Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga is the yogic process of spiritual advancement through devotion. Therefore, the process is known as “devotional service.” Bhakti Yoga is described in the prominent Vedic scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, as devotion to the Supreme Lord, Lord Sri Krishna. Bhakti Yoga is unlike any other yogic process because Bhakti Yoga is a way of life. This “life guide” is meant for answering the three main questions of life: who am I? Who is the Supreme? What is my relationship with the Supreme? To answer these pressing questions we engage in the process of mantra meditation, which is the fixating of the mind on transcendental vibration.
This transcendental vibration is so sublime because it helps us connect with the Supreme Lord, Lord Sri Krishna. The connection to the Supreme Lord is so important because when we make an effort to connect with Krishna, he helps us to navigate the challenges and tribulations of this world. The mantra that we chant is the Hare Krishna Mahamantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
When one fixates on the mantra and sincerely chants and listens, the heart is softened and the mind is calmed. This allows us to connect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Krishna’s names which are “Krishna” and “Rama” are referring to the Lord himself and the word “Hare” is a calling out. In this way, we call out to the Supreme Lord, so that we can understand our situation about three main questions of life. Furthermore, this process of chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra relieves stress, and anxiety, and instills a sense of higher happiness. All living entities constantly search for happiness in this material world. However, true happiness is achieved when one connects to the Supreme Personality of Godhead because Lord Krishna is the source of all happiness and joy.
