Bhakti Yoga Meditation: A Guide
In this article, we’ll look at Bhakti, an ancient meditation technique that stems from yoga, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Paul Deussen, the author of Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, states that Bhakti was first mentioned in the text the Shvetashvatara Upanishad. Hence, it has a very spiritual origin. However, today it is mostly associated with yoga [READ: Best Yoga Meditations].
The practice aims to make the mind one with a deity, object, or person.
In the book The Embodiment of Bhakti [Oxford University Press], Karen Pechelis explains that it is about showing love and devotion to a personal deity. For instance, Buddhists use the technique to become one with Buddha. However, you can also practice by meditating on a relaxing object, such as a crystal.
Guided Bhakti meditation
Script
- Sit comfortably in a relaxing space. To follow the traditional method, create a meditation space, altar or shrine dedicated to your deity / subject. Fill this space with images, sculptures, candles, relaxing features, and other items that will help you to relax and to connect to your deity.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Roll your shoulders back and let them open outwards. This will open your heart-space. Lightly lower your chin, which will lengthen your neck. Close your eyes. Breathe mindfully.
- When you are calm, choose a positive subject on which to meditate. For instance, if you would like to feel freer in life, you might like to meditate on a clear blue sky. Remember that this is a method for oneness, so whatever object you meditate on you will be aiming to become one with.
- Close your eyes and focus on the space between your eyebrows. If you like, you can choose to perform kirtan (singing of your God’s name) or Japa (reciting God’s name as a mantra).
- Ask your deity/subject to become one with you.
- Meditate on your subject in the traditional sense.
- Imagine becoming one with your deity.
- Imagine there is no distance between your consciousness and the subject. You are merging to become one. Spiritual coach Melinda Johnston says that you should “Feel and mentally visualize [the object of meditation] close to you in [its] personal form. Imagine with all your senses how the form you imagine would be with you.”
- Continue to meditate on your subject for 108 breaths.
- Thank your deity/subject for coming to you.
- Open your eyes.
You might also like to try these contemplation exercises.
Instructions from Karma Yoga
- Create a space dedicated to your deity. Include images, candles, and anything else you find helpful.
- Sit straight with good posture, making sure your spine is in proper alignment so that energy can flow naturally through your body.
- Put your hands in a mudra position. For instance, Gyan Mudra, with the tips of the thumb and forefinger touching.
- Close your eyes and focus on your Third Eye Chakra.
- Ask your deity to be one with you. Welcome the deity into the room, and then into your mind. See them approaching you. Feel them with you.
- Focus on the object of worship. As you focus, imagine the object/deity becoming one with you. Feel your mind merging with them. Your ego, your self, is merging with your deity.
- Meditate on your deity for 108 breaths.
- Express gratitude to your deity.
What to meditate on
When you practice, you are aiming to become one with an object, person, or God. Therefore, the subject of your bhakti meditation should reflect the trait you wish to develop in yourself.
If, for instance, you would like to develop your sense of compassion, you might like to meditate on Ghandi or Buddha. For freedom, meditate on water.
In the book Bhakti Traditions, in The Continuum Companion to Hindu Studies, Karen Pechelis explains that the object of meditation is a “personal god that varies with the devotee”. Hence, it is up to you what you choose to meditate on in your practice. But here are a few ideas along with the traits they represent.
Positive objects for Bhakti meditation
Water | Freedom and power |
The night sky: | Eternity and wisdom |
Water | Freedom and power |
Ghandi / Buddha / Mother Theresa / Jesus Christ | Compassion and kindness |
Silence | Stillness |
Death | Death is a complex subject but generally when you meditate on death you develop your appreciation of time and your humbleness. |
Cats | Playfulness (not all meditation subjects have to be serious) |
Trees | Wisdom and patience |
Waterfall | Power (I personally like to meditate at Niagara Falls, of which the truly wonderful classical composer Gustav Mahler said “At last, Fortissimo!”. I guess he appreciated the power of the falls as much as I do). |
Bird song | Joy |
Your own reflection / visage | Self-awareness |
Angels | Hope and compassion |
Gemstones | Different gemstones reflect different traits and characteristics |
Colours | Different colours reflect different mentalities and emotions. Green, for instance, reflect nature and health, where black represents power and authority, and yellow happiness. Meditate on the colour that reflects the trait you’d like to develop. |
Your own breath | Meditating on your own breath will calm and centre you. |
Detailed Analysis
- Bhakti is the practice of merging with the object of meditation, traditionally involving three stages:
- Samatha meditation, which cultivates calmness and focus.2. Dhyana, the stage that prepares you for oneness.
- Bhakti, where you become one with your deity.
Bhakti is also one of the three main types of yoga in the Bhagavad Gita, as noted by Michael C. Brannigan in Striking a Balance. It is referred to as “the sweetest of yoga approaches” by David Frawley, although it can also be challenging, as explained by scholar Douglas Brooks.
Devotion
According to Karen Pechelis in The Embodiment of Bhakti, Bhakti yoga is all about expressing deep devotion and love. The Narada Bhakti Sutras describe it as “intense love for God.” While it is often religious, the practice can extend beyond specific deities to include love for any object or person you wish to merge with.
In essence, Bhakti silences the ego, allowing you to connect deeply with the object of your meditation. This can include deities like Buddha, Krishna, Shiva, Jesus, or any form that resonates with you.
History of Bhakti
In the 7th and 10th centuries, Hindus meditated with devotion to deities like Vishnu and Shiva, marking the early roots of Bhakti meditation. The Bhakti Movement emerged, led by the Saiva Nayanars and Vaisnava Alvars, and contributed to the development of various devotional practices. By the 15th and 17th centuries, Bhakti meditation had spread across multiple religious traditions, including Sufism, Jainism, Sikhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Christianity
Modern Practices
Today, Bhakti takes many forms and can go beyond traditional devotional practices. Many Western practitioners approach it by connecting with a broader concept of the Divine, the Self, or the Source.
I personally practice Bhakti by meditating on natural elements. Sitting beside a waterfall, I meditate on the water’s flow, or I light a candle and focus on its energy. These simple acts help me embrace love and compassion without bias or judgment.
Bhakti is also celebrated through festivals like the Bhakti Festival in Big Sur, California, and Bhakti Fest in San Francisco.
Benefits of Bhakti Yoga
- Practicing Bhakti can bring many benefits, including:
- Improved perspective
- Reduced egoic tendencies
- Increased humility
- Joyful release, often leading to immortal bliss (parabhakti)
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Enhanced mental states of love and awe.
Paul Harrison is a meditation teacher with 25 years of experience and a deep passion for helping others. Known for his empathy and authentic approach, he’s dedicated to guiding individuals and teams toward mindfulness, clarity, and well-being.
