The teachings of Srila Prabhupada in the Bhagavad Gita As It Is and the Srimad Bhagavatam highlight that bhakti-yoga, or devotional service, is the essence of spiritual practice. It is the direct and most effective means to connect with the Supreme Lord, Krishna, and attain ultimate liberation. Below is a summary of Srila Prabhupada’s insights on cultivating bhakti in daily life:
1. Bhakti is the Supreme Process
- Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita (9.2):
“This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting and joyfully performed.”
Bhakti is joyful, personal, and directly connects us to Krishna. - The Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.6) describes that the highest dharma for humanity is bhakti:
“sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokṣaje”
Pure devotional service to the Supreme Lord, free from material motives, is the ultimate religion.
2. The Foundation of Bhakti: Hearing and Chanting
- Bhakti begins with hearing about the Lord (śravaṇam) and chanting His glories (kīrtanam).
Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.17):
“śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ”
By hearing Krishna’s pastimes, one’s heart is cleansed of material contamination. - In Bhagavad Gita (9.14), Krishna says:
“Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, and bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.”
Daily chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra purifies the heart and awakens devotion.
3. Bhakti is the Natural Function of the Soul
- Bhakti is not an artificial imposition; it is the soul’s eternal activity.
Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.6):
“ahaituky apratihatā yayātmā suprasīdati”
Devotion, free from selfish desires and uninterrupted, satisfies the self completely. - Bhagavad Gita (18.54) explains that only a person who is self-realized can engage in pure bhakti:
“brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā” – One who transcends material modes and understands their spiritual nature becomes joyful and naturally engages in Krishna’s service.
4. Bhakti in Daily Activities
- In Bhagavad Gita (9.27), Krishna says:
“Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform—do that as an offering to Me.”
Every action can become bhakti when done for Krishna. - Srimad Bhagavatam (3.29.11):
“A devotee should see every activity as an opportunity to serve the Lord and engage all the senses in His service.” - Cooking, working, and even household duties can become bhakti if performed with the intent to please Krishna.
5. Bhakti Requires Faith and Humility
- In Bhagavad Gita (4.39), Krishna says:
“A faithful man who is absorbed in transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace.”
Faith in Krishna and His instructions is the foundation of devotion. - Srila Prabhupada explains in Bhagavatam (1.2.11):
“The Absolute Truth is revealed only to those who approach with humility and a sincere desire to serve.”
Humility is an essential quality for cultivating bhakti.
6. Association of Devotees: The Key to Bhakti
- Srimad Bhagavatam (3.25.25):
“satāṁ prasaṅgān mama vīrya-saṁvido”
By associating with pure devotees, one hears about Krishna and develops a taste for devotion. - Srila Prabhupada emphasizes that devotional service flourishes in the company of like-minded devotees, where spiritual discussions inspire and purify the heart.
7. The Practice of Devotional Service (Sādhana-Bhakti)
- Srimad Bhagavatam (7.5.23):
“śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam”
Hearing, chanting, remembering, serving Krishna’s lotus feet, offering worship, and other practices are methods of devotional service. - Srila Prabhupada explains that sādhana-bhakti purifies the practitioner and leads to spontaneous devotion (rāgānuga-bhakti).
8. Bhakti is Free from Material Desire
- Bhagavad Gita (7.16) explains four types of devotees: distressed, inquisitive, desiring wealth, and those seeking knowledge. Among these, the wise devotee who serves Krishna without ulterior motives is the highest.
- Srimad Bhagavatam (2.3.10):
“akāmaḥ sarva-kāmo vā mokṣa-kāma udāra-dhīḥ”
A sincere devotee approaches Krishna without selfish desires, seeking only His pleasure.
9. Krishna’s Mercy in Bhakti
- Bhagavad Gita (10.10):
“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”
Krishna personally guides His devotees. - Srimad Bhagavatam (10.14.8):
“tat te ’nukampāṁ su-samīkṣamāṇo”
A devotee sees Krishna’s mercy in every situation and remains grateful, even in challenges.
10. The Goal of Bhakti: Love for Krishna
- Bhagavad Gita (18.65):
“Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me, and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail.”
Love for Krishna is the ultimate perfection of life. - Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.7):
“vāsudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ”
Engaging in bhakti develops attachment to Vasudeva, Krishna, and brings transcendental bliss.
Conclusion
Bhakti is not merely a ritual or duty; it is the essence of life. Srila Prabhupada teaches that through hearing, chanting, remembering Krishna, and engaging in practical devotional service, one can cultivate bhakti even amidst daily responsibilities. By making Krishna the center of our activities and desires, life becomes sublime, and the ultimate goal—eternal loving service to Krishna—is achieved.
Hare Krishna!