Overview
The path of devotion to God (Bhakti) as the highest and most effective means to spiritual liberation.. Qualities of a devotee include Complete trust in God's will, surrendering the ego., A devoted heart is humble and free from pride., Patience in the face of life's challenges, knowing that God's will is always for the highest good., and Devotion without selfish desires or motives..
Author(s)
Sage Narada
Authorship Date / Period
Likely 1st millennium CE
Tradition
Bhakti Yoga
Number of Sutras
84
Structure / Sections
Key Aspects
- Bhakti: Loving devotion to God, considered the supreme path for attaining liberation (Moksha). (Types: Sakāma Bhakti (devotion with desires), Nishkāma Bhakti (selfless devotion), Para Bhakti (supreme devotion)) (Characteristics: Unwavering love, Complete surrender, Non-attachment to material desires)
- Surrender: Complete surrender of the ego and personal desires to the will of God.
- Love_for_God: undefined
Example Sutras
Sanskrit:
भक्तिरहैतुक्या सर्वोत्तरं मार्गः
Translation:
Bhakti, free of any ulterior motive, is the highest path for attaining Moksha.
Commentary Insight:
Bhakti, free of any ulterior motive, is the highest path for attaining Moksha.
Sanskrit:
भक्ति स्वाभाविकता
Translation:
True devotion arises naturally from the heart, not through force or external rituals.
Commentary Insight:
True devotion arises naturally from the heart, not through force or external rituals.
Sanskrit:
भक्ति न कर्मनिर्भरम्
Translation:
Bhakti is not bound to external rituals but is an internal expression of love and surrender to God.
Commentary Insight:
Bhakti is not bound to external rituals but is an internal expression of love and surrender to God.
Sanskrit:
भक्तिर्वै देवतासुखम्
Translation:
The devotee experiences joy in the presence of the Divine and detachment from worldly concerns.
Commentary Insight:
The devotee experiences joy in the presence of the Divine and detachment from worldly concerns.
Sanskrit:
भक्ति आत्मज्ञानं सम्यक्
Translation:
Bhakti leads to self-realization and the realization that the individual soul is one with the Divine.
Commentary Insight:
Bhakti leads to self-realization and the realization that the individual soul is one with the Divine.
Sanskrit:
भक्ति मोक्षकारिणी
Translation:
The ultimate result of sincere devotion is liberation (Moksha) and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Commentary Insight:
The ultimate result of sincere devotion is liberation (Moksha) and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).