Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga is a system of Yoga in which love and devotion are given emphasis. Some of the Bhakti Yoga traditions do not preach the traditional Yoga asanas, pranayama, mudra or controlled meditation. In its place they lay emphasis on love of God, love of God in man and surrender to God's will. Some people are naturally inclined by temperament to be devotional and to love God and God-as-the-world. In the Bhakti Yoga fold, maintenance of balance is recommended. Perhaps we all practice Bhakti Yoga in our day today life. It is in our dealings with other persons that we tend to practice this. Bhakti Yoga is reflected most in our prayer to the God.

Like established Yoga systems there are no fixed ways to perform Bhakti yoga. It all depends from person to person. Some individuals can take the help of external aids to stimulate prayer and meditation. These external aids may include pictures of saints, chanting or singing and use of mantra. Whatever an individual does, if it proves beneficial in the long run it is perfectly in order for that individual, even though the same may not appeal to another person. Then there are a large number of people who resort to singing the names of God to elevate consciousness and charge the environment with pure energy. For those who find it difficult to concentrate during meditation, prayer and chanting is of great help.