Fundamentals of Bhakti-yoga

In the initial part of the harikatha, Srila Gurudev, explains about jiva-tatva and Bhagavat-tatva, the understanding of which is the foundation of bhakti-yoga. In a very easy language, giving simple examples, he explains the nature of the soul as the eternally existing knowledge and blissful principle. Then, giving scriptural evidences, he vividly explains Bhagavat-tatva. He sings the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam and names Srimad Bhagavatam Himself as Bhakti-yoga. Later, he narrates the discussion between Videha Raj Nimi and Navayogendra, the nine sons of Rishabha Deva. And at the end, he concludes the harikatha by describing Mahamatra of all the four yugas and strongly emphasizing on chanting of the Mahamatra to be the only path of getting the ultimate objective Krishna-prema.

Bhakti-yoga is the Topmost

Sree Gurudev first have narrated Ambarish Maharaj’s life to show how much love Supreme Lord has towards His devotees. He then explains a verse from Bhagavat Gita where Krishna says that amongst all the yogis, in His opinion, a bhakti-yogi is topmost. Srila Gurudev then narrates about the various love relations in which devotees serve the Supreme Lord. And nearing the end, Srila Gurudev has emphasized on a very important teaching that if we want to develop love for Krishna then we should not inflict injuries to any of the living beings as all are coming from Krishna.

Who is Eligible for Bhakti-yoga?

In the initial part of harikatha, Srila Gurudev describes about śreyaḥ-mārg and preyaḥ-mārg. Then quoting the statements of Srimad Bhagavatam, he narrates about the eligibility criteria stated by Supreme Lord Krishna for the paths of karma, gyāna and bhakti. Indifference to the worldly pleasures gives eligibility for gyāna-mārg whereas the only eligibility for bhakti-mārg is the natural inclination of a person for hearing and chanting the glories of Supreme Lord. He concludes the topic by narrating the commentary of Bhaktivinoda Thakur on viṣayā vinivartante verse and explains how one can progress gradually on the path of devotion.

Karma, Jñāna and Bhakti According to Bhagavad-Gītā

Among all kinds of yogīs, one who, while concentrating his mind on Me, worships Me—My eternal, transcendental form—with firm faith and devotion is the highest yogī. Hence, the bhakti-yogī is the highest among yogīs.

I Want to Say to You…

I am pleased to hear that you are engaged in only taking the Name of Sri Hari. The scriptures, as well as our predecessor acaryas, have advised us to give up karma(fruitive activity), jñana(knowledge), yoga(meditation), tyaga(renunciation), vrata(accepting vows) and tapasya(practising austerities), and have advised us to practice only harinama.

How to Achieve the Absolute

On the basis of the Vedas, learned sages have described many methods for the welfare of the soul. O Krishna, are they all correct? In other words, is whatever one believes correct, or is there one method amongst all that is supreme?