Bhakti Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita: The way of devotional love
This article attempts to focus on Bhakti Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita, but for those that don’t know here is a brief summary of The Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is often referred to as the Gita, is one of the world’s most revered spiritual texts. A small section of the Indian epic Mahabharata, the Gita takes the form of a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his charioteer, the deity Krishna. Within its verses, it explores various paths of yoga, including Jnana (knowledge), Karma (action), and notably, Bhakti (devotion). Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotional love, is especially poignant for those seeking a personal, emotional connection to the divine.
What is Bhakti Yoga?
Bhakti Yoga is often described as the yoga of love and devotion towards the divine. It focuses on fostering a personal relationship with a higher power, through affection, trust, and dedication. Bhakti practitioners believe that through pure love and surrender, one can merge with the divine, bypassing the trappings of the ego and the material world.
Bhakti Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita: A breakdown
In the Gita, Lord Krishna elucidates the profound principles and practices of Bhakti Yoga. Here are some central teachings:
Unwavering Devotion: One of the hallmarks of Bhakti Yoga is unwavering devotion. Krishna says to Arjuna: “Fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me and bow to Me. Doing so, you will come to Me alone, I truly promise you, for you are exceptionally dear to Me.” (Gita 18.65).
Surrender: In the[……]