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What is Bhakti and how does it differ from other Eastern Religions?

Adan Sheddan

Bhakti refers to a form of devotion or worship of a personal god or goddess in Hinduism. However, Bhakti is not just limited to individual feelings or ideas but also incorporates love and faith in humanity, all living beings and society as a whole. Bhakti is derived from the Sanskrit word "bhaj" which means to serve and to adore. It is a path of enlightenment and liberation, and a way of connecting with the divine through love and devotion.

The concept of Bhakti emerged within the medieval period, where people sought innovative ways to connect with the divine. The devotional aspect of Bhakti offered a more accessible avenue to feel close to God, and it soon became popular among all strata of Indian society. The schools of Bhakti shared a common focus of devotion to God, but differed in their nature of worship. The different schools were influenced by the regional and linguistic variations of a particular area.

Bhakti is different from other Eastern Religions like Buddhism and Taoism, which focus on self-enlightenment and inner peace. Bhakti emphasizes the importance of devotion and love towards a personal god or goddess. While Buddhism, Taoism, and other Eastern religions rely solely on self-initiated practices or the path of self-discovery as means to reach enlightenment, Bhakti draws inspiration from various mythologies and stories of devotion to God. It encourages disciples to create an emotional connection with their God or goddess, and emphasize the importance of faith and devotion in their lives. Bhakti stresses the importance of community and tradition, and eulogizes the principles of caring, sharing, and bonding with the community, as well as other forms of life and nature.

The Bhakti literature is filled with fascinating anecdotes and stories of devotion, which make it a lot easier to understand the meaning and concept of devotion and love in reference to God. The stories indicate that Bhakti is an easy and accessible path of spirituality, open to everyone, and brings closer to God's love and care. Bhakti followers understand that the ultimate truth is that "God is love," and offer their complete devotion and surrender to God - the one who loves and cares for everyone unconditionally.

In conclusion, Bhakti is a path of love and devotion that has stood the test of time, and is still popular among the masses. It emphasizes the importance of devotion towards God, community, and living beings, which differs from the self-discovery paths of other Eastern religions. The Bhakti literature and practice have become a significant part of Indian tradition and culture, and have influenced communities worldwide. Bhakti is all about devotion, love, and surrender to God, which offer a path of liberation and enlightenment for many.