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Devotional Service

The Essence of Bhakti

Devotional service is the constitutional activity of the soul. It means engaging all senses in the service of the Supreme with love and devotion. The Bhagavad-gita (6.47) teaches that the greatest yogi is one who thinks of the Lord always, and (9.34) declares that devotional service is the highest path. The Bhagavad-gita (12.6-7) explains that pure devotion is unmotivated and uninterrupted, and (18.65) states that bhakti surpasses all other paths including karma (action), jnana (knowledge), and yoga (meditation). The Nectar of Devotion (Chapters 1-4) elaborates that love of God is the highest achievement.

Key Points

  • 1

    Devotion is the soul's natural activity

  • 2

    Pure devotion is unmotivated and uninterrupted

  • 3

    Bhakti purifies the heart and reveals spiritual reality

  • 4

    Love of God is the highest achievement