Bhakti (Love, Devotion)
Jack UtermoehlBhakti is a Sanskrit term meaning “devotion” or “loving devotion to the divine.”
It is both a path and a state of being, an orientation of the heart that expresses love, reverence, and surrender.
Bhakti is considered one of the major paths of yoga, emphasizing emotional connection, selfless love, and unity through devotion.
It can be directed toward a personal deity, a teacher, nature, or the divine presence in all beings.
Etymology and Meaning
Sanskrit Spelling: भक्ति
Root Word: "Bhaj" (to share, to adore, to belong)
Translation Variations: Love, devotion, surrender, spiritual intimacy
Pronunciation: Bhakti [BUHK-tee]
Bhakti is not dependent on belief, ritual, or religion. It is a universal expression of the heart’s longing to unite with something greater than the ego self.
Bhakti in Yogic and Spiritual Philosophy
In Bhakti Yoga: Love becomes the vehicle for liberation. Every thought, word, and action is offered to the divine.
In the Bhagavad Gita: Krishna praises the devotee who surrenders with love as the most intimate of all seekers.
In the Bhakti Movement: Saints like Mirabai, Kabir, and Tulsidas expressed divine love through poetry, music, and service.
Here are the 9 classical forms of Bhakti (devotional love) from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, known as the Navāṅga Bhakti or Nine Limbs of Devotion.
Each practice is a path to deepen love for the Divine, expanding the heart’s capacity for unconditional love and spiritual surrender:
- Śravaṇa (Listening)
- Kīrtana (Singing/Chanting)
- Smaraṇa (Remembering)
- Pāda-sevana (Serving the Feet)
- Arcana (Worship/Ritual)
- Vandana (Prostration/Prayer)
- Dāsya (Servitude)
- Sākhyam (Friendship)
- Ātma-nivedana (Complete Surrender)
These forms are not sequential, they can be practiced individually or together, depending on one’s temperament and path. Each is a doorway to deeper union with the sacred.
Symbolism and Elements
Color: Rose or deep red, symbolizing love, vulnerability, and devotion
Element: Water, flowing, receptive, emotionally expressive
Chakra: Heart chakra (anahata), the seat of compassion and connection
Mantra: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is a mantra of surrender and devotion
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Shop NowPractical Application
In Yoga Practice
- Begin or end practice with a chant or offering
- Let movement and breath become acts of reverence
- Practice humility and gratitude throughout the sequence
In Daily Life
- Offer everyday tasks to the divine with sincerity and presence
- Chant or sing regularly to stay connected to the heart
- See the divine in others especially in those who challenge you
Quotes and Wisdom
"To love is to recognize yourself in another." - Eckhart Tolle
"Love is the bridge between you and everything." - Rumi
Modern Relevance
In a culture often shaped by performance and productivity, Bhakti offers a radical return to the heart.
It reminds us that vulnerability, devotion, and surrender are not weakness, they are sacred strengths.
Bhakti softens the ego, builds emotional resilience, and allows us to reconnect with meaning and joy.
Related Concepts
Prem: Unconditional divine love, the essence of Bhakti
Seva: Selfless service, Bhakti in action
Shraddha: Faith or deep trust, which supports and sustains Bhakti
How to Cultivate Bhakti
Mindset: Approach life as a sacred offering
Actions: Express love through song, prayer, service, or silence
Reflection: Ask, “Where can I replace fear or judgment with love and trust?”
Suggested Reading
- The Nectar of Devotion by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
- Bhakti Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
- Mirabai: Ecstatic Poems (Translated by Robert Bly and Jane Hirshfield)
Conclusion
Bhakti is the yoga of the heart, the path of love, vulnerability, and sacred surrender.
It invites us to move beyond fear, beyond identity, and into unity with the divine presence within and around us.
In Bhakti, love is not just a feeling. It is a practice. A discipline. A gateway to liberation.
