About Bhakti Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means Union through Concentration. It is a word that defines a practice or path that brings union of the body, mind and spirit as well as the Individual Self with the Universal Self. Yoga accomplishes this through activities, exercises and disciplines involving intense concentration that control the body, emotions and all thought forms. The self that realizes the true nature of reality and the true nature of the self can become liberated from the constraints of corporal reality. This freedom can invoke a deep abiding peace; a state of being where a person has the experience of harmony, balance and understanding that gives rise to unconditional love, compassion, joy and bliss. Bhakti is a Sanskrit word meaning devotion, faith and trust. Therefore, Bhakti Yoga is the path of union through concentrated devotion. 

One of the practices of Bhakti Yoga is the use of Mantra (a phrase of carefully selected words or sounds) for the purpose of moving the energy of ones body and mind in some chosen way. Mantra can be chanted inwardly or out loud. Bhajans (devotional hymns) are a collection of mantras, organized in a specific way so as to create certain sound patterns and vibrations. These sounds have been proven scientifically to be beneficial in calming beta waves and assisting the practitioner in reaching the meditative state of alpha-theta. Chanting mantra and singing Bhajans helps still the mind and open the heart and prepare the body for deeper states of meditation.

Here are some of the benefits associated with a Bhakti singing and chanting practice:

        There are many challenges on the path of love and awakening and having the support of a community is a valuable tool in maintaining steadfastness in ones spiritual pursuits. Practicing Bhakti Yoga in groups (called Sangha) increases the energy field and makes it easier to let go of the minds attachments. Although group chanting and singing is highly recommended, a solitary practitioner can receive tremendous benefit. This practice is not limited to any one religion or spiritual tradition and can be utilized safely by anyone who chooses it. 

        To understand more about the path of Bhakti Yoga, we have outlined the traditional approach to Yoga and translated this into easy to follow practices. Let's begin with the Eight Disciplines, Four Paths, Nine Forms and Five Aspects.


The Eight Digvalaya (Disciplines) of Yoga (Patanjali)

1. Yama (moral conduct): non-injury to others, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-covetousness

2. Niyama: purity of body and mind, contentment in all circumstances, self-discipline, self-study (contemplation), and bhakti (devotion) to God (including the generating of compassion and loving kindness)

3. Asana: right posture (care of physical form)

4. Pranayama: control of prana (the subtle life currents) in the body through breath and visualization

5. Pratyahara: internal focus through withdrawal of the senses from external objects

6. Dharana: focused concentration; holding the mind to one thought or object (single point meditation)

7. Dhyana: deep meditation, complete absorption in the vast perception of creation (God) 

8. Samadhi: superconscious experience of the oneness of the individualized soul with creation which produces ananda (pure bliss consciousness)


The Four Margas (Paths) of Yoga

1. Bhakti Yoga - Union through surrender and devotion (develops compassion and loving kindness)

2. Jnana Yoga - Union through the cultivation of highest intellectual understanding 

3. Raja Yoga - Union through attaining control of mind and understanding of the nature of mind

4. Karma Yoga - Union through self-transcending action and service to others


The Nine Anusthanarupa (Forms) of Bhakti Yoga

1. Shravanam - listening to spiritual stories

2. Kirtana- a group practice in 5 parts (including mantram, bhajans & spiritual lessons)

3. Smaranam - constant remembrance of God's presence

4. Pada Sevanam - devotion through serving God

5. Archanam - offering through ritual

6. Vandanam - obeisance, surrender, prostration (having attained vidya, bowing with deep reverence)

7. Dasyam - being of service

8. Sakhyam - personal relationship with God, friendship

9. Atmanivedanam - complete surrender of self as individual I


The Five Alokana (Aspects) of Kirtana

1. Naman - uttering God's name in prayer

2. Purvaranga - spiritual lesson/philosophy (lesson part 1)

3. Japati, Prastava, Bhajans, Mantram - devotional chanting & singing

4. Katha, Akhyan - exegesis: scripture, spiritual stories, interpretation (lesson part 2)

5. Calasandhi Japa - closing prayers for universal well being of All


Simplifying the Practice

So how does all this translate into actual practices that will benefit the practicioner?

Sarapattra Yoga Practice (scripture study): gives the mind healthy things to think about and contemplate, opens doors to introspection, questioning and critical thinking.

Asana Yoga Practice (right posture): assists us to create healthy physical habits and prepares our bodies for daily activity, sports and sitting meditation practices.

Pranayama Yoga Practice (control of life force): gives the body the needed infusion of oxygen and prana (energy) for advanced practices, increased sensitivity and optimal health.

Bhakti Yoga Practice (devotion, concentration on a deity or representation of a quality or virtue to attain): mantra, kirtan and bhajan prepare our subtle energy body (by opening all the chakras, nadis and pathways) to raise in vibration to states of true love, happiness and bliss. This practice calms the mind and creates more availability for love. Deep experiences of love cultivate understanding, compassion and loving kindness. Other Bhakti Yoga practices include prostration, guru worship and offerings. These practices teach us humility and surrender - necessary prerequisites to accessing power without abusing it.

Meditation Practice (art of presence): such as contemplation, introspection, single point and silent, assists the discovery of god/self and the nature of the universe (creation) through direct experience. Asking the all important question: Who am I, really?

Karma Yoga Practice has us put all that we have learned into practice in the world by offering service to others without the need for reciprocation. As we come to understand that we are all connected, we naturally want to be of service to others. As we progress on the Yogic path we generate compassion and loving kindness and the desire to assist others in having long lasting peace and happiness.


Note on Practices Each of these practices work with different elements of your existence to produce the result of a unified feeling of contentment, happiness, peace and joy. Performing these exercises in a cyclical fashion can be most beneficial. 

For instance: 


In Conclusion

Bhakti Yoga is a rich path of practices that increase connection, presence and awareness as well as cultivate compassion, loving kindness and selfless giving. Deeply immersing oneself in these practices can prepare you and make the conditions right for you to experience contentment, peace, happiness and joy. Repeatedly experiencing such things helps a person realize that this is our true nature and the nature of the universe itself. 

Come chant and sing with us at the next Living Devotion Kirtan and experience Bhakti Yoga for yourself.