Bhakti-Yoga2 is the path of devotion or the path of affection that is suitable for people of
devotional temperament or in whom the love-element predominates. Ladies are fit for this path, for
affection predominates in them. Generally there is an admixture of devotional and intellectual
temperaments in all persons. Hence Bhakti-Yoga is suitable for the vast majority of persons. In
Bhakti-Yoga the devotee makes absolute and unreserved self-surrender. He depends upon the Lord
for everything. He is extremely humble and meek. He develops devotion to the Lord gradually to a
very high degree by repeating the Name of the Lord, studying the Holy Scriptures and practicing the
nine modes of devotion. Hearing the Name of the Lord, singing His praises, remembering His
presence, serving His Lotus-Feet, worshipping Him, bowing before Him, attending on Him, loving
Him as a Friend and surrendering of the self entirely to Him are the nine modes of devotion. The
devotee will observe austerities, pray frequently to Him and offer mental worship to Him. He will
serve his fellow-men realising that the Lord dwells in the hearts of all. This is the Sadhana for those
who wish to tread the path of Yoga of devotion. Sri Sankara, the great Advaita Jnani, was a great Bhakta of Lord Hari, Hara and Devi. Jnanadeva of Alandi, a great Yogi of late, was a Bhakta of Lord Krishna. Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa worshipped Kali and got Jnana through Swami Totapuri, his Advaita Guru. AppayyaDikshitacharya, a famous Jnani of South India, author of “Siddhanta Lesha” and other monumental
works on Vedanta, was a devotee of Lord Siva.It behoves, therefore, that Bhakti can be combined with much advantage with Jnana. Bhakti is a means to an end. It gives purity of mind and removes mental oscillation (Vikshepa). Sakama Bhakti (devotion with expectation) brings Svarga for the devotee, while Nishkama Bhakti
(devotion without expectation) brings purity of mind and Jnana.
A life without love of God is practical death. There is no power greater than love. You can
win the hearts of others through love alone. You can conquer your enemies through love alone. You
can tame wild animals through love alone. The glory of love is ineffable. Its splendour is
indescribable. The power of love is unfathomable
From – SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
