Talk:The Ease of Practicing Bhakti / Bhakti Yog

By Vishal Agarwal

Krishna calls Bhakti ‘very easy to practice’. Krishna lists different spiritual paths in the decreasing order of their difficulty and declares that those who find it difficult to follow any of those paths can at least follow Bhakti Yog, which is the easiest path-

"But if you are unable to do even this, then take refuge in My Yog (Bhakti), renounce the fruit of all karmas, and act with self-restraint. Gita 12.11"

The purpose of this verse may be stated as follows - If you can neither practice Jnana-Vijnanayog, Dhyanayog, and even Karmayog, then simply latch on to Bhaktiyog. Just watch out that your senses and mind are not distracted by worldly objects and are instead directed towards Me. This will prevent you from evil actions - mental, verbal, or physical. Your actions might not conform completely to the norms of Dharmashästra and you might not be doing the duties appropriate to your social class, stage of life, and so on according to these scriptures. Nevertheless, just offer the fruit of your actions to Me with the attitude, "If there is any fruit resulting from my actions, perfect or imperfect, I offer the same to you." This Bhakta has shed off all other Yogas to reach the Lord except Bhakti Yog, and he adheres to Bhakti Yog alone to the best of his abilities.

Likewise, in the next chapter too, Krishna lists the four paths and then presents the path of Bhakti Yog apparently as the easiest one-

"Through meditation, some perceive the Atman in their Atman by the Atman. Others by the discipline of Sämkhya Yog; and still others by Karm-yog. Gita 13.24"

"Still others, not knowing this, reflect upon it, having heard about it from others. And they too transcend death, devoted to what they have heard. Gita 13.25"

Commenting on the second verse, Swami Rama explains why the reference here is to the follower of Bhakti Yog-

"The fourth group of aspirants is not learned. They depend on the teachings imparted to them by the sages, and they strictly follow that knowledge with full faith and devotion. Their path is the path of devotion and faith, and it is faith that leads them across the mire of delusion. Having a pure heart and unflinching faith, they reach the shore of life. Various are the paths followed by the many aspirants for attaining spiritual knowledge. All those who make sincere efforts reach the summit."

Rishi Närada too declares-

"Of all the other paths, that of Bhakti is the most easily attainable because it does not depend upon any other proof (means) and is self-evident because it is of the nature of peace and of the nature of supreme joy. Narada Bhakti Sütra 58-60"

As a modern author also explains-

"Of the four major paths of Yog....the three paths Karm Yog, Jnana Yog, and Raja Yog are very difficult, as they demand qualities and powers that are not possessed by a large majority of people. Karm Yog calls for exceptional energy, strong will as well as great humility and patience. Further, it is extremely difficult to perform one's duties in a spirit of detachment, without craving the result. Attachment to the result somehow enters the mind, though one may not be aware of it.

Jnana Yog requires an exceptionally sharp intellect and reason. To follow Jnana Yog in this contemporary era is also very difficult. First, our life depends entirely on food. Second, we can by no means get rid of body consciousness, but the Knowledge of Brahman is impossible without the destruction of body consciousness. Raja Yog calls for control of senses and unwavering concentration. Compared with these three kinds of Yog, the practice of Bhakti Yog appears to be far simpler, less austere, and more natural. Everyone may not have exceptional energy, keen intellect, or concentration, but all have love in their hearts."