Most Amazing Explanation - What is Devotion to God | Swami Mukundananda

Summary

The video script delves into the concept of 'bhakti', a term from the Vedas, meaning to relish the divine bliss of God. Bhakti is portrayed as a deepening relationship between the devotee and God, where the devotee's love and God's bliss are in a perpetual exchange, leading to spiritual liberation from material bondage. Various definitions from scriptures and spiritual leaders are explored, emphasizing the importance of devotion, attachment, and service to God. The ultimate form of bhakti is recognizing that the soul's self-interest lies in serving God, which naturally fulfills its desires and needs.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Bhakti is defined as the process of relishing the bliss of God, where one's experience of bliss is directly proportional to the level of devotion.
• 🔍 The Vedas describe bhakti as a means to break the material bonds and dispel ignorance, leading to liberation from material suffering.
• 🌱 Narada defines bhakti as extreme attachment to God, akin to the attachments we have in our daily lives but directed towards the divine.
• 🌊 The flow of thoughts towards God, like the constant flow of the Ganges River, is a metaphor for the continuous and unwavering nature of true bhakti.
• 📌 Jagan Guru Shankaracharya compares bhakti to a needle stuck in a potato, suggesting that all thoughts should be firmly fixed on God.
• 🧘‍♂️ Tales, a disciple of Shankaracharya, emphasizes that devotional practices lead to a melting heart, which then naturally flows towards God.
• 📜 Veda Vyasa explains that the root of the word 'bhakti' means to serve, highlighting that serving God is the essence of bhakti.
• 🤲 Bhagava Bhakti suggests that as parts of God, our self-interest lies in serving God, just as the hand serves the body and is nourished in return.
• 🙏 The ultimate goal of bhakti is to realize that serving God aligns with our self-interest and leads to the eternal bliss we seek.
• 🕊 The script conveys that understanding the relationship between self-interest and service to God is a blessed realization that transforms one's spiritual journey.
• 🌈 The various definitions of bhakti presented by different spiritual leaders illustrate the depth and multifaceted nature of this spiritual concept.

Q & A

What is the primary meaning of 'bhakti' according to the Vedas?

The primary meaning of 'bhakti' according to the Vedas is to relish the bliss of God. It is the process of bringing God to one's mind to experience His bliss.

How does the experience of bliss in bhakti relate to the level of devotion?

The experience of bliss in bhakti is directly proportional to the level of devotion. The more one is devoted, the more bliss one experiences, and this can increase indefinitely, unlike the waxing and waning of the moon.

What is the role of bhakti in dispelling ignorance and material bondage?

Bhakti is described as the force that breaks the bonds of material energy and dispels ignorance, liberating us from the suffering associated with material existence.

How does Narada define bhakti in his Bhakti Darshan?

Narada defines bhakti as extreme attachment to God, similar to the attachments one might have towards loved ones or interests, but directed towards God.

What analogy does Jagan Guru Shankaracharya use to describe the nature of bhakti?

Jagan Guru Shankaracharya uses the analogy of a needle stuck in a potato to describe bhakti, suggesting that all thoughts should be firmly attached and directed towards God.

What is the significance of the Ganges River in explaining the concept of bhakti?

The Ganges River is used as an analogy to illustrate the constant and unending flow of thoughts towards God, which is the essence of bhakti.

What does Veda Vyasa say about the origin and meaning of the word 'bhakti'?

Veda Vyasa explains that the word 'bhakti' originates from the root 'bhaj', which means to serve. Therefore, bhakti is about serving God.

What is the concept of 'Bhagava Bhakti' as per the speaker's favorite definition?

Bhagava Bhakti is the understanding that as parts of God, our self-interest lies in serving God. By serving God, we receive the bliss we seek, and this understanding is considered the highest form of bhakti.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between the soul and God in the context of bhakti?

The speaker describes the relationship between the soul and God as one of service, where the soul, like a hand serving the body, finds its nourishment and purpose in serving God.

What does the speaker suggest is the ultimate realization in the practice of bhakti?

The ultimate realization in the practice of bhakti is understanding where one's self-interest lies, which is in serving God, leading to a state of blessedness and eternal bliss.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 The Essence of Bhakti: Bliss and Devotion

The first paragraph delves into the concept of Bhakti, exploring its various definitions and significance in spiritual practice. Bhakti is described as the relish of God's bliss, an inner experience that deepens with one's devotion. The script uses the metaphor of 'anna's' to illustrate how the intensity of bliss received is proportional to the level of devotion. It also touches on the idea of a never-ending competition between the devotee's love and God's provision of bliss. Furthermore, Bhakti is portrayed as a liberating force that breaks the material bonds and dispels ignorance, as per the Vedas. Different interpretations of Bhakti by spiritual leaders such as Narada and Veda Vyasa are also presented, emphasizing the importance of attachment and service to God.

05:01

🌊 The Flow of Bhakti: Constant Devotion

In the second paragraph, the concept of Bhakti is further elaborated through analogies and the teachings of various spiritual leaders. The flow of the Ganges River is used to symbolize the continuous stream of thoughts towards God, which is the essence of Bhakti according to Marshy Couple, an avatar of God. Jagan Guru Shankaracharya's analogy of a needle stuck in a potato illustrates the unwavering focus of thoughts on God. The narrative also includes the story of a disciple who, through intense spiritual practice, experiences a melting of the heart, leading to a pure flow of devotion towards God. Veda Vyasa's definition of Bhakti as service to God is highlighted, emphasizing the act of serving as the core of Bhakti.

10:02

🤲 Bhakti as Self-Interest: Serving God for Inner Bliss

The third paragraph concludes the script with a profound understanding of Bhakti as self-interest. It uses the example of the hand's relationship with the body to explain how the soul's purpose is to serve God, and in doing so, it receives the nourishment it needs in the form of spiritual bliss. The speaker, Kripaluji Maharaj, explains that recognizing this relationship and understanding that self-interest lies in serving God is the epitome of Bhakti. This realization is considered a blessing and the true beginning of one's spiritual journey. The paragraph underscores the idea that Bhakti is not just an act of devotion but a realization of the soul's inherent duty and the path to eternal bliss.

Keywords

💡Bhakti

Bhakti is a Sanskrit term that refers to a deep and passionate devotion to a deity, particularly in the context of Hinduism. It is the central theme of the video, where it is described as the process of relishing the bliss of God and the means to liberate oneself from material bondage. The script uses various analogies to explain Bhakti, such as the flow of the Ganges River and the attachment one might have to different aspects of life, emphasizing that true Bhakti is an extreme attachment to God.

💡Bliss

Bliss, in the context of the video, represents the ultimate state of happiness and contentment that is believed to be derived from a connection with the divine. It is mentioned that God is the 'ocean of bliss' and that the experience of this bliss is directly proportional to the level of one's Bhakti. The script illustrates this by comparing the increase in devotion to the increase in the experience of bliss, likening it to the measurement of 'anna's'.

💡Devotion

Devotion, as discussed in the script, is the act of committing oneself to a higher power or deity with love and reverence. It is a key component of Bhakti, with the extent of one's devotion determining the depth of their spiritual experience. The video emphasizes that devotion is a continuous process of increasing love towards God, without an end point, unlike the waxing and waning of the moon.

💡Vedas

The Vedas are ancient Hindu scriptures that contain hymns, prayers, and spiritual knowledge. In the script, they are referenced as providing a definition of Bhakti, describing it as the means to relish the bliss of God and to break the bonds of material energy. This highlights the Vedas' role in shaping the understanding of Bhakti within the spiritual tradition.

💡Material Bondage

Material bondage refers to the state of being tied to the material world and its illusions, which can lead to suffering and ignorance. The script explains that Bhakti has the power to liberate individuals from this bondage, dispelling ignorance and releasing one from the suffering caused by attachment to material energy.

💡Narada Bhakti Sutra

The Narada Bhakti Sutra is a Hindu text attributed to Narada Muni, which outlines the path of devotion. In the script, Narada defines Bhakti as extreme attachment to God, suggesting that true Bhakti transcends ordinary attachments and becomes the sole focus of one's life.

💡Jagannatha

Jagannatha, also known as Lord Jagannath, is a form of the Hindu deity Krishna. The script mentions Jagannatha as an avatar of God, whose teachings to his mother, Devahuti, are part of the Srimad Bhagavatam, a revered text that further elaborates on the concept of Bhakti.

💡Ganga

The Ganges, or Ganga, is a sacred river in Hinduism, often associated with purity and the cleansing of sins. The script uses the constant flow of the Ganges as a metaphor for the unceasing flow of thoughts towards God, which is considered the ideal state of Bhakti.

💡Shankaracharya

Shankaracharya refers to Adi Shankara, a renowned Hindu philosopher and theologian. In the script, Shankaracharya's definition of Bhakti is presented as having thoughts that are constantly connected to God, similar to how a needle remains stuck in a potato.

💡Sadhana

Sadhana refers to spiritual practice or discipline aimed at self-transformation and realization of the divine. The script describes how through Sadhana, the heart can melt, leading to the disappearance of impurities and a deepening connection with God, which is indicative of true Bhakti.

💡Vedanta

Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy that deals with the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul and the ultimate reality. Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and the Vedanta Sutras, defines Bhakti as serving God, emphasizing the act of service as a fundamental aspect of devotion.

💡Bhagavati

Bhagavati refers to the divine feminine aspect of the Supreme Godhead in Hinduism. The script presents a definition of Bhakti from the perspective of Bhagavati, suggesting that recognizing the self-interest in serving God is the ultimate form of Bhakti, as it aligns with the natural function of the soul.

Highlights

Bhakti is defined as relishing the bliss of God, seeking the ultimate bliss found in the divine.

The experience of bliss is directly proportional to the level of one's devotion to God.

Devotion and God's bliss are in a constant competition, with both increasing eternally without a limit.

Bhakti is described as a means to break material bonds and dispel ignorance, leading to liberation.

Narada defines bhakti as extreme attachment to God, beyond the attachments we experience in daily life.

The flow of the Ganges is used as a metaphor for the constant flow of thoughts towards God in bhakti.

Jagan Guru Shankaracharya compares thoughts stuck in God to needles stuck in a potato, representing unwavering focus.

Bhakti is associated with the heart melting and flowing towards God as a result of spiritual practices.

Veda Vyasa explains that bhakti originates from the root 'bhaj', meaning to serve God.

Bhakti is also viewed as understanding that self-interest lies in serving God, aligning with one's true nature.

The hand's function as a part of the body is used to illustrate the soul's role in serving God for its own nourishment.

Bhakti is the realization that serving God is the path to achieving the sought-after bliss and self-interest.

Kripalu Ji Maharaj emphasizes that understanding where true self-interest lies is the essence of being blessed in bhakti.

The concept of self-employment for the hand is contrasted with the soul's need to serve God for its existence.

Bhakti is presented as a journey of increasing love and bliss, without an end point, unlike the moon's waxing and waning.

Different acharyas provide unique perspectives on bhakti, emphasizing its multifaceted nature in spiritual understanding.

The ultimate goal of bhakti is the eternal increase of love for God and the resulting bliss, a never-ending process.

Transcripts

what is this bhakti

we all talk about bhakti

what does it mean

to give you all little idea

i'd like to discuss a few definitions

of this word

the vedas

means

to relish the bliss of god

[Music]

we all seek bliss

we all want bliss

and god is the ocean of bliss

so to relish his bliss

is bhakti

when

we bring him to our mind

which means when we take our mind to him

we will experience his bliss

to what extent

to the extent of our bhakthi

like for example if you are hearing a

description of god

a recitation of his pastimes is leela's

if you have got four hours of devotion

he will give you from inside four anna's

of bliss

if you increase your devotion to it and

us

he will increase

your experience of bliss to hate on us

you increase your devotion to 16 anna's

he will increase your experience of

bliss to 16 errors

so

our experience of bliss is to the limit

of devotion

and

between these two a competition ensues

the devotee constantly keeps on

increasing love

and god constantly keeps on increasing

bliss

neither the devotee loses out that

enough now no more

the moon reaches full

it waxes until the food moon and then it

veins

but in love there is no full moon

it just constantly increases

so the devotee keeps increasing his or

her love

and god keeps on increasing his bliss

he doesn't say all right i finished my

treasure chest no more bliss

none of them lose out this competition

goes on for the rest of eternity

so the vedas have said

there's another definition of bhakti

panjanam bhakti

there is ignorance in our hearts

there is the bonds of the material

energy

and bhakti is that

which breaks these bonds and dispels the

ignorance

that releases us from the suffering of

the material energy

so

bhakti

liberates us from material bondage

that is what it is

there are many other definitions of

bhakti-naraji

he says in his bhakthi darshan

what is bhakti

now remember many

of you are aware naradji is the writer

of the narada bhakti version

so he defines bhakti as

extreme

attachment to god

you all experience attachment

to son daughter husband wife

rascal

television golf

the attachment to god but not that

qualifies

extreme attachment to god

is bhakti

is let me give it a try

marshy couple is an avatar of god

and his long dissertation to mother

devahuti

forms a part of the third character of

the shrimad bhagavatam

so he says

just observe the holy ganges

it flows incessantly from

through the himalayas and the

indo-gangetic plain all the way to the

bay of bengal

so the flow of that river

is constant

similarly if all our thoughts

could begin flowing towards god

if all our thoughts could become godly

that would be bhakti

jagan guru shankaracharya says let me

try

so he says take a needle

and stick it into a potato

just like the needle is stuck in the

potato it doesn't get dislodged

you stick multiple needles

similarly if all our thoughts

could get stuck in god

if all our thoughts

could be connected towards god

that would be considered bhakthi

see every acharya has described bhakti

differently

shankaracharya's disciple

tales are very astonishing

[Music]

there are the big temples

he sat down out there

and he sat in samadhi for three years

and one rajput king built this huge

temple all around

so

he says by engaging in devotional

practices

when the heart melts

then as a result of your sadhana your

effort your spiritual engagement

the impurities disappear the heart

becomes soft and it melts

and it flows in the direction of god

that will be considered

there are many many more definitions

come to the definition of

veda vyasas

says look i am the writer of the vedant

so hear from me what bhakti is

he says the word bhakti

has come from the root

the dhatu is bhaj

and

means

it means to serve

so bhakti means

to serve

god

that's what

and let's give you the one final

definition of bhakti which is my

favorite you have heard it from me many

times

this is bhagava bhakti

what is bhagavati

we are all bhags of god

we are all his parts

just like

the hand is a part of the body

so

what is the function of the hand

to serve what it is a part of

the hand will take the food and place it

in the mouth

it will take the water and throw it on

the body

so by serving the body

the hand is automatically taken care of

it receives from the body whatever

nourishment it needs whatever blood

whatever nutrients whatever oxygen it

needs

the hand doesn't need to think how do i

take care of myself how do i serve

myself

the hand only performs its dharma to the

body

and it's taken care of now supposing the

hand refuses to submit to this dharma

why should i serve the body so many

years have gone by

s

cut me off from the body

i'll take care of myself

i'm not interested in this service now i

will be self-employed

can the hand subsist by itself

independent of the body

impossible

it's

self-interest lay in the service of the

body

so similarly

if the soul can understand this

relationship with god

and understand that it's self-interest

is in the service of god

and by serving god it will get the bliss

that it is seeking

to have this understanding

in the intellect

is bhagava bhakti

so kripalu ji maharaj

one

who realizes where the self-interest

lies

that person becomes dhanya are blessed

everybody is running for self-interest

all around the world

and if they can understand this

connection they have begun their bhakti

this is

bhakti