What Is Bhakti-yoga?

The Wisdom of Srila Prabhupada: Lesson 6

Question:

What is bhakti-yoga, and how does it differ from other paths of spiritual practice?

Answer:

Bhakti-yoga, the yoga of devotion, is the process of reconnecting with Kṛṣṇa through loving service. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes bhakti-yoga as the highest and most direct path to self-realization because it is based on developing a personal, loving relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Explanation:

Bhakti-yoga is unique because it is centered on love and devotion rather than mental speculation (jñāna-yoga) or austere practices (haṭha-yoga). In the Bhagavad-gītā (9.26), Kṛṣṇa states: patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ—”If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.”

This verse highlights that bhakti-yoga is not dependent on material qualifications or wealth but on the sincerity of the devotee’s heart. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that even the simplest offering, when made with love, is accepted by Kṛṣṇa. This distinguishes bhakti-yoga from other paths, which often rely on intellectual prowess or physical strength.

Bhakti-yoga is practical and accessible to everyone. It includes activities such as chanting the holy names of Kṛṣṇa (Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra), offering food to Kṛṣṇa, reading scriptures like the Bhagavad-gītā, and associating with other devotees. Through these practices, the devotee’s heart becomes purified, and their natural love for Kṛṣṇa awakens.

Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that bhakti-yoga is not just a practice but a way of life. By dedicating every action to Kṛṣṇa, even mundane activities like eating, working, and speaking become spiritualized. This aligns with Kṛṣṇa’s teaching in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.27): yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam—”O son of Kunti, all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me.”

Through bhakti-yoga, the soul is liberated from the bondage of karma and experiences the ultimate fulfillment of life—pure love for Kṛṣṇa.

Suggested Reading:

For further understanding of bhakti-yoga, study Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, 9.26, along with the purport. This verse explains how simple acts of devotion connect us with Kṛṣṇa and bring spiritual perfection.