Bhakti Yoga Samadhi is the meditative path to devotion that helps the practitioners to cultivate intense love for the Almighty(2), and experience union with God(1) 

Introduction

Bhakti Yoga Samadhi is the final stage of uniting with God, but this meditation technique is believed to be effective only when practiced with Karma (cause and effect of one’s actions) Yoga and Jnana (knowledge) Yoga(1). Through the practice of Karma Yoga Meditation, one performs selfless actions, leading to the attainment of a balanced mind. Jnana Yoga helps one understand the knowledge of the existence of the Almighty(1). However, this knowledge remains fruitless unless the practitioners devote to Bhakti Yoga. The meditation method induces in them the Love of God and unites them with the Lord(1). 

Bhakti Yoga Samadhi, in its essence, is the search for God, which begins, continues, and ends in the Almighty’s Love(2). It is believed that when the meditators attain union with the Supreme Being and feel His Love, they achieve eternal freedom(2).

History/Origins

Bhakti Yoga is a part of Sama-Veda(1). In the sacred Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions to Arjuna that He believes Sama-Veda is the most important one among the four Vedas (religious texts originating in ancient India). He declares, “Of the Vedas I am the Sama-Veda…(1)” According to the great sage Narad Muni, “Bhakti is greater than Karma, greater than Yoga, because these are intended for an object in view, while Bhakti is its own fruition, its own means, and its own end(2).  

The devotional meditation technique of Bhakti Yoga is an important aspect of many chapters from the Bhagavad Gita(3). In the Holy Book, Lord Krishna says, “Those who, fixing their mind in me, are constantly engaged in my worship, endowed with supreme faith, those are superior in yoga, in my opinion(3).” This quote advocates the superiority of Bhakti Yoga as a meditation technique. 

Benefits of Vedic Meditation (Bhakti Yoga Samadhi)

A research article published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy(6) suggests that yoga has the capacity to reduce activity in the brain regions responsible for processing of negative emotions. Therefore, yoga can help people with anxiety disorders. Another study(7) informs that devotion-based meditation techniques can help with relaxation and reducing stress. So, you can positively impact your psychological health by practicing Bhakti Yoga Samadhi regularly. 

 

References

  1. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd | Bhakti Yoga for Beginners: Beginners Guide by Ravindra Kumar
  2. BookRix | Wisdom Of Yogas: Bhakti, Raja and Karma by Swami Vivekanand | Definition of Bhakti
  3. Lulu.com | The Yoga Of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) – A Commentary On The Bhagavad Gita Chapters 7-12 by Gk Marballi
  4. Dilip Kumar Publishers | Gheranda Samhita: Sanskrit – English, Edited by Chandra Vasu and Translated by Rai Bahadur Srisa
  5. thedailymeditation.com | Bhakti Yoga Meditation Practices: What You Need To Know
  6. International Journal of Yoga Therapy | Volume 9, Issue 1 | Neurophysiology of Yoga Meditation by Roy King and Ann Brownstone
  7. Journal of Psychology and Theology | Volume 16, Issue 4 | A Controlled Evaluation of Devotional Meditation and Progressive Relaxation by Charles R. Carlson, Panayiota E. Bacaseta, and Dexter A. Simanton