BHAKTI YOGA

DEVOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL YOGA

Written by Valentine

Reading time

10 to 15 minutes

DISCOVER BHAKTI YOGA

THE PATH OF DEVOTION AND UNIVERSAL LOVE

Bhakti Yoga is a spiritual practice deeply rooted in devotion and unconditional love for the divine.

This style of yoga, often called "devotion yoga," focuses on opening the heart and connecting to a higher power through prayer, chanting mantras, meditation, and ritual.

Bhakti Yoga is ideal for those seeking to cultivate a deep spiritual connection and develop a life filled with compassion, love, and sincere devotion.

ANCESTRAL ORIGINS OF BHAKTI YOGA

Bhakti Yoga , one of the four main paths of yoga according to the Vedic scriptures, has its roots in the sacred texts of ancient India, particularly the Upanishads , the Vedas , and the Bhagavad Gita . The Sanskrit term "Bhakti" means "devotion," and this yoga is primarily a spiritual path of devotion, love, and total surrender to a deity or the divine in all its forms. Unlike other forms of yoga that focus on mastering the body and mind, Bhakti Yoga emphasizes the heart and emotions .

The earliest records of Bhakti Yoga date back to around 1000 BC , in the Vedas , where it is mentioned as a method for achieving unity with the divine through sincere devotion . However, its development as a specific spiritual path truly took shape during the Upanishad era (800-300 BC) and intensified in the medieval period of Hinduism.

Bhakti Yoga gained particular prominence with the composition of the Bhagavad Gita , a fundamental philosophical text of Hinduism. In the Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Prince Arjuna the importance of selfless devotion (Bhakti) as a means to attain spiritual liberation (Moksha). Krishna states that, of all spiritual paths, Bhakti is one of the most direct and effective for attaining union with the divine. He emphasizes that sincere devotion transcends rituals, sacrifices, and actions, and that a heart full of love for the divine is the key to spiritual realization.

It was during the medieval era of India, from the 7th to the 16th centuries , that Bhakti Yoga truly flourished, becoming a major social and spiritual movement across the Indian subcontinent. This movement, known as the Bhakti Movement , was carried forward by saint-poets , called sants or bhaktas , such as Mirabai , Kabir , Tulsidas , and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , who expressed their devotion to the divine through songs, poems, and hymns dedicated to deities such as Krishna , Rama , Shiva , or the goddess Durga .

The Bhakti movement arose in reaction to a society rigidly divided by caste and the complex rituals of Brahmanism. It advocated devotion accessible to all , regardless of social status or gender, and rejected formal rituals in favor of a direct relationship with the divine , based on love , simplicity , and purity of heart . It had a profound impact not only on the spiritual development of India, but also on its literature and culture , influencing poetry, music, and art.

Bhakti Yoga is based on nine forms of devotion (Navadha Bhakti), described in texts such as the Bhagavata Purana . These forms include:

  1. Shravana – Listening to stories of the divine, especially epics and sacred scriptures.
  2. Kirtana – Chanting the names and glories of the divine, often accompanied by music.
  3. Smarana – Constantly remembering the divine through meditation or contemplation.
  4. Padasevana – Serving the divine by helping those in need, seen as a manifestation of God.
  5. Archana – Offering rituals and prayers, including flowers, fruits and incense.
  6. Vandana – Offering prostrations and prayers of submission before the divine.
  7. Dasya – Serving the divine as a humble servant.
  8. Sakhya – Establishing a relationship of friendship and closeness with the divine.
  9. Atmanivedana – Complete surrender to the divine, abandoning all ego.

Bhakti Yoga does not require complex postures or extensive knowledge of sacred texts, but rather a pure heart and a sincere desire to connect with the divine. It is often practiced through devotional chanting (kirtan) and the repetition of mantras (japa), such as the well-known mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya." Kirtan chanting, in particular, is one of the most popular ways to enter a state of collective devotion and spiritual ecstasy .

Outside of India, Bhakti Yoga has also been popularized in the West through movements such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), better known as the Hare Krishna Movement , founded by Swami Prabhupada in the 1960s. This movement introduced the practices of collective chanting (Kirtan) and mantra repetition (japa) to thousands of practitioners in the West, allowing them to discover the power of devotion as a spiritual path.

In summary, Bhakti Yoga is one of the most direct and accessible paths to spiritual realization . It focuses on unconditional love and total devotion to the divine, without requiring rigid bodily discipline or complex philosophical knowledge. For Bhakti Yoga practitioners, opening the heart and surrendering the ego are powerful tools for transcending material desires and achieving spiritual union with the divine.

HOW A BHAKTI YOGA SESSION WORKS

Course of a Bhakti Yoga session :

A Bhakti Yoga session differs from yoga styles focused on physical postures (asanas) because it focuses primarily on the expression of devotion and emotional connection with the divine. Bhakti Yoga is often described as a path of total devotion , where practitioners seek to transcend their ego to connect directly with the divine . This practice emphasizes deep emotions such as love, gratitude, and spiritual surrender. Here's what a typical Bhakti Yoga session looks like, though each session may vary depending on the group or teacher:

  1. Invocation and prayer :
    The session usually begins with an invocation or prayer dedicated to a specific deity, such as Krishna , Rama , Shiva , or the goddess Durga , depending on the tradition followed. These invocations aim to prepare the minds and hearts of the practitioners to receive the blessings of the divine . A specific mantra, such as "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" , may be recited collectively to create a spiritual atmosphere conducive to devotion. This opening phase helps to purify the mind and align the practitioners' intentions with those of the divine.
  2. Devotional songs (Kirtan) :
    Kirtan , or devotional singing, is an essential part of Bhakti Yoga. Practitioners chant mantras or devotional hymns (Bhajans) in honor of the divine, often accompanied by musical instruments such as the harmonium , tablas , or cymbals (kartals). The chanting may be led by a lead singer intoning a verse, followed by the group responding by repeating. This call-and-response chanting creates a collective energy , fostering a sense of unity and shared devotion . The chanted mantras are intended to raise the vibrations of the group and allow everyone to enter a state of deep emotional connection with the divine.
  3. Repetition of mantras (Japa) :
    After the collective chanting, part of the session may be devoted to silent repetition of mantras (Japa), often performed with a mala (a string of 108 beads). Each bead represents one repetition of the mantra, and Japa allows practitioners to focus their minds and delve deeper into meditation on the divine. The most commonly used mantra in Bhakti Yoga is the famous Hare Krishna mantra : "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare." This practice is designed to purify consciousness , quiet the mind, and help practitioners draw closer to the divine through the repetition of sacred names.
  4. Reading of sacred texts (Satsang) :
    A Bhakti Yoga session often includes a time of Satsang , where the group gathers to listen to or read spiritual teachings from sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita , the Bhagavata Purana , or the Upanishads . These readings are intended to nourish the mind and offer philosophical reflection on the concepts of devotion and oneness with the divine. Satsang is followed by discussion or sharing of experiences among practitioners, allowing each person to better understand the teachings and strengthen their spiritual practice. This step also encourages communion with other devotees , a key aspect of Bhakti Yoga.
  5. Meditation on the Heart (Hridaya Bhakti) :
    The session may also include a guided meditation phase, where practitioners are invited to focus their attention on their heart and visualize the divine within. This form of meditation, known as Hridaya Bhakti , aims to open the heart and allow emotions of devotion to flourish. By focusing on unconditional love and gratitude, practitioners connect to a deep spiritual dimension , promoting a state of inner peace and universal benevolence .
  6. Offerings and rituals (Puja) :
    In some Bhakti Yoga sessions, a Puja or offering ceremony may be performed. This practice involves offering flowers , incense, fruit, or sacred food (Prasad) to the divine as a sign of gratitude and devotion. These offerings symbolize the practitioner's total surrender to the divine, in exchange for divine blessing . The Puja ritual cultivates a sense of humility and deep connection with the divine.
  7. Final relaxation :
    As in other styles of yoga, a short period of relaxation may be incorporated at the end of the session. Practitioners lie down in Shavasana (corpse pose) to allow their body and mind to integrate the benefits of the practice. However, this relaxation is not only physical; it also aims to emotionally and spiritually integrate the experience, allowing each person to prolong the state of devotion and inner calm .
  8. Final song and thanks :
    The session ends with a final chant or prayer in thanksgiving for the blessings received during the practice. This may include chanting mantras or bhajans dedicated to the divine, expressing gratitude and sincere devotion . Practitioners may also thank their teacher and other group members for sharing this spiritual experience.

Bhakti Yoga , through its devotional chants, mantras, and meditations, offers practitioners a profound spiritual path that aims to open the heart and cultivate an intimate connection with the divine. It is a practice that transcends the ego and material desires, allowing practitioners to live in a state of pure devotion , inner peace , and oneness with the whole .

TYPE OF PRACTICE OF BHAKTI YOGA

Type of Bhakti Yoga practice :

Bhakti Yoga is distinguished from other forms of yoga by its emphasis on total devotion to the divine, aiming to transcend the ego and achieve spiritual union through unconditional love . Unlike styles of yoga that focus on physical postures and bodily discipline, Bhakti Yoga focuses primarily on inner transformation and opening the heart . It is a spiritual path where practitioners seek to develop a personal and emotional relationship with a deity or representation of the divine, often in the form of Krishna , Rama , or other sacred manifestations in Hinduism.

Bhakti Yoga, also called the yoga of devotion , is practiced through a series of rituals and devotional practices designed to awaken divine love and connect the practitioner to a higher spiritual dimension. It is based on a series of nine forms of devotion (Navadha Bhakti), each offering a unique path to spiritual realization .

1. Devotional songs (Kirtan) :

One of the most iconic aspects of Bhakti Yoga is Kirtan , or devotional singing , where practitioners chant mantras and hymns dedicated to a deity. Chanting, accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as the harmonium , tablas , or cymbals , is a powerful way to open the heart and immerse oneself in spiritual ecstasy . Chanting is often performed in groups, creating a collective energy that strengthens the sense of unity and connection with the divine. Kirtan is not only a means of practicing devotion, but also a form of sound meditation that calms the mind and elevates the practitioner's vibrations.

2. Repetition of mantras (Japa) :

Another essential practice of Bhakti Yoga is Japa , the silent or chanted repetition of sacred mantras, often performed with a mala (a 108-beaded rosary). The "Hare Krishna" mantra, or "Mahamantra," is one of the most popular in Bhakti Yoga: "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare." The repetition of mantras aims to purify the mind , calm thoughts, and allow the practitioner to focus on the essence of the divine . It is a practice of conscious repetition , where each repetition brings the soul closer to spiritual realization.

3. Satsang (spiritual communion) :

Satsang is also an integral part of Bhakti Yoga. It is a time of spiritual gathering , where practitioners listen to teachings or readings from sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita or the Bhagavata Purana . This time of collective communion allows for a deeper understanding of spiritual teachings and a strengthening of spiritual connection . The discussions that follow Satsang help integrate these teachings into daily life and share personal reflections on the practice.

4. Puja (offering rituals) :

Puja is a ritual of offering to the divine, often practiced as part of Bhakti Yoga. It is a ceremony where offerings of flowers , fruits, incense, and food are made to a deity as a sign of gratitude and devotion. This ritual symbolizes the complete surrender of oneself and the offering of one's actions to the divine. Puja is an act of selfless service (Seva), where the practitioner detaches themselves from their selfish desires and devotes themselves entirely to the divine. This ritual is often accompanied by prayers , mantras , and devotional chants , and is seen as a powerful means of purifying the mind and awakening spiritual awareness .

5. Meditation on the Heart (Hridaya Bhakti) :

In Bhakti Yoga, meditation on the heart occupies a central place. This form of meditation, called Hridaya Bhakti , involves focusing on the energy of the heart to open consciousness and allow divine love to flourish. Practitioners are encouraged to visualize a divine presence in their heart and cultivate emotions of love, compassion, and gratitude toward the divine. This meditation awakens inner devotion , strengthens the emotional connection with the divine, and dissolves the barriers of the ego.

6. Selfless Service (Seva) :

Seva , or selfless service , is another pillar of Bhakti Yoga practice. It involves offering one's time and actions in service to others, without expecting a reward in return. By serving others, practitioners learn to cultivate qualities such as humility , compassion , and altruism . Seva is seen as a sacred act that allows one to purify karma and develop a deeper connection with the divine . This service can take many forms, such as volunteering, supporting the community, or even acts of kindness in everyday life.

7. Personal relationship with the divine :

Bhakti Yoga is often called the path of love and devotion , because it teaches that each practitioner can develop a personal relationship with the divine, whether in the form of Krishna , Shiva , or another divine manifestation. This relationship is based on unconditional love , surrender , and total dedication . The practitioner seeks to merge with the divine , abandoning their ego and offering all their actions and thoughts in service to the divine. This approach allows for the development of a sense of trust and deep intimacy with the spiritual dimension.

Bhakti Yoga , with its devotional chanting, meditation practices, and offering rituals, offers a powerful spiritual path for cultivating unconditional love , sincere devotion , and emotional connection with the divine. It is a practice that transcends the physical dimensions of yoga to touch the heart and soul, allowing practitioners to experience an intimate relationship with the divine through purity of emotion and selfless service.

OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS OF BHAKTI YOGA

Bhakti Yoga , often called the path of devotion , aims to awaken unconditional love for the divine, transcend the ego, and establish a deep connection with a higher spiritual dimension . Unlike other forms of yoga that focus primarily on the body or mind, Bhakti Yoga emphasizes an emotional and devotional approach . Its goals and benefits are therefore primarily focused on inner transformation , emotional healing , and spiritual elevation .

1. Spiritual awakening and union with the divine :

The primary goal of Bhakti Yoga is to cultivate unconditional love for the divine and develop a personal relationship with it. Through devotion, practitioners seek to achieve spiritual realization by transcending material desires and ego. This spiritual awakening does not come through rigorous physical practices, but through purity of intention and an open heart . By nurturing sincere devotion, practitioners can experience a state of inner peace and bliss (Ananda) that brings them closer to ultimate spiritual union.

2. Stress reduction and mental calm :

One of the main benefits of Bhakti Yoga is its ability to calm the mind and reduce emotional stress . Devotional chanting (Kirtan), the repetition of mantras (Japa), and moments of meditation help free the mind from tensions and agitated thoughts . These practices promote a state of inner calm by bringing mental clarity and helping to detach oneself from daily concerns . Bhakti Yoga thus helps to regulate emotions , overcome stress , and establish a more stable emotional balance .

3. Heart Opening and Emotional Healing :

Bhakti Yoga is deeply connected to opening the heart and healing emotional wounds . By cultivating positive emotions such as love , gratitude , and compassion , practitioners learn to free themselves from negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, or hatred. The practice of devotion purifies the heart chakra (Anahata) , helping to heal emotional blockages and allow for healthy expression of emotions . By developing a deep connection with the divine, practitioners learn to forgive themselves and others , thus promoting emotional release .

4. Improvement of human relations :

Bhakti Yoga teaches selfless devotion and service to others (Seva). By cultivating universal love and compassion for all living beings, practitioners learn to strengthen their relationships with others by practicing respect, tolerance, and altruism. This type of yoga teaches that each person is a manifestation of the divine, and by adopting this perspective, practitioners develop more harmonious and fulfilling relationships. It also helps to ease interpersonal conflicts and foster a sense of connection with the world .

5. Purification of consciousness :

Through the repetition of mantras and devotional meditation practices, Bhakti Yoga helps purify the consciousness and eliminate material desires that cloud the mind. Sacred mantras, such as the "Hare Krishna" mantra, are designed to raise the inner vibration and align practitioners with higher spiritual energies. By purifying the consciousness, practitioners can experience greater mental clarity and heightened spiritual perception . This allows one to live in a state of mindfulness , where every action is performed with intention and presence .

6. Elimination of ego and humility :

Another goal of Bhakti Yoga is the dissolution of the ego . By offering all actions, thoughts, and feelings to the divine, the practitioner learns to surrender their ego and embrace a state of selfless service . The practice of Bhakti Yoga teaches humility , recognizing that we are all instruments of the divine . This dissolution of the ego allows one to experience inner freedom and live with a deeper sense of peace and acceptance .

7. Raising vibrations and positive energy :

Devotional chanting and mantra repetition are powerful ways to raise vibrations and attract positive energies . By chanting in groups or individually, practitioners generate sound vibrations that resonate within their bodies and minds, promoting a state of overall well-being . These practices help eliminate negative energies and create a spiritual environment where high vibrations promote mental and emotional health.

8. Meditation and inner peace :

Although Bhakti Yoga focuses on devotion, it also includes periods of silent or active meditation. These periods of meditation allow practitioners to refocus and connect more deeply with their spiritual essence . By meditating on the divine, practitioners can experience a state of lasting inner peace , where mental agitation fades away to give way to profound serenity .

Bhakti Yoga is a practice that goes beyond the physical body to touch the heart and soul . Through its devotional practices, it helps transform emotions , cultivate universal love , and achieve a deeper spiritual connection .

Valentine's Bio

  • VALENTINE

    1994, Reunion Island, Mauritius, a Life carried by the Indian Ocean and Yoga

    Since childhood, this intrepid traveler has traveled the globe, leaving her footprints on beaches around the world.

    Passionate about surfing, scuba diving and sailing, she has made the oceans her playground and source of inspiration.

    The freedom of the waves, the serenity of the ocean depths and the wind in his sails have punctuated his journey, always guided by a quest for connection with nature.

    It was through her explorations that yoga became more than a practice for her – it was a way of life.

    Between early morning surf sessions and meditative sunsets, she found in yoga a perfect balance of strength, flow and self-awareness.

    Today, she combines her passion for water sports with teaching yoga and is part of the Yogaterrae team, here in France, in the South West and often remotely :)

    This adventurer is a true source of inspiration for anyone who aspires to live in harmony with their body and nature.

    Through her stories of incredible experiences, she invites everyone to open up to a world where every wave, every breath and every posture is a celebration of life.
BACK TO BLOG

Leave a comment

Please note that comments must be approved before being published.

More articles from Valentine...

  • TANTRA YOGA

    Transform your energy with Tantra Yoga, a spiritual approach that unites body and soul.

    DISCOVER THE ARTICLE 

  • YOGA NIDRA

    Dive into deep relaxation with Yoga Nidra, a guided practice that calms the mind and rejuvenates the body.

    DISCOVER THE ARTICLE 

  • KRIPALU YOGA

    Reconnect with your essence with Kripalu Yoga, a gentle practice that leads to self-acceptance.

    DISCOVER THE ARTICLE 
RETURN TO THE BLOG

HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY LIFE

NAMASTE