BHAKTI: A JOURNEY OF DEVOTION, TRANSFORMATION AND LIBERATION

Bhakti, derived from the Sanskrit root bhaj, which means "to share" or "to devote," is one of the most profound and transformative spiritual paths in Indian philosophy.

- TDG NETWORK

As a concept, Bhakti refers to devotion, love, and surrender to the divine. It is not confined to any one religion or spiritual practice but is most widely explored within Hinduism, especially in the Bhakti Movement that swept through India between the 7th and 17th centuries.

Bhakti goes beyond rituals and intellectual understanding. It emphasizes an emotional, personal relationship with the divine, whether understood as a god or goddess, a formless universal presence, or a spiritual ideal. The significance of Bhakti lies in its simplicity, accessibility, and deep emotional resonance, making it one of the most enduring and universal paths to spiritual fulfillment.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND DEVELOPMENT

The roots of Bhakti can be traced to the Vedic period, but it came into full expression through the Bhakti Movement, which began in South India with the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and Nayanars (devotees of Shiva). The movement later spread to northern India, inspiring saints like Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas, Surdas, and Guru Nanak. Each of these figures, through poetry, music, and personal example, emphasized love for God over rigid social hierarchies, ritualism, and caste distinctions.

The Bhakti Movement served not only as a spiritual revolution but also as a social reform movement. It brought religious practice out of the exclusive hands of the priestly class and made it accessible to the common person. In doing so, it challenged orthodoxy and opened up avenues for self-expression and inner transformation.

FORMS OF BHAKTI

Bhakti is not a monolithic concept. It can be practiced in multiple forms, each allowing the devotee to relate to the divine in a unique way:

1. Shaanta Bhava (Peaceful Love) - A quiet, contemplative love toward God, often seen in meditative traditions.

2. Daasya Bhava (Servitude) - Devotion through service, as exemplified by Hanuman's relationship with Lord Rama.