Bhakti Yoga is a system of Yoga in which love and
devotion are given emphasis. Some of the Bhakti Yoga traditions do not
preach the traditional Yoga asanas, pranayama, mudra or controlled
meditation. In its place they lay emphasis on love of God, love of God
in man and surrender to God's will. Some people are naturally inclined
by temperament to be devotional and to love God and God-as-the-world. In
the Bhakti Yoga fold, maintenance of balance is recommended. Perhaps we
all practice Bhakti Yoga in our day today life. It is in our dealings
with other persons that we tend to practice this. Bhakti Yoga is
reflected most in our prayer to the God.
Like established Yoga systems there are no fixed ways to perform Bhakti
yoga. It all depends from person to person. Some individuals can take
the help of external aids to stimulate prayer and meditation. These
external aids may include pictures of saints, chanting or singing and
use of mantra. Whatever an individual does, if it proves beneficial in
the long run it is perfectly in order for that individual, even though
the same may not appeal to another person. Then there are a large number
of people who resort to singing the names of God to elevate
consciousness and charge the environment with pure energy. For those who
find it difficult to concentrate during meditation, prayer and chanting
is of great help.
