Talk:What is Bhakti
By Vishal Agarwal
'Bhakti' simply means to love and serve the Divine. An Upanishad and other texts define it as:
Bhakti is loving service of Him that implies centering of the mind on Him, expecting no other gain in this life or after death (from Him). Gopālapūrvatāpinī Upanishad 2.1 Bhakti is of the nature of supreme love towards the Lord and of the nature of immortal bliss. Narada Bhakti Sūtra 2-3 Bhakti is having the highest love for the Lord (Ishvara). Shandilya Bhakti Sūtra 1.1.2
The derivation of the word "Bhakti' according to the rules of Sanskrit grammar is explained as follows -
"Bhakti is devotion or unselfish love. This is the literal meaning of the word. It comes from the root 'Bhaj' to serve or to be deeply interested in. 'Bhaj sevāyām' is the Sanskrit root. Bhakti is, therefore, an intense attachment to God or deep interest in God and things concerned with God.[1]"
What are the practical implications of Bhakti? A modern teacher summarizes:
"....full devotion to God, dedicating mind, heart, speech, and actions to God is everything; it is all there is. This is the highest teaching... Whatever stresses and challenges are in your life, whatever word you use for God, pray to feel the ever-growing intimacy, and you will feel God helping you along your path. Pray that all you do is for that one God-experience only. Trade all selfish motives, desires, wishes, powers and knowledge for the immortal nectar of intimate, ecstatic God-love that comes from silent and active sādhanā (meditation and service to humanity).[2]"
Most people show loving dedication towards another human being like a King, spouse, child, parent and so on. Bhakti, on the other hand, is directed towards Bhagavān and is all about Him. At some point, the Bhakta sees the Divine as a spouse, lover, friend, comrade, sibling, king, child etc., and finally becomes one with the Lord.