Talk:The Path of Bhakti Yog has its Fruit Available along the Entire Journey

By Vishal Agarwal

Bhakti is its fruit, Le, it is not the result of Jnäna, etc., so say the sons of Brahmä. Narada Bhakti Sutra 30 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 the nature of supreme joy. Narada Bhakti Sütra 58-60

Another perspective often presented to highlight the distinctiveness of Bhakti is that its benefits can be experienced during one’s lifetime, unlike some other paths where the results are generally attained later, often after death. For instance, when a Bhakta remembers and worships their Ishta-Devata with love and sincerity, they may experience a sense of inner joy and peace. This emotional connection provides a glimpse of the ultimate goal of Bhakti, which is a loving and harmonious relationship with the Divine. Narayana Bhattatiri (1588-1646), in his Narayaniyam, describes Bhakti as offering sweetness throughout its practice and culminating in ultimate bliss.

On the other hand, most schools of Vedänta and Sämkhya that advocate the path of Jnana promise the fruit only after the physical body’s dissolution. In the path of Karm, there is a time lag between the performance of the act and the receipt of the result. One may go to heaven after death or experience the results later in this life or a future life. Likewise, in Dhyanayog, it takes years of effort, perhaps even several lifetimes of effort, to attain the final result. As a modern teacher explains-

"Everyone is capable of love. So everyone can have a love for God. In all other paths, there is the fear of a fall, but in Bhakti, no such fear exists.... The other paths of Yog are only means of practice and are needed only so long as one has not realized the Supreme. They only help the aspirants on their way to the goal. Para Bhakti is, on the other hand, the goal itself. Bhakti is the sadhana, the means, and the sādhya, the end. Para Bhakti and God-realization are identical."

"The supremacy of Para Bhakti over other forms of Yog is also because its means is the same as its end (Närada Bhakti Sütra 26). Karm Yog is the means to purify the mind. Purification of the mind is also the means to focus on Meditation. Jnana Yog is the means for the unfoldment of intuition and the removal of ignorance. But in the advanced state of Devotion, a devotee loves God for the sake of love itself. Supreme Devotion is God-realization. So it is the goal of all forms Yog"" "Love is its proof and does not require any other. It is self-evident. It is directly felt and experienced in one's own heart. That itself is its validity. Its nature is peace and supreme bliss Therefore, by following the others."