God is love, and love is God. Divine love has brought into life countless forms, and divine love sustains and guides them on their journey through the Universe. The Divine Self is manifested and reflected in the innumerable beings of Its creation so all may again finally unite with It.
The great saint, Rishi Nārāda, described the nine elements of Bhakti Yoga in his Bhakti Sutras.
SATSANG – Good company.
To cultivate and maintain contact with people who speak of God and truth.
HARIKATHĀ – Stories about God.
To be inspired by the Holy Scriptures and the life stories of saints.
SHRADDHĀ – Faith.
To have faith in the Holy Scriptures and the Master, and to accept and take to heart their words
and teachings.
ISHVARABHAJANA – To sing God’s praises.
To sing spiritual songs (Bhajans) which praise the glory of God.
MANTRA JAPA – Repetition of Mantra.
To inwardly repeat your Mantra at all times and under all circumstances.
SHAMA DAMA – Internal and External Control.
To be the Master of the senses and not allow temptation to overwhelm us.
To maintain discipline in thought, word and deed.
SĀNTO KA ADARA – To honour all Holy people.
To respect and honour all people who have dedicated their life to God, no matter to which
religion they belong.
SANTOSHA – Contentment.
To be thankful for and content with everything that God gives.
ISHVARAPRANIDHĀNA – Devotion to God.
To love God with a pure heart, no egoistic expectations, and complete surrender to the Divine.
When we introduce these principles of Bhakti Yoga into our life the love of God comes into full bloom in our heart. When we feel God’s presence in prayer or meditation our heart overflows with deep inner joy. Tears come because such a vast stream of love and bliss pours forth from the small vessel of our heart, that it simply overflows with this wonderful sensation. In English there is a very appropriate expression: “Fountain of Joy”. This supreme state that fills the Anāhata Chakra with pure love and bliss is known as BHĀVA SAMĀDHI. In this moment we experience our first union with God.
Even though this experience may be truly wonderful, do not lose yourself in this ocean of beautiful feelings. Do not come to a standstill here, but rather continue to strive for the real goal.
Mahāprabhujī teaches us:
“Love every being as much, if not more, than you love yourself.”
Care for and respect all livings beings, because God lives in everyone. When we carry God within the consciousness of our heart we realise love as it relates to ourself and all beings. No other power in the world is capable of opening our heart, only love! Give love, give protection, even give yourself if it will help someone. Allow your energy to flow; the more you give, the more you receive. When you work for others the Divine Mother, nature, works for you and constantly supplies you with fresh energy. Use this power for something meaningful and do not squander it. Pass on what you have already realised and pray for that which is yet to be realised. Do not idle away your time, as life flows by all too rapidly.
Source & Art Imagery : Chakras.NET : https://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/anahat
