A Philosophical Analysis of Bhakti-Yoga with Special Reference to Gita

Authors:

Ganesh Dao 

Pages: 28-31

Abstract:

“Patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati

Tad aham bhaktya-upahrtam asnami prayatatmanah.” -26, 9, Gita

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.

 

This paper attempts to analyze Bhakti as one of the Margas for Liberation (Moksa) depicted in Gita. Gita is not a metaphysical, rather a religious and ethical text.  It is also known as Yoga Sastra. The man who is predominately man of Emotion, ought to follow the path of Devotion (Bhakti). Bhakti Yoga, according to Gita, means path to union with the Absolute Consciousness (Bhagavan). This is the sole marg which can be followed by all people. Through bhakti one can union with the Bhagavan and can attain Moksa.

“tesam jnani nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir visisyate

Priyo hi jnanino tyartham aham sa ca mama priyah- 17,7 of Gita

Out of four kinds of bhaktas- Arta, Artharthi, Juingasu, Jnani. The one who is in full knowledge and who is always engaged in pure devolutioal  service is the best. For I am very dear to him, and he is dear to Me. i.e. Jnani bhakta.

“Bhaktya tv ananyaya sakya aham evam-vidho Arjuna

Jnatatum drastum ca tattvena pravestum ca parantapa”- 54, 11, Gita.

My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen directly. Only in this way can you enter into the mysteries of My understanding. So Ananya Bhakti or undivided devotion is the sole path of moksa. Which is the absolute gaol of human life. Finally, in Gita it is found that Jnanayoga, Karmayoga and Bhaktiyoga are reconciled