Devotion is essentially of the nature of love. It is not a mere physical attraction to a person or thing nor is it just an intellectual appreciation of the qualities of the desired object. The abode of love is not the body or the intellect; it is the heart. That is why it is not possible to understand the nature of love by intellectual analysis or by logical reasoning. The only sure way to cultivate it is in the company of those divine souls whose hearts are ever-filled with love for the Lord. But, being endowed with the faculty of the intellect, we need a logical explanation for everything for everything. What is this love? What is its nature? How can one develop it?

It is said that if spiritual life is a tree, its flowers are self-control and discrimination. Cultivation of these culminates in the fruit of Self Knowledge. This is the fulfillment of spiritual endeavour. Devotion to the Lord is the nectar of this knowledge. A fruit without juice is tasteless as knowledge without bhakti rasa (the nectar of devotion) is dry and incomplete.

The word bhakti is often misunderstood. People consider it a display of emotion and thus not fit for intellectuals. However, if we look at the great rishi-s (sages) of India (and elsewhere), we find that many of them they were very well educated but still reveled in supreme love for the Lord. Even in ordinary relationships (brother, sister, spouse etc.), love helps us develop a cheerful attitude towards life and all beings. So imagine the attitude of one who develops love for the Lord!

Bhakti is devotion to a higher cause. It uplifts us and makes us unselfish. It helps us rise above petty limitations and sacrifice even the ego (the sense of ‘I’ and ‘mine’) for the object of love. Anyone can develop love, for it requires no analysis or study, elaborate rituals and ceremonies. Where there is love, nothing else is required.

The best way to develop such devotion is by satsang (the company of the wise and devoted). Associating with them and listening to their words raises your mind higher. Your attachments slowly fall away, your desires reduce, you develop discrimination and ultimately attain lasting freedom.

Swami Tejomayananda is worldwide head of Chinmaya Mission.