yoga teachers fellowship

Bhakti
Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of Love and Devotion, and is one of the most direct paths to Union with God (Samadhi). Bhakti Yoga is also a very important element of Hinduism. It is practiced by giving one’s full devotion to God. God is Love and Love is God, and a Bhakta (Bhakti devotee) wants nothing else than to love and be re-united with God. Bhakti Yoga is pure and unselfish.
According to Sri Ramanuja, there are eleven methods to realize God through love:
Abhyasa (continuous thinking of God);
Viveka (discrimination between the real (permanent) and the unreal (temporary));
Vimoka (longing for God and freedom from all else);
Satyam (truthfulness);
Arjavam (straightforwardness);
Kriya (serving others);
Kalyana (wishing good to all);
Daya (compassion);
Ahimsa (non-injury);
Dana (charity); and
Anavasada (cheerfulness and optimism).