Bhakta

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Bhakti movement. (Discuss)

In Hindu theology, a bhakta is a devotee of a particular form of God, such as Vishnu, Krishna or Rama. It is also often applied to worshippers of Shiva, and is popularly used within Sikhism wherein Guru Nanak is said to have 'received information that God was almighty from the Bhaktas'. In common use it means 'one who follows the path of bhakti', often referred to as bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion)

[edit] Scriptural references

"Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee (bhakta), offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me." (Bhagavad Gita 9.34)

"The bhaktas, who are always engaged in the service of the toes of the lotus feet of the Lord, can very easily overcome hard-knotted desires for fruitive activities. Because this is very difficult, the nondevotees -- the jnanis and yogis -- although trying to stop the waves of sense gratification, cannot do so. Therefore you are advised to engage in the devotional service of Krishna, the son of Vasudeva" (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.22.39)