Understanding Bhakti, Essay Example

Bhakti, according to Novak’s section of the Bhagavad-Gita, is the devotional worship of the one supreme deity, Vishnu, especially in his incarnation as Krishna, for it is by the grace of Krishna that one can attain salvation irrespective of class, caste or sex (Novak). Bhakti queries the multi-coloured pursuits of the mystical manifestations, who is the Krishna, the supreme Lord, and His Vedically ratified expansions and incarnations, through which the delight of His undeviating service is the premier that automatically comprises everything that has and can be offered by liberation (Novak).

Verse 2.44

In the observances of them who are excessively committed to experience material wealth and enjoyment, and to those who are bemused by such things, the unyielding fortitude for sacred service to the Supreme Lord does not occur. (Flood and Charles)

This verse simply means that those who are consumed by the sheer will to accumulate wealth and seek material happiness do not have any desire to worship and give unwavering service to the supreme Lord. It is quite similar to the English saying, “one cannot serve two masters”

Verse 2.45

The Vedas majorly pertains to the 3 kinds of material nature. O Arjuna, obtain transcendence to all the 3 kinds of material nature. Be accustomed to self and be free from all fretfulness and mannerisms of duality. (Flood and Charles)

This verse entails of how Arjuna is given council to rise above material activities, for such activities entail actions and reactions to the 3 kinds of material nature. Arjuna is advised to obtain transcendence to rise above simplicity, that us gratification of sense. Arjuna is encouraged to find and develop tolerance in the facade of dualities, for example warmth and cold, suffering and pleasure. By doing this, toleration of dualities, fretfulness towards loss and gain would not be a hindrance to devoted worship.

Works Cited

Flood, Gavin D and Martin Charles. The Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation. 2012. Print.

Novak, Phillip. The World’s Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World’s Religions. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1994. Print.