How to Practice Daily Devotion
Discover a gentle guide to Sadhana. Learn how to practice Roopadhyana and Karm Yoga to stay connected to Shri Radha Krishna throughout your busy day.
Bhakti means attaching your mind to God. Simply doing physical actions like offering Arti, food, or singing bhajans is not devotion if the mind is elsewhere. While these actions involve our senses, the scriptures teach that the mind is the true performer of all actions. If the mind is not on God, the ritual lacks its life force. However, when the mind is focused on the Divine and the senses join in, your practice becomes immensely powerful.
Shri Maharaj Ji teaches that without mental training, we cannot advance even one step. Lovingly meditating on the personal form of God, or roopdhyana , is the life breath of our practice. Without it, devotion is like a body without a soul.
1. Creating Your Sacred Space
Find a quiet corner in your home that feels peaceful to you. Select a picture or Moorti of Shri Radha Krishna that naturally captures your heart. Place this image alongside your Guru in your designated space. By setting aside a specific time and place, you are creating a sanctuary where you can leave the world behind.
2. The Art of Presence: Roopadhyana
Softly close your eyes and let the rest of the world fade away. Feel that only your Guru and your beloved God are with you.
Begin your Roopadhyana by gently visualizing the Divine form. Imagine the picture coming to life before you. Notice the soft beauty of the peacock feather, the shimmer of the Tilak on His forehead, and the vibrant yellow of His Pitambara. See the delicate forest flowers of His Vanmala and hear the soft jingle of His anklets.
3. Tending to the Beloved
In the quiet of your mind, offer your love through small acts of service (Seva). Perhaps you fan them on a warm day or gently press their lotus feet. Know that because He resides in your heart, He is intimately aware of every loving sentiment you feel. Remind yourself softly: "You are mine, and I am Yours."
4. Deepening the Connection
To help your mind stay anchored in this sweetness, you can follow these simple steps:
- The Daily Prayer: Recite the words of Jagadguruttam Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj slowly, letting the meaning sink into your heart.
- Arti of Shri Radha Krishna: Express your gratitude through light, deepening your reverence for the one who guides you.
- Arti of the Guru: Express your gratitude through light, deepening your reverence for the one who guides you.
- Bhajans: Sing or listen to one or two songs, using the lyrics to help your mind see Their divine beauty and pastimes.
- The Offering (Bhoga): Offer a little simple, pure food. Imagine Them tasting it with a smile. When you eat this Prasada later, feel it as a gift of Their grace.
5. Walking with the Divine (Karm Yoga)
As you finish your formal practice, try to carry that feeling with you into your day. Whether you are working or resting, imagine your Guru and God are still walking beside you. This is the essence of Karm Yoga—living your life while your heart stays tucked away in the Divine.
You can begin right now, exactly as you are.
Further Reading and References
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