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Bhakti

It is funny as someone who was raised in the West, I have always thought of Bhakti with a negative association. Advaita appeals to my Western, Englightenment-infused philosophical bent. But likely due to my Samskaras I orient towards Bhakti in a more natural way. Because of this Bhakti is the nucleus of my practice.

The nine forms of devotion (Navadha Bhakti) are and the practices associated with them:

  • Shravanam: Listening to the divine, including stories, scriptures, and teachings about Isvara.
  • Kirtanam: Japa, reciting mantras and prayers, devotional singing
  • Smaranam: Raja Yoga with a focus on Isvara
  • Padasevanam: Serving Isvara's feet. Karma Yoga, physical service, symbolic service
  • Archanam: Offering flowers, water, and lighting lamps. But I also take this to mean making the home a home for the Ista.
  • Vandanam: Offering salutations or prostrations to Isvara.
  • Dasyam: Serving Isvara as a servant. See the other person as Isvara.
  • Sakhyam: Regarding Isvara as a friend and offering prayer and thoughts in such a form.
  • Atmanivedanam: Self-surrender, letting go of ego and prayer.

What is interesting in the context of Bhakti is that I also find the Desert Fathers of Christianity and the Sufis of Islam to be very similar in their approach to devotion and there is much to learn from them. I am a Sanatani but learn from the other religions and their practices.