Bhakti Yog

When life becomes too challenging, we should turn to meditation to find the inner strength needed to overcome its difficulties. Meditation is an important part of Gyan Yog.

Gyan Yog is based on the principle of non-duality, where there is no difference between Jeev and Brahman — expressed in the great sayings Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman) and Soham (I am That). In this view, the challenging world, with all its joys and sorrows, is also a part of me. Oh, that multiplies my problems many times over! 😄 Just kidding.

Bhakti Yog, on the other hand, is dualistic. There is the Bhakt (devotee) and Bhagwan (God). Here, we consider ourselves the devotee, and everything else is separate from us and belongs to Bhagwan. We too belong to Bhagwan, and Bhagwan will take care of everything — including us. We become simple, humble servants in this life. Nothing truly belongs to me, so there is no need to worry about anything.

Now, try telling this philosophy to the mother of a young child. Will she find any comfort in it? How can a mother not be concerned about her child? Here is where the truly comforting part of Bhakti Yog shines: Bhagwan will take care of the children of that mother. Because He is almighty, and since I belong to the almighty, all my loved ones belong to Him as well.

And if you ever feel lonely, with no one to talk to, perhaps form a relationship with Bhagwan. If you are sincere in your heart, Bhagwan will not let you down. You can form any relationship with Bhagwan — who is your favourite? Ram ji, Krishna ji, Mahadev Shiv ji, Ganapati ji, Hanuman ji, Durga Maa, Kali Maa — the sacred bond of Guru-Shishya (Teacher-Disciple), or that of parent and child, or master and servant. With Bhagwan Krishna ji, you can form an even closer relationship — as a lover, a friend, or even a child.