What is Bhakti Yoga?

Have you been wondering what ॐBhakti Yogaॐ is? If so, here is a Bhakti Yoga 101 breakdown.

Bhakti Yoga is often referred to as the "Yoga of Devotion" and is one of the essential branches of the Yoga tree. If you didn’t already know, we love to practice our Bhakti around here!

As seekers of Bhakti Yoga, we embark on a journey of heartfelt devotion, self-surrender, and love. We express our devotion through various practices, such as devotional chanting (kirtan), singing praises, prayer, mantra repetition, and acts of selfless service (seva). These practices are like nurturing waters that nourish the roots of the Yoga tree.

In the Yoga tree, Bhakti Yoga stands tall as a path that emphasizes cultivating a deep and loving relationship with the Divine, however one perceives it. It is rooted in the understanding that the ultimate truth is an infinite source of love, compassion, and divine presence that exists within and beyond us.

While Bhakti Yoga has its distinct path, it intertwines harmoniously with other branches of the Yoga tree. For instance:

• Hatha Yoga: Through the practice of Hatha Yoga, we prepare the physical body and breath for the more subtle aspects of the spiritual journey, including Bhakti Yoga. The body becomes a vessel to express devotion and love. 
• Raja Yoga: The practices of Raja Yoga, including meditation and self-discipline, enhance the ability to focus the mind and open the heart, thus deepening our connection with the Divine in Bhakti Yoga.
• Karma Yoga: Acts of selfless service, known as Karma Yoga, are an integral part of Bhakti Yoga, as they express love and devotion in action, cultivating humility and compassion.
• Jnana Yoga: The wisdom and understanding gained through Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge, complement the heart-centered approach of Bhakti Yoga, as they both seek to lead us to spiritual realization.

Each branch of the Yoga tree plays a significant role in our spiritual journey, and Bhakti Yoga's essence of love, devotion, and surrender beautifully contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Yoga as a whole. Just as all the branches are connected to the trunk and roots of the tree, Bhakti Yoga reminds us that all paths lead to the same divine essence, which is our ultimate source of love and unity.

By embracing Bhakti Yoga as part of the whole Yoga tree, we open our hearts, deepen our understanding, and celebrate the unity of all beings on the path of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Experience the path of Bhakti Yoga by joining our Monthly in-studio Kirtan, our weekly meditation classes, our Sunday Sadhana series in our Lotus Room, and see if you are interested in our Seva program.