One who has attained the power of bhakti is called a bhakt (भक्त, bhakta).
This term is also used more broadly for anyone who intensely adores something or someone, e.g., one who loves money is often referred to as a "bhakt of wealth."
Can miracles, mystical powers, scholarship, popularity, or spiritual appearances prove God-realization? Learn why external signs can be misleading and what truly distinguishes a God-realized Saint.
Recognizing a true Saint is among the most difficult tasks on the spiritual path. While Saints are ultimately known only by Saints, sincere seekers can gradually infer saintliness through prolonged association, inner transformation, growing faith, and increasing attraction toward God.
Scripture repeatedly describes God-realized personalities displaying emotions, confusion, grief, attachment, or behavior that appears worldly. These examples teach an important principle: external behavior alone cannot reveal the inner spiritual state of a Saint.
Learn the proper way for a spiritual aspirant to benefit from a God-realized Saint. Discover why humility, inquiry, service, faith, and surrender are essential for spiritual progress, and why following a Saint's guidance is more important than merely admiring a Saint.