What is Devotion?

Devotion, is a difficult feeling to understand for those who have never experienced it, but for those who have, it is a sweet, meaningful feeling that can only be described as an intensified love. This feeling of devotion is always accompanied by a feeling of liberation of freedom. True devotion, releases a person from worldly bondage or maya, and offers a tangible feelingof heaven on earth.

Ancient scriptures, especially those of Indian origin such as The Puranans, The Ramayana, Luv and Kush or The Mahabharata, that it had been written to the period, dating back thousands of years ago, all speak the same consistent lofty ideals, a love of true and carry the message of devotion.

There are many parts that lead to God, however the most fruitful, colourful and quickest is through devotion. This path Sri Chinmoy refers to, as the ‘sunlit path’. By practicing Bhakti Yoga, Sanskrit for union with God through devotion, one very speedily travel along the beautiful path which eventually leads to the top of the mountain - enlightenment, complete oneness with God and their own higher self.

Some ways to increase devotion are through meditation, prayer, singing and reading. When we pray, we speak to God, and when we meditate we listen. Sri Chinmoy has said that prayer and meditation are like ‘two wings to fly’, so we very quickly we can measure our progress, as well experiencing the many benefits that go alongside meditation and prayer. By singing songs, especially those of a devotional nature, like Mirabhai, one can become soulfully absorbs in delight and carry that divinity wherever they travel. As for reading there is so much inspirational reading available. Sri Chinmoy Library alone contains excerpts from some of his 1500+ devotional, spiritual books!