Moksha Through Bhakti Yoga

The Essence of Bhakti Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 9.22:

“ananyāś cintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham”

Translation: “To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”

Interpretation: This verse emphasizes the divine care and support provided to devotees who are unwavering in their devotion and constantly meditate on God. Consequently, this verse highlights the assurance that comes with dedicated worship. Therefore, those who are devoted can trust in divine guidance and support.

Surrender and Devotion

Bhagavad Gita 18.66:

“sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucah”

Translation: “Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”

Interpretation: Krishna urges complete surrender to Him, assuring that He will liberate the devotee from all sins and lead them to salvation. Therefore, this highlights the importance of surrender and trust in Bhakti Yoga. By surrendering to the divine, one finds peace and freedom from fear.

Equal Vision

Bhagavad Gita 9.29:

“samo ‘haṁ sarva-bhūteṣu na me dveṣyo ‘sti na priyaḥ ye bhajanti tu māṁ bhaktyā mayi te teṣu cāpy aham”

Translation: “I am equally disposed to all living entities. There is no one I envy, nor am I partial to anyone. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.”

Interpretation: Krishna explains that He is impartial and equally disposed to all beings. However, those who worship Him with devotion attain a special place in His heart. This underscores the reciprocal nature of divine love. Thus, devotion brings one closer to the divine in a unique and personal way.

The Simplest Form of Worship

Bhagavad Gita 9.26:

“patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ”

Translation: “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.”

Interpretation: This verse teaches that the simplest offerings, when made with sincere devotion, are accepted by the divine. Thus, it emphasizes the importance of the sentiment behind the offering rather than the offering itself. In this way, Bhakti Yoga highlights the power of genuine devotion over material wealth.

The Qualities of a Devotee

Bhagavad Gita 12.13-14:

“adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣamī saṅga-varjitaḥ”

Translation: “One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor and is free from false ego, who is equal in both happiness and distress, who is tolerant, always satisfied, self-controlled, and engaged in devotional service with determination, his mind and intelligence dedicated to Me, such a devotee is very dear to Me.”

Interpretation: Krishna describes the qualities that endear a devotee to Him. These include non-enviousness, friendliness, compassion, humility, tolerance, and unwavering devotion. As a result, this verse serves as a guideline for those aspiring to practice Bhakti Yoga. Furthermore, it sets a high standard for personal conduct and spiritual practice, ensuring that devotees embody these virtues in their daily lives.