Bhakti
Introduction
Bhakti is a term in Hinduism that signifies devotion, attachment, and love for a personal god or a spiritual idea. It is derived from the Sanskrit root "bhaj," which means "to share" or "to partake." Bhakti is a central concept in many Indian religions, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it has played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of South Asia.
Historical Context
The origins of Bhakti can be traced back to the early Vedic period, where the concept of devotion to deities was already present. However, it was during the post-Vedic period, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita, that Bhakti began to emerge as a distinct spiritual path. The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, is one of the earliest texts to articulate the philosophy of Bhakti, emphasizing devotion to Krishna as a means to attain moksha (liberation).
The Bhakti movement gained momentum between the 7th and 12th centuries CE, particularly in South India, with the rise of the Alvars and Nayanars, who were poet-saints devoted to Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. This movement later spread to North India, influencing various regional traditions and leading to the emergence of numerous Bhakti poets and saints, such as Kabir, Mira Bai, Tulsidas, and Guru Nanak.
Philosophical Foundations
Bhakti is not merely an emotional or sentimental attachment but is deeply rooted in philosophical and theological principles. The Vedanta schools of Hindu philosophy, particularly the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankaracharya and the Vishishtadvaita of Ramanuja, have provided substantial philosophical underpinnings for Bhakti.
Advaita Vedanta
In Advaita Vedanta, Bhakti is seen as a means to realize the non-dual nature of reality. Adi Shankaracharya, a proponent of Advaita, emphasized that true Bhakti involves the recognition of the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the supreme soul (Brahman). According to this view, devotion to a personal god is a preliminary step that eventually leads to the realization of the impersonal absolute.
Vishishtadvaita
In contrast, Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) posits that the individual soul and the supreme soul are distinct yet inseparable. Ramanuja argued that Bhakti is the highest form of devotion and the most effective means to attain liberation. In this framework, the personal god, particularly Vishnu or his incarnations, is the ultimate reality, and loving devotion to this god is the path to salvation.
Practices and Rituals
Bhakti manifests in various practices and rituals, which can be broadly categorized into nine forms, known as the Navadha Bhakti:
1. **Shravana (Listening):** Listening to the divine stories and glories of the deity. 2. **Kirtana (Singing):** Singing hymns and praises of the deity. 3. **Smarana (Remembering):** Constantly remembering the deity. 4. **Padasevana (Service):** Serving the deity by attending to their needs. 5. **Archana (Worship):** Performing rituals and offering prayers to the deity. 6. **Vandana (Prostration):** Bowing down and showing reverence to the deity. 7. **Dasya (Servitude):** Considering oneself as a servant of the deity. 8. **Sakhya (Friendship):** Developing a friendly relationship with the deity. 9. **Atmanivedana (Surrender):** Complete surrender of oneself to the deity.
These practices are not mutually exclusive and are often combined in various ways to express devotion.
Bhakti Literature
The Bhakti movement has produced a rich corpus of literature, including poetry, hymns, and philosophical treatises. This literature is characterized by its emotional intensity, simplicity of language, and profound spiritual insights.
South Indian Bhakti
In South India, the Bhakti literature is primarily composed in Tamil and includes the hymns of the Alvars and Nayanars. The Tiruvaymoli by Nammalvar and the Tevaram by the Nayanars are seminal works in this tradition.
North Indian Bhakti
In North India, Bhakti literature is composed in various regional languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, and Marathi. Notable works include the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas, the Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus, and the Bijak by Kabir.
Bhakti and Social Reform
The Bhakti movement was not just a religious phenomenon but also a social reform movement. It challenged the rigid caste system and promoted the idea of equality and universal brotherhood. Bhakti saints like Kabir and Ravidas openly criticized the social inequalities and advocated for a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
Bhakti in Modern Times
The influence of Bhakti continues to be felt in contemporary times. Modern spiritual leaders and movements, such as the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, have carried forward the Bhakti tradition, adapting it to the needs and sensibilities of the modern world.
Conclusion
Bhakti, as a path of devotion and love for the divine, has had a profound impact on the religious, cultural, and social fabric of South Asia. Its emphasis on personal devotion, emotional expression, and social equality continues to inspire millions of people around the world.