Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of devotion where the devotee takes action in performance and selfless service, service to the divine. Bhakti was first mentioned in The Bhagavad Gita around 300 BC, the word Bhakti comes from the root word Bhaj, of which the essence is to share. This form of Yoga is based upon the heart, love and devotion towards a chosen deity (Ishta Devata). Much like Karma Yoga, dedicating all actions towards a deity or ‘God’ is an intrinsic part of Bhakti Yoga. Much like other branches of Yoga, Bhakti Yoga has limbs (anga) for each practitioner to adhere to and take part in:

• Limbs of Bhakti
  • Shravana; listening to sacred scriptures
  • Kirtana; singing of devotional songs
  • Smarana; remembering the divine through meditation
  • Pada-sevana; ritual worship or service at the feet of the Lord
  • Vandana; prostration before the image of God;
  • Dasya; devotion to the Lord
  • Sakhya; friendship through which the Divine raises the devotee to a friend
  • Atma-nivedana; self-offering.

Bhakti is considered the highest form of Yoga becuase Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita says that Bhakti is the Yoga of devotion and is the most direct path to experience the unity of mind, body and spirit of Krisha. It is the path of devotion and unconditional love, the path that Krishna says is the direct path to his heart. ​(Easwaran, 1985)​

Rakhe Krishna, Mare Ke
Mare Krishna, Rakhe Ke

Translation: If Krishna wants to kill someone, there’s no protection. If Krishna wants to protect someone, nobody can kill them.

Bhakti Lineage begins with the Authors of the Rig Veda, goes to Patanjali, Brahma Chari, Krishnamacharya, and then to Iyengar.