Bhakti Devotion Flashcards
What is Bhakti?
Bhakti is the love for God and love reinforced by true knowledge of the glory of God
How would you describe the love?
It surpasses the love for all things worldly. The love is constant, centred in God and cannot be shaken whether in prosperity or adversity
Who is Bhakti for?
Bhakti is strictly for believers. The devotees are bhaktas and the non-devotees are abhaktas
What does chapter 6 say about Bhakti?
At the conclusion of chapter 6 Krishna states that the “yogi imbued with full faith who dedicatedly worships the supreme Lord by being completely immersed in meditation upon him is the most elevated” - the most devoted is the most likely to get to moksha and be at one with the supreme
Who is a true devotee?
Even those with Bhakti must have certain qualities to gain the grace of God, it is not enough to say you’re devoted, you have to prove it by possessing certain characteristics
Give 3 examples of these qualities
“Not hate any living being” - practice ahimsa
“Be unmoved by happiness or misery” - constant in your devotion
“Free from weakness of mind” - don’t change frequently in regards to loyalty and affections, be true to self and don’t be easily led
Krishna says do these and you will achieve ultimate knowledge and total devotion
What happens in chapters 7-13?
Known as the Bhakti yoga section or the yoga of devotion. It describes the glories and greatness of the supreme Lord. The words asaktamanah means an “extremely attached mental disposition” ( never forget Krishna, always in your mind).
What happens if you utilise this attachment?
A person will be able to take complete shelter of the supreme Lord understanding that Lord Krishna is the ultimate controller (everything that happens Krishna wants), the ultimate protector and the ultimate refuge for all entities (place you should turn to). Understanding this reality fully with no doubt without reservation is the special meaning here
What is the quote in chapter 9, verse 34?
“Engage your mind always in thinking of me, offer obedience and worship me. Being completely absorbed in me, surely you will come to me” - explains what Bhakti devotion is, be at one with God
What is the quote in chapter 9, verse 30?
“Even if one commits the most attainable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated” - as long as God is in your mind you will be forgiven
What is the quote in chapter 9, verse 31?
“He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace, o son of kunti, declare it boldly that my devotee never perishes” - if devoted, you will never die, you will live forever with God (moksha)
What is the quote in chapter 9 to describe how you will be devoted?
” my dear Arjuna, one who is engaged in my pure devotional service, free from the contamination of previous activities and from mental speculation who is friendly to every living entity, certainly comes to me”
What is the message concerning Bhakti?
- devotion is the ultimate way of showing your love for God
- it allows you to put aside worldly problems and focus on God
- it is only through devotion that you will truly get to know God and him you
- it is the only through devotion that you will be saved (moksha)
- karma, dharma, reincarnation
Why is Bhakti so important?
The Bhagavad Gita emphasises the importance of Bhakti or loving devotion to God because it’s the only way to realise (fully know) God
