Contents of the Article
Introduction
The objective of human life has always been one of the most asked spiritual questions since time immemorial. In the Vedic scriptures, Moksha (also called Mukti), or liberation from the cycle of material births and deaths, is often mentioned as the aim of human life. And, in a sense, it is completely true.However, is it the ideal aim with which one should live? I wonder.Bhakti vs Mukti – What is the objective of human life?
For a true devotee, the pursuit of Bhakti, unwavering devotion to the Divine, stands as the most direct and profound path to realizing the ultimate purpose of human life. For me, Bhakti embodies the quintessence of our spiritual journey, where the highest aim is the sublime union with the Supreme, exemplified in the loving embrace of Lord Krishna.Bhakti is more than just a spiritual path; it’s an all-encompassing, unconditional love for the Divine. It goes beyond personal agendas, transcending the mundane desires of the material world. When you embark on the path of Bhakti, your heart opens up to a divine love that knows no boundaries. Your sole desire becomes the privilege of being in Krishna’s divine company, serving Him, and pleasing Him with all your heart. This selfless devotion, this intense yearning for the Supreme, elevates Bhakti to an exalted status.In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna speaks directly about the essence of Bhakti. He declares that among all yogis, the Bhakti yogi, who worships with unwavering faith and devotion, is most dear to Him. This reinforces that Bhakti is the purest and most beloved path to the Divine. Moreover, it is in the Srimad Bhagavatam, the ‘cream of Vedic literature,’ that we find profound tales of the most elevated devotees, exemplifying the pinnacle of Bhakti.What the devotees teach us?
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, often considered the foremost proponent of Bhakti in this age, preached the simple yet profound philosophy of loving devotion to Lord Krishna. His life was a living testament to the unbounded joy and love experienced in Bhakti. Chaitanya’s teachings stress that the heart’s deepest longing is to be immersed in the loving service of the Supreme. In this, he encapsulates the essence of Bhakti and explains that in this practice, the sweetest nectar of divine love is experienced.In the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and other great Vaishnavas, we see a collective yearning for divine love, for selfless devotion to Lord Krishna. Their teachings illuminate the path of Bhakti and reinforce its preeminence in our spiritual journey. For me, Bhakti represents the pinnacle of spiritual wisdom – the unquenchable love that leads us straight into the heart of the Divine, transcending all material desires and personal aspirations. It is the profound path where the soul merges with the Supreme in the highest realization of oneness. In Bhakti, I find the ultimate objective of human life, the summit of spiritual awakening.
Is Mukti complete without Bhakti?
Mukti, or liberation, is a noble goal too, but it is inherently self-centered. In Mukti, you seek your own liberation from the cycle of birth and death, aiming for your own spiritual emancipation. While Mukti is about freeing oneself from the sufferings of material existence, Bhakti transcends personal desires. A sincere devotee cherishes a loving relationship with the Supreme, surrendering their ego, and this dedication elevates Bhakti to a much higher pedestal.What sets Bhakti apart from other spiritual endeavors is its altruism. In Bhakti, you surrender the ego and any self-serving motives, pouring all your devotion into pleasing the Divine. It’s an unbroken thread of love that connects the devotee to God, making the object of devotion superior to any personal desires. It’s not Mukti, or liberation, that one should be striving for; it’s the eternal joy of being enraptured by Krishna’s love that is the ultimate goal.Conclusion
For me, it’s the selfless devotion, the surrender, and the unconditional love for Krishna that make Bhakti the supreme objective. The joy of losing oneself in the divine love of the Lord surpasses any personal desires. In the end, it’s not Mukti that we should be after; it’s the sweetness of Krishna’s love that should be our ultimate goal.
