Download Bhagti is a way of life

Bhagti is a way of life
• According to Sikhism, Bhagti(also spelt Bhakti) is a way
of life, a dynamic manifestation of faith, a kindling of the
mind and awakening of the heart.
•
Bhagti is absolute devotion to God. Bhagti does not
mean living in an ivory tower, isolated from one's
fellowmen. It is neither asceticism nor renunciation. It is
the leading of a dedicated life in the midst of the world.
Rivalry among different Bhagti sects is the very negation
of spirituality. Real Bhagti is service to God's creation,
Benevolence and kindness to all types of men, without
distinction. It is both humanism and humanitarianism.
• Bhagti may take either an outward or an
inner form. The Sikh Gurus rejected outer
forms like devotional dancing. They
emphasised inner devotion, through love.
Bhagti, rightly interpreted, is giving oneself
away. Even if one is poor, one can share
one's love and sympathy with others. This
gift of affection, this pouring out of the
heart, this outflow of sympathy and
understanding, is the true worship of God.
• Bhagti enjoins self-analysis and self-control.
Both the body and the mind have to be trained
according to the
•
Guru's word. Guru Nanak Dev ji says:
• "The body is the field, the mind the
ploughman, modesty the irrigating channel,
• contentment the leveller. Pulverise the crust
of pride into true humility,
• sow the seed of love - the seed of Bhagtiand it will flourish." (A.G. p595)
• The Sikh Gurus developed the concept of Bhagti in two
ways. While the Hindu saints and mystics discussed the
academic aspects of Bhagti, the Gurus practically
demonstrat through creative literature, through hymns of
adoration to the Almighty. That concept of Bhagti which
was directed to idols and living persons was then
modified to cover only an all embracing devotion to the
Timeless and the Formless God. Dedication to Nirgun
(God) is the highest form of Bhagti. A Bhagt is a practical
example of a man God, a sort of superman, who by
leading a life of ethical discipline, faces the problems of
life and lives nobly and worthily.