What is Bhakti?
Bhakti is a Sanskrit term that refers to devotion or spiritual worship. It refers to the spiritual practice or the state of devotion to a particular God, spiritual teacher, or guru. It is affectionate and unselfish in nature. Bhakti yoga is one of several spiritual paths to moksha, or enlightenment. A person who practices bhakti is called a bhakta. Bhakti does not just connote ritualistic devotion. It also encompasses following a path of righteous ethics and behavior.
What are the Major Beliefs of Bhakti?
Bhakti is often understood as a path or practice of self-surrender to a personal god, deity, master or guru. The word bhakti is derived from the root bhaj, which means “to share, to partake in, to love”.
One of the key beliefs of Bhakti is that this devotion leads to spiritual liberation. This means that by surrendering oneself to a higher power, one can achieve inner peace and enlightenment. Bhakti also teaches that the path to liberation is through love and compassion for all beings, not just humans. This includes animals, plants, and even inanimate objects.
Another key belief of Bhakti is that the individual soul is a part of the universal soul. This means that we are all connected to one another and to the divine source. Bhakti teaches that we can tap into this universal energy through our own personal devotion.
Finally, Bhakti teaches that the goal of life is to experience divine love. This love is all-encompassing and can be found within ourselves and all around us. Bhakti practitioners believe that by cultivating this love, we can achieve true happiness and peace.
