Two Stages of Bhakti
Our scriptures emphasise on the need for Bhakti - devotion to Isvara. “I grant self-knowledge to those who have cultivated
unshakable devotion to me. Through jnana,
they attain me.” (Bhagavadgita 10.10)
Bhakti is the means for jnana
and jnana leads to moksha. Bhakti and jnana are
complementary to each other. Without jnana, bhakti is incomplete
and without bhakti, jnana is impossible. Therefore, a student of
Vedanta needs to cultivate bhakti.
In today’s world, there is a
tendency amongst people to think that they are intelligent, and hence, they try
to understand vedanta as an intellectual pursuit. However, without bhakti,
the statements of Vedanta do not yield any result.
There are two stages of Bhakti.
Vaidhi-bhakti is the first stage of bhakti. At this stage,
one follows certain prescribed spiritual disciplines like puja, japa
etc. These practices are useful in establishing a connection with Isvara.
Sometimes, a doubt arises in
our mind regarding the need for the prescribed forms and procedures of rituals.
If Bhagavan is present everywhere, why should I worship him in a Vigraha? Why
do I need a shrine? Why should I follow the prescribed forms of rituals like
chanting Mantras etc.?
Bhagavan is all-pervasive.
Yet, we cannot recognise Him everywhere. For example, the radio waves are
everywhere. We cannot access them without an instrument, a receiver. Also, the
instrument should be used in a specific way to receive the radio signals.
Similarly, if we want to relate to Bhagavan, to recognise his presence, we need
a Yantra. Yantra is an image or a symbol prescribed by the scriptures.
We invoke Bhagavan in the yantra and worship him as per the procedure
prescribed in the Shastra.
When a devotee practices the
worship following the rules of the shastras, he slowly develops a strong connection
with Bhagavan. In due course of time, he develops Raga bhakti. In this
higher stage of Bhakti, the Bhakta transcends all prescribed procedures. He has
successfully established a strong bonding with Ishwara.
