Is Bhakti Emotionalism?

There is a common myth that Bhakti is emotionalism. Emotionalism is when someone lets their feelings take over, ignoring logic and reason. It often leads to drama and prioritizing emotional highs over the truth.

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj teaches us that Bhakti is far from this.

The True Nature of Bhakti

First, Bhakti (भक्ति) is an intimate, divine power of God. She is such a unique power that She brings the power-holder, Almighty God, under Her control.

However, the word is also used to describe the practice itself. We must distinguish between the "means" and the "end." The Bhakti that you and I practice is called Sadhana Bhakti (साधन भक्ति). We perform this practice to attain that ultimate divine power known as Sadhya Bhakti (साध्य भक्ति).

Bhakti Requires Logic, Not Blind Faith

Unlike emotionalism, which ignores reason, the Vedic scriptures clearly state that you cannot attain God without a Guru. This decision requires careful thinking, not blind emotion.

You must cry your heart out to The Lord to send a Guru who is Shrotriya (knows the true meaning of scriptures) and Brahmanishtha (is God-realized). Maharaj Ji warns us not to accept someone just because others say so. Use your own logic. Check if their explanations match the scriptures.

Do not accept a person as your Guru if they promise material gifts, act like they are possessed, perform magic tricks, or just want to gather followers. These are gimmicks used by fake holy men. A true Saint teaches you the divine laws and encourages you to engage your mind in devotion. He will practically demonstrate it to you, just like a kindergarten teacher holding a child's hand to show them how to write the letter "A".

The Rule of Secrecy

Furthermore, the scriptures do not encourage putting on a show of your feelings. On the contrary, the rule is clear:

Gopanīyaṁ gopanīyaṁ gopanīyaṁ prayatnataḥ गोपनीयं गोपनीयं गोपनीयं प्रयत्नतः "Keep it secret, keep it secret, keep it secret with great effort."

God-realized Saints keep their devotion hidden, and sincere seekers must do the same. Worldly love grows by showing it off, but divine love grows by hiding it. Keep this love like a secret treasure deep inside your heart. Do not show your emotions to get praise from others; this will only increase your pride. God is the friend of the humble, not those with big egos.

Internal Practice over External Show

The human body is frail, and our time here is uncertain. Do not waste time showing off. Love God as if He is your only eternal relative.

Think of how a devoted spouse acts to please their beloved. They cook, clean, earn, dress up, and do everything with the single thought of making their beloved happy. They excitedly describe the qualities and looks of their beloved to others. Similarly, devotees sing their Guru and God's qualities, their thoughts are absorbed in God, and their actions are geared towards pleasing Them. They perform their worldly actions with the sole intent of pleasing God and Guru.

Your duty is to cultivate dīnatā (दीनता — humility). Accept your faults. Realize that even your best efforts are not enough to attain the Divine. Beg Him to attract your mind and carry you across the ocean of māyā (माया — cosmic illusion).

Symptoms of Love and Inner Intent

Tears, goosebumps, and fainting are known as sāttvika bhāva (सात्त्विक भाव — symptoms of divine ecstasy). As you practice sincerely under the guidance of your Guru, you may eventually experience these physical signs of love.

However, be careful. As your devotion gets deeper, these symptoms might happen in public. The instruction is balanced: do not force them to get praise, but do not be ashamed if they happen uncontrollably. They are a private blessing to be cherished inside.

Ultimately, remember that God cannot be fooled. He resides in your heart as the Antaryāmī (अन्तर्यामी — Indweller). He notes the intent behind every action. He knows perfectly well if you are just putting on a show or if you are truly loving Him. True Bhakti is not a dramatic display of emotions; it is the silent, sincere, and secret longing of the soul for God.