Benefits of Self Surrender Self surrender is the highest form of bhakti. Self surrender is also known as Atma Nivedana. Eg: Mira, Gopis of Vrindavan. In Kathopanishad it is said, “The Lord chooses that man who has surrendered himself, reveals Himself unto him and bestows the highest wisdom on him.”Read More →
Prayer Prayer or Prarthana in Sanskrit means pleading fervently. It is a form of communication with a deity or an object of worship or a spiritual embodiment. It is praise of God. Prayer could be through use of words or songs. Prayer is a religious practice of reaching out toRead More →
Introduction to Essence of Bhakti The nature of Bhakti is inexpressible. Bhakti can be partially explained but its totality is inconceivable and inexpressible. Just as it is difficult to explain the sweetness of sugar to a person who has not tasted it, so also the nature of Bhakti cannot beRead More →
How to cultivate/ develop Bhakti? Bhakti is training one’s mind and will towards God. It is a discipline through which a bhakta eliminates his ego and develops an intense attachment towards god. The bhakta attains a stage of self realisation where the ego and the Self are the same. HeRead More →
Meaning of Vandanam Vandanam means offering prayers and obeisance to the Lord. Prayer is an act of communicating with the Lord. Prayer requires immense faith in Him, as he is not visible to the naked eye. As one develops faith in the Lord, prayer becomes an indispensible part of one’sRead More →
Meaning of Smaranam Smaranam is one of the nine forms of bhakti, where the devotee constantly remembers the name and form of the Lord. Smaranam also includes remembering the stories, teaching and talking to others about the glories of the Lord, meditation on aspects relating to God etc. Japa isRead More →
There are nine different ways to express devotion for the Lord. Shravanam is the first form of Bhakti. Meaning of Shravanam Shravanam literally means listening. Shravanam is about listening to God’s lilas which is an important step in the spiritual journey. Shravanam also includes listening to God’s virtues, glories, stories,Read More →
Meaning of Sakhya Bhakti Sakhya bhakti is a form of bhakti, wherein the bhakta considers God as his friend at all times. The bhakta considers God as his friend, relative, and companion. In Bhagavatam, it is said, “Oh, how wonderful is the fortune of the people of Vraja of cowherdRead More →
Kirtanam is that form of Bhakti wherein the devotee chants and sings praises in the name of the guru or the deity. Such chanting and singing the name of the Lord breaks the shackles that tie people to worldly inhibitions and sufferings. In Kirtanam the Bhakta dances and sings inRead More →
Rasas are different kinds of emotions which a Bhakta experiences in his devotion to the Lord. God himself is Rasa “Raso Vai Sah.” “Rasam Hyevayaam Labdhva Anandee Bhavati”-“By attaining this essence one becomes blissful.” declare the Upanishads. Bhakti Rasa removes the ignorance of ego and the Atman or the SelfRead More →
Definition of Bhakti The word Bhakti is derived from the root “Bhaj” meaning to participate, or to receive a share. The root word (dhaatu) Bhaj is used in the sense of ‘seva’ (service). Bhakti, derived by adding a suffix (pratyaya) ‘kta’, means actions performed with sevA attitude towards God1. BhaktiRead More →
Meaning of Dasya Bhakti According to Swamy Shivananda, Dasya Bhakti is “to serve God and carry out His wishes, realizing His virtues, nature, mystery and glory, considering oneself as a servant of God, the Supreme Master”. Dasya is a form of bhakti wherein, the bhakta considers himself as a servantRead More →
Bhakti is viewed/categorized in many ways. These types or categories are not necessarily non-overlapping: a) Sakamya and Nishkamya Bhakti b) Apara (lower)and Para (higher) Bhakti c) Mukhya ((Primary) and Gauna (Secondary)Bhakti d) Ragatmika and Vaidhi Bhakti e) Vyabhicharini and Avyabhicharini Bhakti f) Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic Bhakti a) Sakamya andRead More →
The devotion felt to Lord Sri Krishna is expressed using different terms. Below, is a brief given about the various terms. Bhakti Rasa Rasa in Sanskrit refers to “essence’ or “juice’. In the context of Bhakti, Rasa means “mellow”. Mellow means “sweet and full flavoured from ripeness, as fruit”. ThusRead More →
Meaning of Atman Nivedana Atma Nivedana is Self Surrender. In this form of bhakti, the devotee surrenders his body, mind and soul to the Lord. He keeps nothing for himself. Characteristics of a devotee Following are some of the characteristics of a bhakta practicing Atma Nivedana: a) The devotee givesRead More →
Meaning of Archanam Archanam is one of the Nava Vidha forms of Bhakti where the bhakta worships the Almighty in a certain form. To the bhakta, the idol, picture of the Lord is not merely an idol or a picture, but a form in which the Lord lives. All actionsRead More →