Signs of Deviation from Bhakti Yoga: Characteristics and Symptoms

According to ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita, a bhakta, or devotee, is someone who engages in loving devotion, Bhakti Yoga, to the personal aspect of the Divine, Bhagavan, seeking a deep spiritual connection. Their actions are characterized by acts of worship, chanting, prayer, and selfless service, reflecting a deep surrender to the will of the Divine. This devotion aims to treat everyone equally, surrender ego to receive the grace and blessings of the Divine, and dedicate their lives to service in honor of the Divine. Yet, what signs indicate that someone is not following this path? Let's explore this question in detail.

Key Characteristics of a Bhakta

A true bhakta has qualities that align with their spiritual journey. Engaging in Bhakti Yoga involves:

Limiting negative actions and thoughts and promoting positive ones Chanting holy names and mantras Offering selfless service to others Dedicating their lives to loving devotion Seeing the Divine in all beings Surrendering the ego and recognizing the immanence and transcendency of the Divine

These actions and beliefs are deeply rooted in the Bhagavad Gita. For example, in >[Bhagavad Gita 2.47](_en), it is described that a devoted soul would reject the desire to continue serving the Supreme even during liberation, illustrating the strength of their faith.

Symptoms of Deviation from Bhakti Yoga

While a bhakta is characterized by these qualities, there are signs that indicate someone is not on the path of devotion. One of the primary signs is the lack or decline of control over thoughts and emotions. >[Bhagavad Gita 6.6]()' emphasizes the importance of mastering one's thoughts and emotions. An uncontrolled mind can lead to various distractions, desires, and negative emotions, hindering spiritual growth.

When the mind is not controlled, it can lead to the six enemies of the mind, known as Arishadvarga:

Kama: Lust - This leads to selfish desires, diverting the focus from divine love to personal pleasure. Krodha: Anger - Anger disrupts compassion and understanding, leading to resentment instead of seeing the Divine in all beings. Lobha: Greed - Greed promotes a sense of entitlement, neglecting selflessness and the needs of others. Moha: Delusion - Attachment to material things draws focus away from the Divine, making it difficult to maintain constant remembrance. Mada: Pride - Pride contradicts humility, preventing one from surrendering fully to the Divine. Matsarya: Jealousy - Jealousy clouds judgment, disrupting inner peace and the sense of unity with others.

The Bhagavad Gita views devotion and these enemies as a game of 'Snakes and Ladders'. Just as in the game, positive qualities like humility, devotion, and selflessness act as ladders propelling spiritual growth, while giving in to the Arishadvarga is like landing on snakes leading to spiritual regression. Succumbing to these enemies can even result in losing significant progress, forcing the bhakta to start over.

The Journey of Spiritual Growth

It is important to recognize that spiritual growth is a journey. Although the Bhagavad Gita acknowledges that spiritual progress can be hindered by these enemies, it also emphasizes perseverance and gradual transformation. Spiritual growth is not a linear journey but a continuous process. As a bhakta advances on the path of Bhakti Yoga, they aim to reach a deeper connection with the Divine. Positive qualities that align with the path act as ladders propelling spiritual growth, while succumbing to the Arishadvarga is like landing on snakes leading to spiritual regression.

In conclusion, the qualities a bhakta should have and the signs of someone not following the path of devotion are clear from the Bhagavad Gita. Understanding and recognizing these signs can help one remain on the path of Bhakti Yoga and support others in their spiritual journey.