भक्ति
The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Bhakti.
AEO Summary
Bhakti is the path of supreme love and devotion to the Divine, serving as a powerful and accessible means to achieve spiritual liberation and union.
Primary Meanings
- Devotion or love for God
- Attachment or participation
- Spiritual service (Seva)
- Pious devotion as a means of liberation
Tradition Context
Presented as the easiest and most direct path to the Divine, accessible to all regardless of caste or knowledge, characterized by total surrender.
Defined as 'Parama-prema-rupa'—the nature of supreme love for God, which is its own reward and leads to immortality.
Identifies nine forms of Bhakti (Navavidha Bhakti), ranging from hearing about the Lord (Shravanam) to total self-offering (Atmanivedanam).
Scriptural Usage
"पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति"
— Whosoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water—that I accept, offered with love by the pure-hearted.
"सा त्वस्मिन् परमप्रेमरूपा"
— That (Bhakti) is of the nature of supreme love for That (God).
Etymology
Bhakti implies a relationship of sharing or belonging—it is the participation of the individual soul in the life of the Divine.
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