Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion

Bhakti Yoga, or the path of devotion, is based on the doctrine "Love is God and God is Love." The Bhakti yogi experiences separation and longs to meet or even just glimpse his beloved, God. Nothing else attracts him, nothing else holds his attention, all else is meaningless.

Bhakti Yoga appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. The Bhakti yogi is motivated chiefly by the power of love and sees God as the embodiment of love. Through prayer, worship and ritual he surrenders himself to God, channelling and transmuting his emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga.

Swami Vivekananda argues that Bhakti Yoga is the most direct and shortest way to experience the divine. There is nothing higher than love and Bhakti Yoga is the religion of love.