Talk:Non Pre-Requisites of Aparā Bhakti or Bhakti

By Vishal Agarwal

Of all the four paths of yoga, bhakti-yoga is the most universal and widely embraced due to its simplicity, inclusivity, and minimal prerequisites. Kṛṣṇa emphasizes these aspects in the Gītā and declares that no devotee is privileged and none is hated or disliked by Him, irrespective of their race, gender, genus, level of education, intelligence, and so on. A lack of excellence is a badge of honor for a bhakta because it instills in him virtues like humility, service, and love, which are the real or true prerequisites to the path of bhakti/bhakti-yoga. This is also reiterated by other scriptures:

Kṛṣṇa said: "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer, whatever you give, and whatever austerities you perform, O son of Kuntī, do that as an offering to Me.Gītā 9.27" "You shall certainly be liberated from the bonds of karma, which produce good and evil fruit. With your mind disciplined by the yoga of renunciation, you shall be liberated and will come to Me.Gītā 9.28" "I am the same (Ātman) in all. None is hateful or dear to Me. But those who worship Me with devotion—they are in Me, and I am also in them.Gītā 9.29"

Kuntī said: Bhagavān, you cannot be approached by those who only endeavor to enhance their material gains, exalt their family background, or are proud of their education, physical beauty, or parentage. Such people do not have sincere devotion towards You. Contrarily, those who are poor in these qualities can approach You easily.Bhāgavata Purāṇa 1.8.26"

"Among the bhaktas, there are no distinctions based on caste, learning, appearance, family lineage, wealth, or profession (activities) because bhaktas all belong to the Bhagavān.Nārada Bhakti Sūtra 72–73"