8. Bhakti

Question 1

Bhakti coupled with the knowledge of God’s greatness

Answer 1

arises in one’s heart by serving and profoundly associating with eminent sādhus like Shukji and the Sanakādik. Vachanamrut: Gadhada III 5

Question 2

If a person has bhakti for God

Answer 2

in his heart along with the knowledge of God’s greatness, then even though he does not possess any other redemptive virtues, they will still develop in his heart…Therefore, bhakti of God coupled with the knowledge of His greatness is the greatest and most steadfast means to eradicate one’s worldly desires. Vachanamrut: Sarangpur 5

Question 3

If the person who is offering bhakti to God

Answer 3

with such lavish objects does so without any desires, solely for the purpose of earning God’s pleasure, then it is all right. Vachanamrut Kariyani 10

Question 4

God is pleased with a devotee who becomes

Answer 4

free of lust, anger, avarice, deceit, egotism, jealousy and matsar, and then offers bhakti to God. Vachanamrut Kariyani 6

Question 5

One should fruitfully use time by performing

Answer 5

sevā, listening to discourses, smruti, meditating, studying, singing kirtans of Bhagwān and engaging in other such activities. Satsang Diksha: Shlok 125

Question 6

To do as the Sant says is

Answer 6

bhakti. To act according to one’s own preferences is not bhakti. To turn the beads of the rosary (māḷā) and study according to the words of the Sant is bhakti. Even if one does four waterless fasts according to one’s own thoughts, it is not considered bhakti. Yogi Vani