Devotion

bhakti

Leading a devotional life, guided by devotional practices, are part of the Bhakti path of yoga. However the attitude of devotion is essential in all inner work. Unless we can be devoted to the journey, and to our inner life, there is no real connection being made. It’s what draws us close, makes us vulnerable, to the point of deep surrender. It’s the faith (shraddha) and the devotion (bhakti) that brings humility to the force that sustains us. Devotion to what, one may ask. Devotion to Life, if nothing else. We may not have clarity, or all the answers that we’re looking for, but devotion is what will keep fanning our fire and prepare the grow ground for germination of the seeds of surrender.

Another word that may resonate deeper than devotion (in our culture devotion gets strange associations sometimes), is reverence, or honoring. It means that we allow space in our hearts for the mystery, trusting the process and letting go of our own limited sense of control. It is trusting a higher power, and deeply honoring that power, no matter the name or form you attach to its qualities. Why is this an important component? Well, it feeds a sense of gratitude for the myriad of gifts that we’ve been granted, including life itself.

In contemporary jargon, we may say that gratitude is the seed of devotion. The gift of Life, expressed through its myriad experiences, has humbled us enough to feel grateful for the precious gift of experience and awareness. Śraddhā - faith (unattached to a person/being/idol or outcome) - lends conviction to stay on the path even in times of uncertainty. It is the trust that ride any waves. Devotion and faith are thus essential ingredients to the spiritual journey. They hold our hand as things get tough, or as we are facing doubts or obstacles on the path. What we’re facing is our own ego and conditioning, our own story line and beliefs. Devotion helps us find trust again and again.