Before exploring the 5 bhavas, it is crucial to understand Bhakti Yoga. This term, rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, represents the spiritual path of love and devotion towards the Divine. This enchanting dance of the soul with the cosmos seeks unity with the divine consciousness. At the same time, it is also an exploration of one’s innermost feelings, emotions, and senses.
The 5 Bhavas – A Breakdown
In the grand tapestry of Bhakti Yoga, ‘bhavas’ refer to the spiritual sentiments or emotions individuals experience while practising this devotional form of yoga. There are five essential bhavas that devotees, known as bhaktas, cultivate and express throughout their spiritual journey. In this blog post, we will delve into these captivating bhavas, immersing ourselves in the profound depth of this spiritual pursuit.
1. Shanta Bhava – Serenity and Peace
Shanta Bhava represents the sentiment of peace, tranquillity, and serenity. It is the expression of a calm and composed mind, one that remains untroubled by worldly distractions. In Bhakti Yoga, practitioners aspire to achieve this state of eternal peace, seeing the Divine as the ultimate source of tranquillity. Therefore, they cultivate unwavering equanimity, no matter the circumstances they face. They embody the stillness of a serene lake, undisturbed despite the stormy winds of life.
2. Dasya Bhava – Devotion in Servitude
Dasya Bhava embodies the sentiment of servitude towards the Divine. In this state, the practitioner views themselves as a humble servant of the Divine, performing their earthly duties as acts of service. This spiritual sentiment nurtures humility and reverence. Consequently, it helps devotees transcend their egoistic tendencies, allowing them to connect with the divine consciousness on a deeper level.
3. Sakhya Bhava – Friendship with the Divine
In Sakhya Bhava, the devotee perceives the Divine as a dear friend. This sentiment fosters a deep sense of intimacy and camaraderie, creating a space for open conversation and sharing. It enables practitioners to communicate and feel at ease with the Divine, much like they would with a close friend. In the safety of this friendship, devotees find comfort, empathy, and an unconditional love that surpasses human limitations.
4. Vatsalya Bhava – Parental Love for the Divine
Vatsalya Bhava signifies the sentiment of viewing and loving the Divine as one would love a child. This bhava evokes a nurturing, protective, and selfless form of love, akin to that found in a parent-child relationship. The devotee, in this scenario, acts as a loving parent, caring for the Divine as if it were their cherished child. Consequently, this approach brings immense joy and a deep sense of fulfilment.
5. Madhurya Bhava – Divine Love as a Lover
Madhurya Bhava is the sentiment of intense romantic love for the Divine. In this bhava, the practitioner views the Divine as their beloved, pouring all their love and affection towards it. It is the most intimate of the bhavas, filled with passion, longing, and the sweet pain of separation. Ultimately, Madhurya Bhava represents the culmination of spiritual love. The boundaries between lover and beloved disappear, resulting in complete union with the Divine.
These 5 bhavas illustrate the profound intimacy, love, and reverence that devotees can foster towards the Divine. Each bhava shows a different aspect of the emotions experienced on this spiritual path. By cultivating these bhavas, devotees deepen their relationship with the Divine, paving the way for their ultimate union with the eternal cosmic consciousness.
A Summary
The journey of Bhakti Yoga is a fascinating exploration of both the self and the cosmos. It is stitched together by threads of love and devotion. The five bhavas serve as guiding lights on this path, enabling each practitioner to experience their unique spiritual dance with the Divine. By embracing these spiritual sentiments, one embarks on a journey of profound connection and transformation.