Transcendental Science of Bhakti-yoga - Devotional Service to God
The transcendental science of bhakti-yoga is the supreme method for re-establishing the living entity's eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that while there are various systems of self-realization, devotional service is the culmination of all yoga practices and the only means to actually understand the Absolute Truth. This article explores the scientific nature of devotion, its supremacy over other paths, and its practical application which leads the soul back to the spiritual world.
Supreme Yoga System
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while the Vedas describe various forms of yoga—such as karma-yoga, jñāna-yoga, and haṭha-yoga—they are all evolutionary steps meant to lead one to the platform of bhakti-yoga. Without coming to the point of surrendering to the Supreme Lord, all other yoga practices remain incomplete.
- A philosopher is better than a laboring man, a mystic is superior to a philosopher, and of all the mystic yogis, he who follows bhakti-yoga, constantly engaging in the service of the Lord, is the highest. Sri Isopanisad directs us toward this perfection.
- Bhakti-yoga is at the top of the stairs of all the yogas. The first step is karma-yoga, and then jnana-yoga and dhyana-yoga, but the ultimate is bhakti-yoga.
- The culmination of all yogas lies in bhakti-yoga, the rendering of devotional service unto Krsna. Actually, all of the yogas delineated in Bhagavad-gita end on this note, for Krsna is the ultimate destination of all the yoga systems.
- Actually, yoga means meditation on the form of Lord Visnu. If the yoga practice is actually performed according to the standard direction, there is no difference between yoga and bhakti-yoga.
A Scientific Process, Not Sentiment
Devotional service is often misunderstood as mere sentimentality, but Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that it is a rigorous science based on Vedic authority. It involves nine distinct processes, beginning with hearing and chanting, which purify the senses and engage them directly in the service of the Lord.
- Bhakti-yoga is not sentiment, it is a science. Therefore we have to take it from authorized Vedic instruction. Srila Rupa Gosvami has advised that science means you have to take it from the Vedic knowledge.
- In the bhakti-yoga system there are nine different processes: hearing, chanting, remembering, serving, worshiping the Deity in the temple, praying, carrying out orders, serving Krsna as friend and sacrificing for Him.
- Bhakti-yoga, devotional service, is the basic principle of all systems of philosophy; all philosophy which does not aim for devotional service to the Lord is considered merely mental speculation.
Detachment through Higher Taste
A key characteristic of bhakti-yoga is that it automatically produces vairāgya, or detachment from material existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by developing a higher taste for serving Kṛṣṇa, one naturally loses attraction for the flickering pleasures of the material world without having to practice dry renunciation.
- Bhakti-yoga means vairagya, detachment for material enjoyment. That is the sign. Not that "I am a big, big devotee, but I have got very great attachment for material enjoyment." That is not bhakti.
- If you have actually tasted bhakti-yoga, then there will be no more material attachment. This is the test. Not that artificially keeping a big tilaka on forehead and thinking within always "How to get money, how to get woman?"
- The whole Krsna consciousness movement means vairagya-vidya, the education of vairagya, detachment. Vairagya-vidya-nija-bhakti-yogam. Caitanya Mahaprabhu is Krsna, and He wanted to teach the people this vairagya-vidya-nija-bhakti-yogam.
Only Way to Know God
Empirical philosophy and mental speculation are insufficient to reveal the Supreme Person. Śrīla Prabhupāda confirms that Kṛṣṇa reserves the right to reveal Himself only to those who serve Him with love and devotion through the process of bhakti-yoga.
- Bhakti-yoga is the only process by which one can become competent to know Him (Krsna). The empiric philosophers & mystic yogis cannot conceive of the Personality of Godhead, He is called anupalaksya-vartmane, God of the inconceivable way, or bhakti-yoga.
- If you want to know Krsna, it is not possible to any other means. There are many other means - karma, yoga, jnana and bhakti - but if you want to know Krsna, then you have to take the bhakti-yoga, no other.
- In conclusion, unless one elevates himself to the transcendental platform by practicing bhakti-yoga, one cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His name, form, attributes or activities.
Easy, Practical, and Universal
Unlike other yoga systems that require rigorous bodily postures or solitary meditation, bhakti-yoga is practical for everyone. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that anyone, regardless of age, status, or intelligence, can execute this process and achieve the highest perfection simply by chanting and hearing.
- Bhakti-yoga. It is not at all difficult. You haven't got to strain your body as in other hatha-yoga practice you have to very undergo hardship, to sit in a particular posture, in a particular place. These things are stated in the Bhagavad-gita.
- By the process of bhakti-yoga, even a child less than five years old, or anyone of any age, can be purified. That is the special significance of bhakti-yoga.
- This is the only yoga system, bhakti-yoga system, that one can practice for quick result and self-realization and liberation even in this life. He hasn't got to wait for another life. It is so nice, Krsna consciousness.
Conclusion
Ultimately, bhakti-yoga is not just a practice but the eternal function of the soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that reconnecting with Kṛṣṇa through this favorable service is the only way to solve the problems of material existence. Whether one seeks liberation or material fulfillment, the scriptures conclude that engaging in bhakti-yoga is the only successful method for achieving true peace and returning home, back to Godhead.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Bhakti-yoga - Devotional Service to God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.