The Yoga of Devotion

Having spoken to Arjuna on different aspects of life, Lord Krishna talks about the importance of bhakti (devotion) in Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita - The Yoga of Devotion | Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar throws light on the Chapter 12 of Bhagavad Gita (Day 1):

A sense of awe is the foundation for both yoga and devotion. Devotion also fills one with a sense of ‘wow’, where even the minutest of things appear exceedingly charming. Such is the nature of love. 

In this chapter, Lord Krishna urges Arjuna to be centered in Him. To worship the unmanifest is very difficult as love needs support; one can love a person, but to love an empty space is difficult. The best Yogi is one who has unshakeable faith in the Divine. If life’s situations shake one’s faith, then it isn’t true faith at all. Despite being shaken, if the faith continues to grow strong then one is on 

the right track.

One who lets go of all karmas, offering it to Me while being completely centered, goes into deep Bhakti. Bhakti is that which takes you away from all the karmas; and Ananya Bhakti is being exclusively devoted the One, letting go of all desires. This world is of death but the Being is immortal, which the innate Self knows. Those who have such Ananya Bhakti in that Being, I (Lord Krishna) will lift them above this ocean of death.

When the mind is in sync with Divinity, everything flows and no words, sights or sounds are needed. The senses are restrained and one go into deep Samadhi. And when one goes to a state of fullness or stillness, then one reaches the Divine consciousness. Such deep states of Samadhi benefit not just you, but the welfare for all beings.

The mind and intellect are the two things that make us feel separated from Him, hence let them both be attuned to the Master. Be like a shadow, a nobody without desires, so that one can tune into what the Master wants.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 12 (Day 2) at the Art of Living International Center, Bangalore:

The mature intellect brings forth devotion that is always in awe of creation. When something is unfathomable, the intellect is in awe. When the mind takes rest in the vastness of consciousness, only then can it know the Truth. This can only happen through Shraddha. Shraddha isnt just faith, it is to love something that is beyond the purview of knowing. And if one is willing to look beyond what is already known, then the vast wealth of knowledge embraces them.

The mind keeps wandering from one sense to another in search of satisfaction. It is only when one realises that this joy is caused by something greater, can make one centered. There is a saying that when one appreciates a flower, the flower feels sad as the creator of the flower isnt being appreciated. Therefore, in the previous chapter Lord Krishna declares himself as the cause of all the joy of the senses. The intellect keeps getting stuck in the senses but when the mind, intellect and Chitta get fixed on the Divine, the highest can be attained.

If one is unable to be completely fixated on the Divine, then one can establish devotion through the practices. However, any practice has to be done continuously without exception and with respect. Mental tiredness gives rise to the inability to do any practice. Many people do either only Sadhana or only Seva, and Lord Krishna does not spare either. He says, ‘If you work for Me then you will not be tired, this is for sure!’

Lord Krishna treats Arjuna as a friend and gives him options saying, ‘If you cant even maintain your practice, then at least be part of Me. Feel total oneness with Me.’ The body, mind and emotions are a result of karma. Good and bad things will happen, but be detached. Take refuge in My connection with you, and don’t ever question this relationship.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 12 (Day 3) at the Art of Living International Center, Bangalore:

Everyone does everything for a reason, and that reason is bliss… I am the Bliss. Take refuge in the practice of yoga with the desire to attain me through it. Whether I feel connected to you or not is immaterial, you feel connected to Me. 

More than love, hatred holds one back, because when we hate, we eat, bathe, sleep with it. It occupies all our time, thoughts and emotions. For your own sake, let go of the hatred. How does one get over immense hatred? Be friendly with those ahead of you, compassion for those behind and forgive those in between!

Lord Krishna talks about those who are dear to Him and those who are not. The Yogi who is content, free from external emotions, has strong conviction and whose heart and mind is filled with Me are my dearest. One who keeps equanimity when dealing with a friend or enemy, treats a compliment and insult equally, not stuck in cravings and aversions, is very dear to Me. But one who gets agitated by others and who agitate others is not tolerated. 

A disciple should be like the water that is found at its lowest point, so humble that even big storms cannot disturb him. Humility acts as a shock absorber, helping one maintain self-respect. 

Sticking to doership restrict one’s possibilities and potential. Doership puts one in a constant state of misery. Do good but don’t count it.The essence is to be centered in all situations. 

Forget all the past miseries, live in this present moment, happily follow the wisdom with love and unflinching devotion. One who follows all this is dear to Me!