![]() Origin of Bhakti Yoga Bhakti Yoga is considered by some to be the oldest form of Yoga with its roots in the Vedas, or ancient scriptures of India. The concept of Bhakti Yoga, or the path of love in Bhagavad Gita, originated in the epic poem Mahabharata. Bhakti Yoga eventually became a popular devotional movement in India known as the Bhakti Movements. This movement flourished between 800 and 1100 A.D. in Southern India with the explanations of divine experiences by the Vaishnava Alvars. Bhakti Yoga continued to spread throughout India as many poet-saints travelled throughout the countryside singing the praises of their Gurus and sacred deities. Forms of Bhakti Yoga ![]() Stages in Bhakti Yoga Bhakti Yoga has 2 levels; the first is called "Gauni", or preparatory and includes all the preliminary practices; the second is "Para", or the state of supreme love and devotion to God. A beginner in Bhakti Yoga should first of all free his heart from attachment to earthly objects and pleasures; then realize divinity and consciousness of God in this life. When Bhakti ceases to be in preparatory stage and passes to the supreme, there is no fear of these hideous manifestations of fanaticism. Aim of Bhakti Yoga The goal of Bhakti Yoga is far different and difficult apart from just the love for God. Bhakti yoga is a real and genuine search of God, wherein a Bhakti yogi searches for happiness and Moksha. When a man practices Bhakti, he loves everyone and he becomes satisfied forever, since all his cravings for the earthly benefits get reduced. Bhakti is greater than Karma and Yoga, because the latter two are practiced for a purpose, whereas Bhakti is its own means and its own end. The one great advantage of Bhakti is that it is the easiest and the most natural way to reach the great divine end in view. Practising Bhakti Yoga Bhakti Yoga focuses on the concept of love and devotion. To practice Bhakti Yoga, one should shatter the ego, surrender to object of devotion, praying and meditation. In order to practise Bhakti yoga, it is very important for the practitioner to surrender himself to God by channelling his emotions into unconditional love for God, turning into devotion. |
Recently Updated Articles in Yoga | |
• | Indian Institute of Yogic Science and Research Indian Institute of Yogic Science and Research is situated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Established in 2008, it is affiliated to Utkal University of Culture. |
• | Bandhas - Yoga Bandhas are an integral part of yogic practice. It helps to control and improve the function of body’s internal organ systems. |
• | Vrksasana Yoga Asana Vrksasana, or the tree pose, is a Cultural Asana where the final posture resembles a tree. It strengthens the calf and ankle muscles. |
• | Vrisasana Yoga Asana Vrisasana is a meditative Yoga Asana that resembles a seated bull, and indicates the virility of a bull and the sexual temperance of a practiced Yogi. |
• | Vasisthasana Yoga Asana Vasisthasana is a cultural yoga asana also known as the side plank pose strengthens the arms and the wrist. It is named after Vashishta, a major sage in the Hindu tradition. |