Bhakti Yoga: The Science of Self-Realization

The Yoga of Love and Devotion

Bhakti Yoga is the eternal spiritual practice of awakening our natural love for the Divine and all living beings. It is the process of reconnecting with our true spiritual nature through devotion, service, and loving remembrance of God. The prospect of aspiring to achieve the best version of ourselves based on Vedic teachings in modern contemporary times. Bhakti Yoga translates to mean Union or Devotion to God. It is the path, process and science of how to attain complete, and eternal fulfilment.

The Essence of Bhakti

Unlike other yoga systems that may focus on physical postures or meditation techniques, Bhakti Yoga emphasizes the cultivation of a personal, loving relationship with the Supreme (Krishna) as both the means and the ultimate goal. It is considered the most direct and natural path to spiritual realization in this age, as it engages the body and soul. The potential of Bhakti is dormant within us all, as we are intrinsically transcendental, unlimited spiritual beings with inconceivable potential.

"Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend."
- Bhagavad-gita 18.65

The Great Chant for Deliverance: The Mahamantra

The cornerstone of Bhakti Yoga practice in this age is the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. This sacred chant is a powerful spiritual sound vibration that descends from the spiritual world.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

“In the Name of Rama within the Hare Krsna mantra, the Gaudiya Vaisnavas will find Radha-ramana Rama. That means, ‘Krsna, who gives pleasure (raman) to Srimati Radharani.’ In our conception, the Hare Krsna mantra is wholesale Krsna consciousness, not Rama consciousness.’ “Sri Caitanya's highest conception of things is always svayam bhagavan, krsna-lila, radha-govinda-lila. That is the real purpose of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's advent and teachings. In that consideration, the Hare Krsna mantra does not mention the rama-lila of Ayodhya at all. There is no connection with that in the highest conception of the Hare Krsna mantra.’ “And the inner conception of the mantra is responsible for our spiritual attainment. When one pronounces the Name of Rama, if he means Dasarathi Rama, his attraction will take him there, to Ayodhya; if he means Parasurama, he will be attracted to another place. And if Rama means Radha-ramana Rama, he will go to Goloka. The inner conception of the devotee will guide him to his destination."

The Nine Processes of Devotional Service

The ancient text Srimad-Bhagavatam describes nine primary ways to engage in Bhakti Yoga. While one can practice any of them, they all begin with hearing (Sravanam) and chanting (Kirtanam).

1. Atma-nivedanam: Surrendering everything to the Lord.
2. Sravanam: Hearing about the Lord's names, forms, and pastimes.
3. Kirtanam: Chanting and glorifying the Lord.
4. Smaranam: Remembering the Lord.
5. Pada-sevanam: Serving the Lord's lotus feet.
6. Archanam: Deity worship.
7. Vandanam: Offering prayers.
8. Dasyam: Becoming a servant of the Lord.
9. Sakhyam: Considering the Lord one's best friend.