BHAKTI YOGA By
Dr. Pankaj Shukla
(AYURVEDACHARYA)
ॐ सह नाववतु।
सह नौ भुनक्तु।
सह वीर्यंकरवावहै।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तुमा विद्विषावहै।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
What is Bhakti ?
Types of Bhakti
How to Cultivate Bhakti
Bhavas in Bhakti
Nava-Vidha-Bhakti
Fruits of Bhakti
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's invited presentation for the Golden Jubilee International Conference of Indian Pharmacological Society, Southern Region – 2017 at MGMCRI, Puducherry on 4th and 5th July 2017.
Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healing techniques including Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances in medicine include the wholistic approach of Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. The antiquity of Yoga must be united with the innovations of modern medicine to improve quality of life throughout the world.
Lifestyle is the way people live and this has immense influence on the status of health or disease. Since one’s lifestyle is developed early in life, it is advisable to cultivate healthy lifestyle in early childhood. Many factors determine one’s lifestyle. Economic status determines incidence of under-nutrition in poor and obesity in the rich. Cultural values of the society dictate the dietary preferences in the population. Sedentary life is a major factor for coronary artery disease while personal habits like smoking and alcoholism determine the incidence of heart disease and cirrhosis of liver. Exercise, healthy diet and rest and relaxation are important components of lifestyle.
Yoga is the most perfect lifestyle module as it is comprehensive and holistic in its nature. Yogic lifestyle including diet, attitudes and various techniques help strengthen and develop positive health thus enabling us to withstand stress better. This Yogic “health insurance” is achieved by normalizing the perception of stress, optimizing the reaction to it and by releasing the pent up stress effectively through various Yogic practices. Yoga is a wholistic and integral science of life dealing with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the individual and society.
Definitions of Yoga Meaning of the word Yoga:
Etimology: The word ‘yoga’ originates from the Sanskrit verb ‘yuj' (युज्)
meaning to add, combine or unite. In yoga it means the union of the soul
with the divine.
In different paths of yoga, this unity is represented in other forms,
but the goal of all is one - union with the cosmic energy,God. There
seems difference among them based on methods. As per Hatha Yoga it
is union of ida and pingala, kaivalya in Rajyoga, attaining the darshan of
deity in Bhakti Yoga, finding brahma within in Gyan Yoga, merging with
Hari as karta in karma yoga, etc. Thus, the word yoga is the attainment
of that ultimate goal when the soul meets the divine, just as the river
current meets the ocean.
The number of texts related to yoga is vast. Numerous books have
been written on Yoga from the the era of Vedas and Upanishadas to the
present time. The form we are studying today is mainly based on the
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Patanjal Yog Darshan and Hath Yog Pradipika.
Here we will describe the definitions of yoga in some scriptures of
yoga. It is noteworthy that the major texts of Indian philosophy have
been composed in Sanskrit language itself. Therefore, students are
expected to learn a little Sanskrit.
Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga)
In Bhakti Yoga, the emotional force of the human being is purified and channelled toward the divine.
The term Bhakti, derived from the root (bhaj) to share or to participate in, is the generally rendered as devotion or love.
Bhakti Yoga is thus the Yoga of loving self dedication to, and love participation in, the divine person. It is the way of the heart.
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's invited presentation for the Golden Jubilee International Conference of Indian Pharmacological Society, Southern Region – 2017 at MGMCRI, Puducherry on 4th and 5th July 2017.
Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healing techniques including Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances in medicine include the wholistic approach of Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. The antiquity of Yoga must be united with the innovations of modern medicine to improve quality of life throughout the world.
Lifestyle is the way people live and this has immense influence on the status of health or disease. Since one’s lifestyle is developed early in life, it is advisable to cultivate healthy lifestyle in early childhood. Many factors determine one’s lifestyle. Economic status determines incidence of under-nutrition in poor and obesity in the rich. Cultural values of the society dictate the dietary preferences in the population. Sedentary life is a major factor for coronary artery disease while personal habits like smoking and alcoholism determine the incidence of heart disease and cirrhosis of liver. Exercise, healthy diet and rest and relaxation are important components of lifestyle.
Yoga is the most perfect lifestyle module as it is comprehensive and holistic in its nature. Yogic lifestyle including diet, attitudes and various techniques help strengthen and develop positive health thus enabling us to withstand stress better. This Yogic “health insurance” is achieved by normalizing the perception of stress, optimizing the reaction to it and by releasing the pent up stress effectively through various Yogic practices. Yoga is a wholistic and integral science of life dealing with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of the individual and society.
Definitions of Yoga Meaning of the word Yoga:
Etimology: The word ‘yoga’ originates from the Sanskrit verb ‘yuj' (युज्)
meaning to add, combine or unite. In yoga it means the union of the soul
with the divine.
In different paths of yoga, this unity is represented in other forms,
but the goal of all is one - union with the cosmic energy,God. There
seems difference among them based on methods. As per Hatha Yoga it
is union of ida and pingala, kaivalya in Rajyoga, attaining the darshan of
deity in Bhakti Yoga, finding brahma within in Gyan Yoga, merging with
Hari as karta in karma yoga, etc. Thus, the word yoga is the attainment
of that ultimate goal when the soul meets the divine, just as the river
current meets the ocean.
The number of texts related to yoga is vast. Numerous books have
been written on Yoga from the the era of Vedas and Upanishadas to the
present time. The form we are studying today is mainly based on the
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Patanjal Yog Darshan and Hath Yog Pradipika.
Here we will describe the definitions of yoga in some scriptures of
yoga. It is noteworthy that the major texts of Indian philosophy have
been composed in Sanskrit language itself. Therefore, students are
expected to learn a little Sanskrit.
Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga)
In Bhakti Yoga, the emotional force of the human being is purified and channelled toward the divine.
The term Bhakti, derived from the root (bhaj) to share or to participate in, is the generally rendered as devotion or love.
Bhakti Yoga is thus the Yoga of loving self dedication to, and love participation in, the divine person. It is the way of the heart.
A Monthly E-Magazine from the Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha with Illuminating Perspectives on the Srimad-Bhagavatam
CONTENTS -
1. Pray to Lord Narsimha-deva
2. Selfless and Seamless devotion
3. Quiz Corner
4. Verse of the Month
5. Bhagavata Pravaha
6. Analogy Arena
7. Pari-prasna
Kripalu Maharaj News How did he die Feelings and thoughts of the devotees of...Kripalu maharaj fan
Indian Guru Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj's Biography and Life Story
Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj is one of India's most revered spiritual leaders. He has been guiding devotees from across the globe for more than four decades. He is the founder of Kripalu Mission, which is dedicated to the spiritual and social upliftment of the people.
Kripalu Maharaj was born in the village of Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1935. He was born into a family of devout Vaishnava Hindus and was raised in a spiritual atmosphere. He was taught the values of humility, faith, and love for all by his father.
At the age of twelve, Kripalu Maharaj left home on a spiritual quest and traveled extensively throughout India. He studied and practiced the ancient Vedic sciences under the guidance of many great masters. He was initiated into the ancient tradition of Kriya Yoga, a deep meditative system that has been practiced for centuries.
Kripalu Maharaj has been devoted to the spiritual upliftment of humanity for over four decades. He has established numerous ashrams and temples throughout India, including the Kripalu Ashram in Chitrakoot. He has also been a strong advocate of social and environmental justice and has organized numerous programs to benefit the underprivileged.
Kripalu Maharaj is a highly respected spiritual leader who has been honored with numerous awards and accolades. He is the recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Award for Peace and Social Upliftment and the Ramakrishna Mission Award for Selfless Service. He has also been awarded the Padma Shri, India's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to spiritual and social service.
Kripalu Maharaj continues to guide devotees from around the world to lead a life of spiritual harmony and inner peace. His life story continues to inspire people from all walks of life to follow in his footsteps and serve humanity.
Bhagavata Pradipika, a free monthly e-magazine on the Srimad Bhagavatam, by Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha.
CONTENTS -
1. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu - The Great Apostle of Love of God
2. Is God Partial?
3. Verse of the Month
4. Quiz Corner
5. Bhagavata Pravaha
6. Analogy Arena
7. Pari-prasna
How to be a modern yogi - For Yoga teachers and Yoga students and Yoga lovers.Atma yoga
Following our 4 part series on yoga through history, we come now to the point of learning what it means to be a Modern day Yogi.
A Modern Yogi is someone who:
- believes in the power of virtue (Dharma) to shift consciousness.
- thinks the happiness you seek will be found in the happiness you create for others.
- feels acts of kindness and courage triumph over self-preservation.
- knows that what we do is more important than what we think.
- is not into short cuts, but is definitely into efficiency.
- is not the body, not the mind, and not any of the roles we play.
- is a Spirit-Soul who knows everything here is play and the art of service.
Visit our website for many more resources like yoga sets, audio lectures, meditations and more:
www.atmayoga.net
Spirit Healers Awaken: A Spirit Healing Course teaches how to direct energy healings into the spirit, to create a transformative experience.
Throughout the days, auric fields pick up unwanted and unnecessary vibes. Learn how to cleanse and heal yourself, others, and remotely, using the power of God's Unconditional Love, just for you!
Traits That Become Enhanced When Directing Spirit Healings:
1. Faith in the power of God's Unconditional Love for you, personally.
2. The divine will to get Better instead of Bitter, increases.
3. Mental convictions strengthen through the conscious choices you have to continually make to release negative energies.
4. Spiritual sensitivities grow and divine power increases, as well as heightened spirituous communication.
5. Youthing and enthusiasm.
6. Compassion and empathy for the suffering of humanity.
7. Lighter, brighter, and more curious Spirit.
Purity of The Spirit is Attainable!
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
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TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfAnurag Sharma
Microteaching is a unique model of practice teaching. It is a viable instrument for the. desired change in the teaching behavior or the behavior potential which, in specified types of real. classroom situations, tends to facilitate the achievement of specified types of objectives.
Anti ulcer drugs and their Advance pharmacology ||
Anti-ulcer drugs are medications used to prevent and treat ulcers in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These ulcers are often caused by an imbalance between stomach acid and the mucosal lining, which protects the stomach lining.
||Scope: Overview of various classes of anti-ulcer drugs, their mechanisms of action, indications, side effects, and clinical considerations.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
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Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
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Bhakti yoga
1. BHAKTI YOGA
By
Dr. Pankaj Shukla
(AYURVEDACHARYA)
ॐसह ।
सह ।
सह ।
।
ॐ
What is Bhakti ?
Types of Bhakti
How to Cultivate Bhakti
Bhavas in Bhakti
Nava-Vidha-Bhakti
Fruits of Bhakti
WHAT IS BHAKTI ?
The term Bhakti comes from the root 'Bhaj', which means 'to be attached to God'.
Bhajan, worship, Bhakti, Anurag, Prem, Priti are synonymous terms. Bhakti is love
for love's sake. The devotee wants God and God alone. There is no selfish
expectation here. There is no fear also. Therefore it is called 'Parama Prem Rupa'.
The devotee feels, believes, conceives and imagines that his Ishtam (tutelary deity)
is an Ocean of Love or Prem.
Bhakti is the slender thread of Prem or love that binds the heart of a devotee with
the lotus feet of the Lord. Bhakti is intense devotion and supreme attachment to
God. Bhakti is supreme love for God. It is the spontaneous out-pouring of Prem
towards the Beloved. It is pure, unselfish, divine love or Suddha Prem. There is not
a bit of bargaining or expectation of anything here. This higher feeling is
indescribable in words. It has to be sincerely experienced by the devotee. Bhakti is
a sacred, higher emotion with sublime sentiments that unites the devotees with the
Lord.
Mark how love develops. First arises faith. Then follows attraction and after that
adoration. Adoration leads to suppression of mundane desires. The result is single-
2. mindedness and satisfaction. Then grow attachment and supreme love towards
God.
In this type of highest Bhakti all attraction and attachment which one has for
objects of enjoyment are transferred to the only dearest object, viz., God. This
leads the devotee to an eternal union with his Beloved and culminates in oneness.
TYPES OF BHAKTI
Bhakti is of various kinds. One classification is Sakamya and Nishkamya Bhakti.
Sakamya Bhakti is devotion with desire for material gains. A man wants wealth
with this motive practices Bhakti. Another man wants freedom from diseases and
therefore does Japa and offers prayers. A third one wants to become a Minister and
does Upasana with this aim. This is Sakamya Bhakti. Whatever you want the Lord
will certainly give you, if your Bhakti is intense and if your prayers are sincerely
offered from the bottom of your heart. But you will not get supreme satisfaction,
immortality and Moksha through Sakamya Bhakti.
Your Bhakti should always be Nishkamya Bhakti. God has already given you a
good position, a good job, wife and children and enough wealth. Be contented with
these. Aspire for Nishkamya Bhakti. Your heart will be purified and the Divine
Grace will descend upon you. Be in communion with the Lord, you will become
one with the Lord and you will enjoy all the Divine Aisvaryas (Divine attributes
like wisdom, renunciation, power, etc.). All the Vibhutis (Special forms in which
the Lord manifests) of the Lord He will give you. He will give you Darsan. He will
help you to dwell in Him. At the same time He will give you all the Divine
Aisvaryas also.
Another classification of Bhakti is Apara-Bhakti and Para-Bhakti. Apara-Bhakti is
for beginners in Yoga. The beginner decorates an image with flowers and garlands,
rings the bell, offers Naivedya (food-offerings), wave lights; he observes rituals
and ceremonies. The Bhakta here regards the Lord as a Supreme Person, who is
immanent in that image and who can be propitiated through that form only.
He has no expanded heart. He is a sectarian. He dislikes other kinds of Bhaktas
who worship other Devatas. Gradually, from Apara-Bhakti, the devotee goes to
Para-Bhakti, the highest form of Bhakti. He sees the Lord and Lord alone
everywhere and feels His Power manifest as the entire universe. "Thou art all-
pervading; on what Simhasana shall I seat Thee ? Thou art the Supreme Light, in
whose borrowed light the sun, the moon, the stars and the fire shine; shall I wave
this little Deepa or light before You ?" - thus the devotee recognizes the
3. transcendental nature of God. Para-Bhakti and Jnana are one. But every Bhakta
will have to start from Apara-Bhakti. Before you take your food, offer it to God
mentally; and the food will be purified. When you pass through a garden of
flowers, mentally offer all the flowers to the Lord in Archana (offering flowers in
worship). When you pass through the bazaar and see a sweetmeat shop, offer all
the sweetmeats asNaivedya to the Lord. Such practices will lead to Para-Bhakti.
Bhakti is also classified into Gauna-Bhakti and Mukhya-Bhakti. Gauna-Bhakti is
the lower Bhakti and Mukhya-Bhakti is the higher type of Bhakti.
Go from stage to stage. Just as a flower grows in the garden, so also gradually
develop love or Prem in the garden of your heart.
The enemy of devotion is egoism and desire. Where there is no Kama or desire,
there alone will Rama (the Lord) manifest Himself. The enemies of peace and
devotion are lust, anger and greed. Anger destroys your peace and your health also.
When a man abuses you, keep peaceful. When blood begins to boil, it is
impoverished. You lose vitality if you become a prey to fits of temper.
HOW TO CULTIVATE BHAKTI
It would be a gross mistake if you consider Bhakti as merely a stage of
emotionalism, while it is actually a thorough discipline and training of one's will
and the mind, a sure means to intuitive realization of God Almighty through
intense love and affection for Him. It is a means to thorough apprehension of the
true knowledge of Reality, beginning from the ordinary form of idol worship right
upto the highest form of cosmic realisation of your oneness with Him. You can
achieve this by following the eleven fundamental factors which Sri Ramanuja had
prescribed. They areAbhyasa or practice of continuous thinking of God; Viveka or
discrimination; Vimoka or freedom from everything else and longing for
God; Satyam or truthfulness; Arjavam or straightforwardness; Kriya or doing good
to others; Kalyana or wishing well-being to all; Daya or compassion; Ahimsa or
non-injury; Dana or charity; and Anavasada or cheerfulness and optimism.
People put a question: "How can we love God whom we have not seen ?"
Live in the company of saints. Hear the Lilas of God. Study the sacred scriptures.
Worship Him first in His several forms as manifested in the world. Worship any
image or picture of the Lord or the Guru. Recite His Name. Sing His glories. Stay
for one year in Ayodhya or Brindavan, Chirakut or Pandhapur, Benares or Ananda
Kutir. You will develop love for God.
Every act must be done that awakens the emotion of Bhakti. Keep the
Puja(worship) room clean. Decorate the room. Burn incense. Light a lamp. Keep a
clean seat. Bathe. Wear clean clothes. Apply Vibhuti (sacred ash) or Bhasma, and
4. Kumkum on the forehead. Wear Rudraksha or Tulasi Mala. All these produce a
benign influence on the mind and elevate the mind. They generate piety. They help
to create the necessary Bhava or feeling to invoke the Deity that you want to
worship. The mind will be easily concentrated.
Practice of right conduct, Satsanga, Japa, Smarana, Kirtan, prayer, worship, service
of saints, residence in places of pilgrimage, service of the poor and the sick with
divine Bhava, observance of Varnashrama duties, offering of all actions and their
fruits to the Lord, feeling the presence of the Lord in all beings, prostrations before
the image and saints, renunciation of earthly enjoyments and wealth, charity,
austerities and vows, practice of Ahimsa, Satyam and Brahmacharya - all these will
help you to develop Bhakti.
BHAVAS IN BHAKTI
When the devotee grows in devotion there is absolute self-forgetfulness. This is
called Bhava. Bhava establishes a true relationship between the devotee and the
Lord. Bhava then grows intoMaha-Bhava wherein the devotee lives, moves and
has his being in the Lord. This is Parama-Prema, the consummation of love or
Supreme Love.
There are five kinds of Bhava in Bhakti. They are Shanta, Dasya, Sakhya,
Vatsalya and Madhurya Bhavas. These Bhavas or feelings are natural to human
beings and so these are easy to practice. Practice whichever Bhava suits your
temperament.
In Shanta Bhava, the devotee is Shanta or peaceful. He does not jump and dance.
He is not highly emotional. His heart is filled with love and joy. Bhishma was a
Shanta Bhakta.
Sri Hanuman was a Dasya Bhakta. He had Dasya Bhava, servant attitude. He
served Lord Rama whole-heartedly. He pleased his Master in all possible ways. He
found joy and bliss in the service of his Master.
In Sakhya Bhava, God is a friend of the devotee. Arjuna had this Bhava towards
Lord Krishna. The devotee moves with the Lord on equal terms. Arjuna and
Krishna used to sit, eat, talk and walk together as intimate friends.
In Vatsalya Bhava, the devotee looks upon God as his child. Yasoda had this
Bhava with Lord Krishna. There is no fear in this Bhava, because God is your pet
child. The devotee serves, feeds, and looks upon God as a mother does in the case
of her child.
The last is Madhurya Bhava or Kanta Bhava. This is the highest form of Bhakti.
The devotee regards the Lord as his Lover. This was the relation between Radha
5. and Krishna. This is Atma-Samarpana. The lover and the beloved become one. The
devotee and God feel one with each other and still maintain a separateness in order
to enjoy the bliss of the play of love between them. This is oneness in separation
and separation in oneness. Lord Gauranga, Jayadeva, Mira and Andal had this
Bhava.
A Caution: Madhurya Bhava is absolutely different from conjugality of earthly
experience. One should not be mistaken for the other. Earthly conjugality is purely
selfish and is undertaken only because it gives pleasure to one's own self. But in
love for God it is because it gives pleasure to God and not for the sake of the
devotee. Divine love is not selfish. It is born of sattva. But earthly lust is born of
rajas and attachment to bodies. Earthly conjugality is the outcome of egoisitc self-
regarding egoistic feeling, while divine communion is the outcome of other-
regarding feeling devoid of egoism. Strong selfishness is the root of worldly
passion; divine love is the product of loss of egoism. This is the greatest difference
between lust (kama) and divine love (prema). The two are related as darkness is
related to light. No development of earthly affection, however perfect it may be,
can lead one to supreme joy of divine communion. Lust lurks in the heart due to
the passion that burns in the core of things. Divine love is unknown to the man of
the world, however religious he may be. The secret of divine love cannot be
understood, and should not be tried to be understood, so long as man is only a man
and woman only a woman. The austere transformation of the human into the divine
is the beginning of true love for God.
NAVA-VIDHA-BHAKTI
Devotion to God is developed in nine different ways. It is supreme attacment to
God through a Bhava predominant in the devotee. Intense love is the common
factor in all the nine modes. Exclusive love for God is expressed through various
methods. All Bhaktas of this type are above the formalities of the world. They are
untouched by the laws of human Dharma and are out and out concerned with God.
Good conduct which is in accordance with perfect moral law is an auxiliary to pure
Bhakti and it follows the true Bhakta wherever he goes. One cannot develop true
devotion to God if he is crooked in his heart, if he has got objects of love in this
world, if he is tempted by charming worldly things, if he wishes to take care of his
wife, children and relatives, if he wishes to feed his body well, if he wishes to earn
a great name in the world, if he wants to establish a permanent fame on earth, if he
does not like to part with the alluring contents of the world. Perfect detachment
from all objects is a preliminary to real devotion. Vairagya is the product of real
love for God. One who has love for the world cannot have love for God. Where
there is Kama, there cannot be Rama and where there is Rama there cannot be
Kama. Love for the world and love for God are diametrically opposite things. One
has to be renounced for the attainment of the other. This renunciation can be
acquired through the nine forms of Bhakti.
6. In the Srimad-Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana it is told that the nine forms of
Bhakti are
1. Sravana (hearing of God's Lilas and stories),
2. Kirtana (singing of His glories),
3. Smarana (remembrance of His name and presence),
4. Padasevana (service of His feet),
5. Archana (worship of God),
6. Vandana (prostration to Lord),
7. Dasya (cultivating the Bhava of a servant with God),
8. Sakhya (cultivation of the friend-Bhava) and
9. Atmanivedana (complete surrender of the self).
A devotee can practice any method of Bhakti which suits him best. Through that he
will attain Divine illumination.
Sravana is hearing of Lord's Lilas. Sravana includes hearing of God's virtues,
glories, sports and stories connected with His divine Name and Form. The devotee
gets absorbed in the hearing of Divine stories and his mind merges in the thought
of divinity; it cannot think of undivine things. The mind loses, as it were, its charm
for the world. The devotee remembers God only even in dream.
The devotee should sit before a learned teacher who is a great saint and hear
Divine stories. He should hear them with a sincere heart devoid of the sense of
criticism or fault-finding. The devotee should try his best to live in the ideals
preached in the scriptures.
One cannot attain Sravana-Bhakti without the company of saints or wise men.
Mere reading for oneself is not of much use. Doubts will crop up. They cannot be
solved by oneself easily. An experienced man is necessary to instruct the devotee
in the right path.
King Parikshit attained Liberation through Sravana. He heard the glories of God
from Suka Maharishi. His heart was purified. He attained the Abode of Lord
Vishnu in Vaikuntha. He became liberated and enjoyed the Supreme Bliss.
Kirtana is singing of Lord's glories. The devotee is thrilled with Divine Emotion.
He loses himself in the love of God. He gets horripilation in the body due to
extreme love for God. He weeps in the middle when thinking of the glory of God.
His voice becomes choked, and he flies into a state of Divine Bhava. The devotee
is ever engaged in Japa of the Lord's Name and in describing His glories to one and
all. Wherever he goes he begins to sing and praise God. He requests all to join his
Kirtana. He sings and dances in ecstasy. He makes others also dance.
7. Smarana is remembrance of the Lord at all times. This is unbroken memory of the
Name and Form of the Lord. The mind does not think of any object of the world,
but is ever engrossed in thinking of the glorious Lord alone. The mind meditates on
what is heard about the glories of God and His virtues, Names, etc., and forgets
even the body and contents itself in the remembrance of God, just as Dhruva or
Prahlada did. Even Japa is only remembrance of God and comes under this
category of Bhakti. Remembrance also includes hearing of stories pertaining to
God at all times, talking of God, teaching to others what pertains to God,
meditation on the attributes of God, etc. Remembrance has no particular time. God
is to be remembered at all times without break, so long as one has got his
consciousness intact.
Padasevana is serving the Lord's Feet. Actually this can be done only by Lakshmi
or Parvati. No mortal being has got the fortune to practice this method of Bhakti,
for the Lord is not visible to the physical eyes. But it is possible to serve the image
of God in idols and better still, taking the whole humanity as God. This is
Padasevana. Padasevana is service of the sick. Padasevana is service of the whole
humanity at large. The whole universe is only Virat-Swarupa. Service of the world
is service of the Lord.
Archana is worship of the Lord. Worship can be done either through an image or a
picture or even a mental form. The image should be one appealing to the mind of
the worshipper.
Worship can be done either with external materials or merely through an internal
Bhava or strong feeling. The latter one is an advanced form of worship which only
men of purified intellect can do. The purpose of worship is to please the Lord, to
purify the heart through surrender of the ego and love of God.
Vandana is prayer and prostration. Humble prostration touching the earth with the
eight limbs of the body (Sashtanga-Namaskara), with faith and reverence, before a
form of God, or prostration to all beings knowing them to be the forms of the One
God, and getting absorbed in the Divine Love of the Lord is termed prostration to
God or Vandana.
The ego or Ahamkara is effaced out completely through devout prayer and
prostration to God. Divine grace descends upon the devotee and man becomes
God.
Dasya Bhakti is the love of God through servant-sentiment. To serve God and
carry out His wishes, realizing His virtues, nature, mystery and glory, considering
oneself as a slave of God, the Supreme Master, is Dasya Bhakti.
Serving and worshipping the Murtis in temples, sweeping the temple premises,
meditating on God and mentally serving Him like a slave, serving the saints and
8. the sages, serving the devotees of God, serving poor and sick people who are forms
of God, is also included in Dasya-Bhakti.
To follow the words of the scriptures, to act according to the injunctions of the
Vedas, considering them to be direct words of God, is Dasya Bhakti. Association
with and service of love-intoxicated devotees and service of those who have
knowledge of God is Dasya Bhakti. The purpose behind Dasya Bhakti is to be ever
with God in order to offer service to Him and win His Divine Grace and attain
thereby immortality.
Sakhya-Bhava is the cultivation of the friend-sentiment with God. The inmates of
the family of Nandagopa cultivated this Bhakti. Arjuna cultivated this kind of
Bhakti towards Lord Krishna.
To be always with the Lord, to treat Him as one's own dear relative or a friend
belonging to one's own family, to be in His company at all times, to love Him as
one's own self, is Sakhya-Bhava of Bhakti-Marga. How do friends, real friends,
love in this world ? What an amount of love they possess between one another ?
Such a love is developed towards God instead of towards man; physical love
turned into spiritual love. There is a transformation of the mundane into the
Eternal.
Atma-Nivedana is self-surrender. The devotee offers everything to God, including
his body, mind and soul. He keeps nothing for himself. He loses even his own self.
He has no personal and independent existence. He has given up his self for God.
He has become part and parcel of God. God takes care of him and God treats him
as Himself. Grief and sorrow, pleasure and pain, the devotee treats as gifts sent by
God and does not attach himself to them. He considers himself as a puppet of God
and an instrument in the hands of God.
This self-surrender is Absolute Love for God exclusively. There is nothing but
God-consciousness in the devotee. Even against his own wishes, the devotee shall
become one with God and lose his individuality. This is the law of being. The
highest truth is Absoluteness and the soul rises above through different states of
consciousness until it attains Absolute Perfection when it becomes identical with
God. This is the culmination of all aspiration and love.
The nine modes of Bhakti are the ways in which a devotee attains the Supreme
Ideal of life. A devotee can take up any of these paths and reach the highest state.
The path of Bhakti is the easiest of all and is not very much against the nature of
human inclinations. It slowly and gradually takes the individual to the Supreme
without frustrating his human instincts. It is not direct assertion of God, but a
progressive realization of Him.
FRUITS OF BHAKTI
9. Bhakti softens the heart and removes jealousy, hatred, lust, anger, egoism, pride
and arrogance. It infuses joy, divine ecstasy, bliss, peace and knowledge. All cares,
worries and anxieties, fears, mental torments and tribulations entirely vanish. The
devotee is freed from the Samsaric wheel of births and deaths. He attains the
immortal abode of everlasting peace, bliss and knowledge.
The fruits of Bhakti is Jnana. Jnana intensifies Bhakti. Even Jnanis like Sankara,
Madhusudana and Suka Dev took to Bhakti after Realization to enjoy the
sweetness of loving relationship with God.
Knowledge or wisdom will dawn by itself when you practice Bhakti Yoga. Bhakti
is the pleasant, smooth, direct road to God. Bhakti is sweet in the beginning, sweet
in the middle and sweet in the end. It gives the highest, undecaying bliss.
Kindle love divine in thy heart, for this is the immediate way to the Kingdom of
God.
Pray to the Lord. Sing His glory. Recite His Name. Become a channel of His grace.
Seek His will. Do His will. Surrender to His will. You will become one with the
cosmic will.
Surrender unto the Lord. He will become your charioteer on the field of life. He
will drive your chariot well. You will reach the destination, the Abode of Immortal
Bliss.
Thank-You
Dr. Pankaj Shukla
B.A.M.S
MSC. IN YOGIC SCIENCE &
PHYSICAL AWERENESS (pur.)