Practice And Power of Devotion Bhakti In Early Hindu Scriptures

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THE PRACTICE OF BHAKTI or devotion to a superior force or being is intrinsic to humanity. This book explores various forms of bhakti as practised and discussed in the Hindu scriptures.

The book is organized in three parts. Part 1 gives background information essential for the reader's appreciation of the discus- sion contained in the remaining two parts. Here, certain terms like Nirguna Brahman (God without any attributes), Saguna Brahman (God with attributes), atman (the individual soul), and paramatman (the supreme soul) are explained as are the relationship of the soul with the supreme soul and the soul's ultimate goal. Part 2 deals with definitions and forms of bhakti and also the culture of bhakti. The central theme of the book, namely bhakti as a means of liberation from the endless cycles of transmigration, is covered in Part 3. In this section, classical techniques like Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga are explored, along with two principal modes of worship - external and internal. The external mode includes the nine forms of bhakti (popularly known as navavidha bhakti) and idol worship. The discussion on internal modes of worship focuses on classical techniques like Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Nada Yoga. Since these practices are not enough in themselves, the need for an enlightened guru to guide the spiritual aspir- ant is emphasized and explained. In addition to the need for a guru, the necessity to observe discipline, the obligations for moral behaviour, and abstinence from non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are emphasized as being equally essential for the disciple's spiritual progress.

**Contents and Sample Pages**