the Equinox - The Hermetic Library

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING
Of Bhakta Yoga the “Nârada Sûtra” says:
58. Love (Bhakti) is easier than other methods.
59. Being self-evident it does not depend on other truths.
60. And from being of the nature of peace and supreme bliss.*
This exquisite little Sûtra commences:
1. We will now explain Love.
2. Its nature is extreme devotion to some one.
3. Love is immortal.
4. Obtaining it man becomes perfect, becomes immortal, becomes satisfied.
5. And obtaining it he desires nothing, grieves not, hates not, does not delight,
makes no effort.
6. Knowing it he become intoxicated, transfixed, and rejoices in the Self
(Âtman).
This is further explained at the end of Swâtmârâm
Swâmi's “Hatha-Yoga.”
Bhakti really means the constant perception of the form of the Lord by the
Antahkarana. There are nine kinds of Bahktis enumerated. Hearing his
histories and relating them, remembering him, worshipping his feet, offering
flowers to him, bowing to him (in soul), behaving as his servant, becoming his
companion and offering up one's Âtman to him. . . . Thus, Bhakti, in its most
transcendental aspect, is included in Sampradnyâta Samâdhi.†
* Nârada Sûtra. Translated by T. Sturdy. Also see the works of Bhagavan
Ramanuja, Bhagavan Vyasa, Prahlada, and more particularly Vivekânanda's
"Bhakti Yoga." Bhakta Yoga is divided into two main divisions. (1) The
preparatory, known as “Gauni”; (2) The devotional, known as “Pará.” Thus it
very closely resembles, even in detail, the Operation of Abramelin, in which the
aspirant, having thoroughly prepared himself, devotes himself to the invocation
of his Holy Guardian Angel.
† In Bhakta Yoga the disciple usually devotes himself to his Guru, to whom
he offers his devotion. The Guru being treated as the God himself with which
the Chela wishes to unite. Eventually “He alone sees no distinctions! The
mighty ocean of love has entered unto him, and he sees not men, animals and
plants or the sun, moon and the stars, but beholds his Beloved everywhere
and in everything. Vivekânanda, “Bhakti Yoga,” Udbodham edition, p. 111.
The Sufis were Bhakti Yogis, so was Christ. Buddha was a Gnani Yogi.
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