The pathless path - Part 2

This is the second article in a series of articles. Reading the first article, puts this one into perspective.

Discussing and exploring different paths and practices to become aware of our own, peaceful Nature, we are going to start with the path of devotion. This is also known as Bhakti Yoga.

The path of devotion is especially helpful, when we consider ourselves to be this person, or a 'separate self'. In this case, because we identify as an object, our focus of devotion can also be an object. Examples of such is a statue of a deity, a photo of a 'holy person', a guru, or likewise. Our object of devotion does not have to be a holy person or image, it can even be the beauty of Mother Nature. 

Regardless of our belief system, this path welcomes everyone. We do not need any spiritual or philosophical knowledge either - which is a great bonus for us!

If this is new to us, ideally we can start by having a physical object of devotion. This makes it easier to concentrate on. 

Bhakti Yoga can be fun! We can, but we do not need to keep a straight face and sit up straight - our practice can include singing or chanting, reading, making art about our Beloved, doing prostrations, making offerings, and more!

Shifting our focus

The purpose of having an object of devotion, be this physical or intellectual, is to shift all the mental attachments and desires to only one object, alone. For example, we can start our day (or whenever we find it appropriate) by dedicating 10 or 15 minutes to only look at the photo on our altar, sing to God, pray, or only think of the good qualities of a deity or guru. 

In this way, the attachments and desires to other objects grow weaker and weaker, and our concentration improves.

Even though this kind of devotion starts off in duality, such as 'me' and 'God' or 'me' and 'the guru', the aim is to go beyond duality. This means, that 'I' as this person, or this 'separate self' come to my altar, into the temple, or wherever we go, approaching the holy object. From here, we do what we do, whichever ritual or prayer we do, and we surrender our thoughts and concentrate only on one object.

By grace - and not by the idea of 'me' and my 'own free will' - the idea of a 'separate self' or the 'doer' dissolves in concentration, and there is union with God, the Guru, etc.

The purpose, as mentioned, is for the idea of a 'separate self' to dissolve, and to realize the Oneness of things. We realize that reality is 'not two', that there is God alone and only God. Or, that everything is The Self.

Checking Up

One thing we should be mindful of is not to get attached to our devotional practice. At some point, the concept of duality needs to be dissolved, we need to realize that God or the Guru is not separate from who we are. Our True Nature must be revealed or become clear to us.

It is possible to get attached to the sensation of 'bliss' or the tears of joy, the emotions arising during our practice. In this way, we can easily be driven by expectation - starting a meditation or ritual, and expecting some energy rush, tears, or Samadhi.

Our Bhakti Yoga can be performed alongside other paths or practices, we do not have to choose only one. Ideally, we can have a combination of paths or practices that we follow, because they are all linked. They all have the potential to take us beyond duality.

Even after realizing our True Nature, we can continue our Bhakti Yoga, which will most likely happen. Our practice will become more and more meaningful. Our love for God, for the Guru, or the Truth, gets stronger and stronger. We sink deeper and deeper into the Heart of Awareness. 

In the next article, we shall explore another path or practice which leads to inner peace and happiness.

 

An example of a small altar for worship or devotion

Related articles on this blog:

The Pathless Path, Part 1 - 6 September, 2021
Separation and Suffering - 4 July, 2021
Peace and Happiness - 6 June, 2021