Bhakti

(Sanskrit) Reverent devotion to the divine. The name of one of the paths of Yoga.

"Bhakti comes from the word “Bhaj” which means ‘to be attached or devoted to’. It is pure unselfish love mixed with reverence. Bhakti is the basis of all religious life. Bhakti destroys Vasanas and egoism. Bhakti elevates the mind to magnanimous heights. Bhakti is the master-key to open the chambers of wisdom. Bhakti culminates in Jnana [knowledge]. Bhakti begins in two and ends in one. Those who fight on the point: “Which is superior Bhakti or Jnana?” are groping in darkness. They have not understood the real Tattva. Para Bhakti and Jnana are one. Bhakti or devotion in the form of Anuraga or attachment to the Lord leads to the highest good or the attainment of God-realisation. The stronger the attachment, the quicker the realisation. Prahlada says: “O Lord Hari, may I have the same sort of profound abiding love for Thee, which the worldly people cherish for the fleeting sensual objects of this universe. May not that Bliss disappear from my heart, when I think of Thee.” What a beautiful definition of Bhakti. These thoughts have emanated from the core of Prahlada’s heart. They are charged with intense feeling and devotion. It is easy to have a thing that is beautiful. God is Beauty of beauties. God is the source for all beauties. God is an embodiment of undecaying beauty. So it is very easy to love God. [...] In Bhakti Yoga, there are three things, viz., Lover, Beloved and Love. As soon as the Lover knows that he is identical with the Beloved, there is an end for Bhakti. Jnana dawns. Duality vanishes. Who is to love whom now? [...] Perfect knowledge is all love. Perfect love is all knowledge." - Swami Sivananda