Devotion Path: Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga is love and submission to God. “Bhakti” derives from “bhaj,” meaning “to belong” or “share” in Sanskrit. The devotee and God have a profound, intimate relationship on this path, like two entirely dedicated lovers.
Unlike paths that rely mainly on intellect or action, Bhakti Yoga follows the heart. It awakens feelings of love, faith, and longing. Practices such as prayer, chanting, singing, and remembrance help the devotee feel close to the Divine. True Bhakti requires surrender—letting go of ego and personal control and trusting in divine grace.
Bhakti needs a form to focus the heart’s love. Devotion is usually directed toward a chosen image or presence, such as a god, goddess, saint, or spiritual figure. Through this loving focus, the devotee seeks closeness and union rather than separation.
Meera Bai and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa are famous examples of Bhakti Yogis. Meera’s intense love for Krishna found expression in song and dance, ignoring social limits. Ramakrishna’s deep devotion to Mother Kali led him beyond all sense of separation, into an experience of divine unity and bliss.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna presents Bhakti Yoga as a powerful path to liberation. He teaches that selfless love and complete surrender are the most natural ways to realize the Divine.