Bhakti, its defining features and its uses and the essence of this search has confirmed this truth. If one is able to realise God in one’s heart, it is Bhakti.

For instance, Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya present a study in contrast; Dhritarashtra is always disturbed and frightened because of his worldly minded nature and his selfishness while Sanjaya is free from all material desires and has only love and adoration for the Lord and remains unafraid. Child Prahlada told Hiranyakashipu that he saw God as the inner being in all aspects of creation. The father had tortured the boy forcing him to reveal the Hari whom he extolled with such fervour. The son replied that he saw the truth of God everywhere including his father Hiranyakashipu. Similarly when the Lord appeared before Dhruva, the boy beheld the same form that he had been meditating in his mind’s eye.

Lord Krishna makes it clear that sincerity and humility characterise a devotee’s spiritual life. He affirms that if one’s thoughts are constantly with the Lord, one becomes His devotee and will voluntarily offer obeisance to Him. Such a person who is completely absorbed in Him will surely come to Him. Devotion helps one to understand Him as the Supreme Godhead.

Only when all Karmas are exhausted is salvation possible. For a Jivatma, the practice of Bhakti Yoga continues through many births until the effects of both good and bad deeds are transcended. Bhakti should not change or get distracted. Bhakti in a limited sense is practised by many to get their desires fulfilled. But Bhakti Yoga calls for the necessary qualifications of determination and energy.

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