Bhakti

Meaning

devotion
Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activity.
attachment
Bond, closeness, loyalty.
fondness for
Affection or liking for someone or something.

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Interpretation

“BhaktiDevotion, Attachment, Surrender”(devotion) is the cell of surrender, and also of victory. The player surrenders to cosmic consciousness, and in turn, also liberates from the cycle of karma (wins the game). Lord Kṛṣṇa in Bhagvat Geeta claims – sarvdharman parityajya maamekam sharanam vraja aham tva sarvapaapebhyo mokshyishyami maa shuchah Abandoning all dharmas (of the body, mind and intellect), take refuge in Me alone; I will liberate thee from all sins: grieve not. “Bhakti” brings to mind the image of “Chaitanya Mahaprabhu” with uplifted arms, singing in ecstasy, glorifying his lord, Sri Kṛṣṇa. When I raise my hands in the temple or infront of an image of Maa Kaali with a feeling of “surrender” or devotion, I feel an energy flow in my body. Do you? It needs to be tried and experienced.

Swami Medhananda calls this energy a “silent longing”. “We do not know yet what we are longing for; we simply stand here with our uplifted arms. We become aware of our longing, a longing related to being and not to things. As long as we desire things, we are not able to enter this playground”. The Egyptians called it KA and recognised and worshiped it as the greatest force in the Universe. When the player lands on this cell, she is inspired to experience the energy of “Bhakti” inside her, and once she recognises this energy, she will rise automatically to Absolute Bliss / Vaikuṇṭha.

Another interesting experience and a childhood query comes to mind. Here is a short discussion between a disciple (“D:”) and his guru (“G:”) – D: Guruji, we go out begging for alms in the whole village everyday. We are brahmans, the highest class of society. Yet we are taught to beg? Why? Even the shudra are discouraged from begging. How can begging be an acceptable “karma”? G: What is your karma, dear one? (smiles and looks at his young disciple) D: To preach, guruji. To preach “bhakti” towards God and the philosophy of “puruṣhārtha”.

G: Well, is that not just what you are doing when you are out for bhiḵṣhā? Are you not preaching “bhakti” by example? Are you not teaching “puruṣhārtha” by example? Consider this deeply. When you utter “bhiḵṣhām dehi, bhiḵṣhām dehi, bhiḵṣhām dehi” in front of the door of a house, are you not putting your faith in God? Are you not preaching through example, of complete surrender to God? Are you not accepting without expectations? Are your karma, therefore, not under the influence of expectations? On the contrary, consider charging a “sufficient amount” from those whom you preach, in return for the very valuable knowledge that you are imparting to them. Will you be more convincing? Will you be practicing what you are preaching?

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Story

Bhakti is a Sanskrit word that means devotion or loving devotion. It is a central concept in Hinduism, and it is often seen as the path to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The earliest references to bhakti are found in the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. In these texts, bhakti is often seen as a form of worship of the gods. However, in the later Vedic texts, bhakti comes to be seen as a more personal and emotional form of devotion.

In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important texts of Hinduism, bhakti is described as the highest form of yoga. The Gita teaches that by cultivating bhakti, or loving devotion to God, one can achieve moksha.

The concept of bhakti has continued to be important in Hindu philosophy and practice. In the Bhakti movement, which began in the 6th century CE, bhakti became the central focus of religious life. The Bhakti movement emphasized the importance of personal devotion to God, and it led to the development of many different forms of bhakti, including devotional songs, dances, and poems.

Bhakti continues to be an important concept in Hindu philosophy and practice. It is seen as a path to moksha, and it is a way to connect with the divine.

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On the game board

Bhakti is the highest form of yoga. It is the path of love and devotion. Those who have bhakti will eventually achieve moksha.

The game of Ludo snake and ladder is a reminder that bhakti is essential for achieving moksha. We can cultivate bhakti by practicing yoga, meditation, and by chanting mantras.

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