Bhakti Yoga: A path of devotion

https://www.rishikeshyogisyogshala.org/bhakti-yoga-a-path-of-devotion/ Bhakti Yoga; An Introduction Bhakti Yoga is known as Yoga of love and devotion; it is a path of complete surrender and devotion to the divine. That divinity can have any form; guru, saint, god, goddesses, nature or even teachings. Bhakti Yoga shows us the process to awaken wisdom of the heart. This wisdom of the heart sprouts in the form of unwavering compassion, love, faith, service and surrender in our life. Literally Bhakti comes from root word ‘bhaj’- means to adore, love, serve. Tradition of Bhakti Yoga suits most to someone who is devotional in nature. It is easier for them to follow the teachings of Bhakti Yoga in their lives. In bhakti there is intense concentration on the object of devotion. All of energies is focused on just one object of contemplation, love and devotion. It is a process of unwavering devotion. Tradition of bhakti yoga is universal system; found across all religions and faiths. It is the path of widening one’s awareness and consciousness from identification of little ‘I’ (Ego) to higher reality or concept of divinity. The aim is to reduce personal whims, conflicts and disharmony which tend to limit one’s awareness. Process of Bhakti Yoga helps one to transcend the limitations of lower  or restrictive emotions. It uplifts one's energy and awareness from from the realms of ego-centric limiting emotions to transpersonal dimension. It is the path, a process which helps transcending the ego. Bhakti yoga is also a path of transcending the intellect through the wisdom of the heart. It is a means  and process to channel our energies and release our pent up emotions. When emotions are pent up and suppressed, it often expresses in the forms of violence, self-destruction and aggression. Hence Bhakti Yoga is very relevant in modern age where there is limited opportunities to express one’s emotions in a positive, healthy and healing ways. When emotions are channeled and concentrated in a healthy manner then one’s mind gets calm and concentrated as well. If one doesn’t feel devotionally awakened then there is no need to follow this path. It is seen following other paths of yoga eventually there is spontaneous awakening of bhakti (Devotion) as well. Bhakti or ability to love, share, serve are inherent in every one. Path of bhakti creates inner ecstasy and bliss. It is considered as quickest ways to expand and liberate the consciousness from suffering and its limitations. In Bhakti there is expression of unconditional love. This form of love is for the sake of love without any expectations. Whereas ego-centred love restricts one to the finite realms of ego and its boundaries.  Therefore this love often returns the favor with emotions such as anger, depression, hatred, revenge, jealousy and sadness. Because it is directed towards finite and transient which constantly changes and bring suffering. Whereas the hallmark of bhakti yoga as Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh puts it; is LOVE, SERVE and GIVE. Modes of Unfolding Bhakti In Sri Madbhagwatam there are nine modes/methods of unfolding bhakti (These can also be rephrased as types of Bhakti): Shravanam: Means hearing. It is a tradition of hearing stories about the divine incarnations, saints, gurus such as Rama, Krishna, Christ, Buddha and so forth. Kirtanam: Means Singing. Singing and chanting the names of the divine is another form of Bhakti Yoga found again across all traditions of spirituality and religion. Smaranam: Remembrance. A continual remembrance of divinity in any form like a mantra, names of god, goddesses, saints etc. Benefits of Shravanam, Kirtanam and Smaranam These three modes of bhakti tend to harmonize the mind and remove any mental blockages, helping the mind to become more receptive, peaceful and vibrant. These process of Bhakti help to unfold aspirations to develop divine qualities in one's life. Modes of bhakti such as Smaranam (remembrance) and Kirtanam (Singing) involve continuous concentration and one pointedness of mind. Pada Sevanam: Service to the guru or service done in the name of the divine or even humanity. This involves serving one’s guru or doing work in the name of the divine without carrying any expectations or longing for a return for one's service. It means doing seva (service) without being influence by one’s selfish desires and aspirations. Principles of Karma yoga are  included in this mode of bhakti, where quintessence of teaching is to perform one's action/duty without getting identified with the outcomes (result of action). Archanam: Ritualistic worship and offerings. This is a ritualistic form of bhakti, involving certain rules and methods. This can be powerful when done with awareness and feelings. This is an integral part of most religions and traditions of spirituality including Tantra. Branches of Raja Yoga, Hatha yoga, Kundalini Yoga etc. are grouped under this form of bhakti. When one does ritualistic asasas, kriyas and meditations to awaken the divine consciousness or energies with awareness and feelings. One of the important aspects of this bhakti is that process of ritual should not be mechanical. Rather these methods/rules or process are used to attune one's Head (Intellect), Heart (emotions) and Hands (behavioral expressions) with the desired deity or divine forms. Vandanam: Mental worship of everyone and everything as being the form of divinity. In this form bhakta worships every form of manifestation as creation and part of divinity. In various philosophies such as Tantras, Puranas, Vedanta and even in the tradition of Sikkhism the practitioner sees every aspects of creation as manifestation or the form of goddess, shiva, Brahman or one divine source. Dasyam: the feeling of being in the total servitude to the divine. Here practitioner drops one's ego and surrenders one's entire life to object of worship. This is the process of complete surrender of one's ego or personal whims and desires. Sakhyam: the attitude of friendship. At this stage bhakta (devotee) enjoys personal and friendly terms with the supreme. He treats the supreme as his/her close friend. Atma Nivedanam: Total surrender of the self. This leads to the perfect union where the lover, loving and the loved become one. This is the way of complete submission to one's god, deity or Guru. Example of Mira bai. These are nine approaches of Bhakti Marga (path or tradition). These nine approaches together in Indian spiritual traditions, are popularly known as Nava Vidha Bhakti (Nava=Nine, Vidha=approach). Read More...  Read Less...

A Comprehensive view on Yoga Tradition

https://www.rishikeshyogisyogshala.org/a-comprehensive-view-on-yoga-tradition-2/ Yoga Tradition; An Introduction Whenever we come across this term Yoga or Yoga Tradition and hear about it, what is that first thing that comes to our minds? Some very difficult poses and complicated bodily movements right! In modern age, Asana which means Hatha Yoga Poses; captures the imagination of people’s mind. But in the tradition of Yoga Asana occupies a very little space. Then the question arises what yoga is, if it is not primarily a discipline or tradition of asana? To understand that we have to understand the meaning of the term yoga. Yoga, in fact is a generic term which literally means Union. We also have to understand that fundamentally metaphysics of yoga is spiritual and it is not just a tradition of practical tools and techniques rather it is a way of life. In tradition, Yoga is treated as a life style. Yoga simply denotes a path and a process which leads to an ultimate experience of self-actualization. To reach there tradition of yoga presents us with various spiritual philosophies, methodologies which comprise of many different techniques and of course a recommended life-style which help establish harmony at various levels of human functioning. Yoga is not a religion Some people may also have this misconception that Yoga is religious belief or system. On the contrary Yoga is simply a philosophy which teaches us how to live a life with harmony and inner joy and fulfilment. And to attain this state of ever lasting peace and harmony a life style is recommended, which is comprised of following certain processes, instilling uplifting ethical values in life, living a healthy life-style and holding positive perspectives towards life events. All of these different guiding principles of Yogic life, aim at just one thing; as how to help an individual lead a harmonious life. A life which is full of spontaneity, inner freedom and joy. Historical sketch When you look at the development and evolution of Yogic tradition, you will find that evidences of yogic practices were found around 3000 BC. In ancient culture yogic methods and philosophy were practiced as way of life by ancients. In Indian sub-continent, many different philosophies and cultures coexisted without having conflicts against each other. And each philosophy presented a very specific view point or perspective towards reality and how to overcome human limitations and suffering. In essence collective consciousness of ancient Indian culture aimed at uplifting the quality of life through physical, mental, emotional and life-style education. Branches of Yoga Yoga is a path; a philosophy to harmonize the interactions and expressions of consciousness and energies in an individual. There are numerous methods and tools employed to reach a state of inner poise, balance and harmony. These interactions of energies and consciousness expresses on different layers of existence; creating various dimensions of human functioning and experiences. In our lives we express our energies on the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and behavioural planes. From the grossest level; it is physical body where both energy and consciousness interact on the planes of gross energies, vitality and senses. Then on subtler plane we have the expressions of mental energies. Existence of emotional energies make us experience the emotional dimension of being. And then we do experience more subtle expressions of intellect in the form of clear, detached and refined perspective to life and events. The cumulative interactions of these various energies and consciousness present there result in the outcome of an uplifting behavioural patterns and interaction with the external environment. Establishing harmony at various planes of human existence is the goal of various yogic paths. A traditional path or branch of yoga looks after existing energies or expressions of consciousness present in certain dimension of existence. Each of these paths prescribes distinct methods to harmonize a particular level of human existence. For the purpose of understanding there are five distinct traditional branches of yoga which suit the different temperaments and help harmonize our beings. It is also to clarify before delving into this discussion that none of these levels of functioning exist in separation. There is definite interactions and interconnected amongst all of these planes of existence. This study will help the readers understand the subject matter and scope of these five traditional branches of yoga. Hatha Yoga Raja Yoga Bhakti Yoga Gyana Yoga and Karma Yoga Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga uses body as an instrument to expand and liberate the mind. Philosophy of Tantras is the metaphysical background of Hatha Yoga. People, who see Hatha yoga merely as a system of physical discipline, should know this is one of those philosophies in India which established a direct link between Body, Mind and Energies. And secondly the founding principles of Tantras upon which Hatha Yoga tradition is based, is purely monistic, which sees a direct relationships and interconnectedness in all the different fabrics of creation. According to Tantras nothing exists in separation. All the different elements of manifestations have originated from the same source and essence of the same source of creation exists in all. The entire teaching of Tantras and Hatha Yoga focuses on tapping the essence or building blocks of creation; energy. Principles of Tantras propound that the creation is a pulsating or vibrant ‘Whole’ and very much alive.  Based on the principles of interconnectedness and interaction between various levels of function, Hatha Yoga uses Body as an instrument to harmonize the mind. It says the states of body affect the mind and verse versa. But unlike Raja yoga it uses body and not mind as an instrument. Therefore most of the techniques of Hatha yoga work on the body to get the intended results. Practitioners of Hatha yoga should know that the ultimate purpose of Hatha yoga is not confined only up to body rather it works on expanding and releasing the energies of the mind-body complex. Practices of hatha yoga postures, breath-work (Pranayama), psycho-physical gestures (Mudra), psychic locks/contraction (Bandha) and cleansing practices, these all work together to harmonize the physical, mental and emotional energies of an individual. And in the due process one strives to liberate and expand the mind Results of all Hatha Yogic practices should take one to the state of elevated mind and awareness rather than getting identified/trapped within the field of body consciousness. To establish harmony at the physical and energetic planes; tradition of Hatha Yoga also emphasises on leading a very healthy life-style which consist of having sattvic foods. A food which is light on our systems, easy to digest and majorly consist of fresh and organic components. This sattvic food is consisted primarily of fresh vegetables, legumes, fruits, seeds and medicinal herbs. The wisdom says that fresh foods have enriched pranic energy which help nourish the body and harmonises mental and emotional energies. Tradition of Hatha Yoga follows the principles of Ayurveda, as far as one’s food and life-style are concerned. Just eating the food is not enough but the time you eat the food, how much you eat, what you eat, how you eat and mental attitude while you eat all these aspects are important. Even prevailing weather and climatic conditions are also considered. According to hatha Yoga and Ayurveda your foods change according to the changing weather. Following these principles one enjoys a state of health which is just a by-product of proper sync between you and the nature. Raja Yoga Raja Yoga, literally known as kingly yoga aims to tame the tendencies of the mind. Since mind is considered as the controller or master of all our behaviors and endeavor, Raja yoga is called kingly because with its help one learns to rule over the mind and its tendencies. Therefore its philosophy and practices make the entire orientation of its teaching very meditative and mindful. The teachings in this yogic philosophy create very incisive insights into the nature and tendencies of the mind. This approach of teaching makes one watch and understand the mind from the stand point of an observer. The principles and methods discussed in the manual of this branch are highly psychotherapeutic. Techniques of meditation emphasizing on developing meditative awareness in one’s day-to-day life have roots in Raja Yoga. The metaphysical background of Raja Yoga is Samkhya Philosophy which is one of the oldest existing philosophies in India. Bhakti yoga Bhakti yoga is the path of harnessing and channeling emotional energies. In the process practitioner nurtures and develops refined and uplifting emotions, which later are directed towards divine self, deity or guru. In bhakti yoga, singing kirtan (a group devotional song), bhajan (solo devotional song) or even mantra chanting are used as tools to create and channel devotional energies towards divine principle. For the followers of bhakti yoga, it is one of the quickest ways to transcend ego and uniting with the higher self. One quote of Ramana Maharshi on Bhakti yoga sums it up very nicely. When asked; what is bhakti yoga? He says; ‘to thinks of God. That means only one thought prevails to the exclusion of all other thoughts. That is of God which is the self or it is the self-surrender unto God; when he has taken you up nothing will assail you. The absence of thoughts is bhakti. It is also mukti (liberation).’ Gyana/Jnana Yoga Jnana Yoga is the path of self-enquiry. This path of yoga seeks answers to the most fundamental queries to find truth and purpose to life. One of the most fundamental questions, a seeker contemplates upon in this path is; ‘who am I?’ Who am I' is an enquiry which shapes the journey of a spiritual aspirant. In traditional yogic discipline, Jnana yoga discusses the fundamental questions pertaining to spiritual truths, nature of reality, existence of suffering, causes of suffering and yogic processes to eliminate suffering.' In this path of Jnana yoga through listening (shravana), contemplation and meditation on pure essence i.e. self; knowledge is attained. There are methods recommended in this path to refine one’s intellect which helps cut through the layers of identification with ever changing field of reality. Karma yoga Karma is translated as action. In this path or discipline of yoga one learns harmonize one’s attitude towards actions and fruits of actions. This branch of yoga teaches us how to let go the attachments and egoistic desires associated with our actions and their outcomes. Therefore, it involves behavioral components and ‘awareness in action’. It resets our ego driven actions and transforms them into selfless work and actions, which are more liberating and uplifting. Essentially path of karma yoga teaches to drop the attitude of doer ship and dedicating all actions to divine self. According to Swami Sivananda, having motive to serve without expectations, attitude of service, dedication in action and letting go the attachments towards the fruit of actions are the qualities one imbibe following the path of Karma Yoga.         Read More...  Read Less...