Loosely translated, Bhakti means devotion!
Devotion is that dimension of intelligence that has transcended logic and intellect. It is complete surrender of body, heart and mind on an object outside oneself.
Devotion is not always other-worldly. No human on earth has reached the zenith of any trade without being utterly and completely devoted to his or her object. Be it Sachin Tendulkar, Lata Mangeshkar, Ustaad Zakir Hussain or Roger Federer, they were or still are devotees of their fields.
A devotee is so dedicated to his/her object that nothing else seems important, no obstacle is hard enough, no challenge is big enough to stop him/her.
I pay my respects to one such devotee - Sant Tulsidas - and through him, to his object, Lord Ram.
Pls listen to this beautiful rendition of a Tulsidas' bhajan, produced by Strumm Spiritual, sung by a child prodigy - Sooryagayathri.
I dedicate this post to my father, a Ram-bhakt himself.
O Mind! Dwell on the graceful Shri Ramachandra,
Who removes all sorrow, fear, and scarcity.
Who has fresh-lotus-like eyes, face, hands & feet.
His image surpasses many Cupids,
He is like a newly formed beautiful blue cloud,
His yellow robe appears like a delightful lightening,
He is the consort of the pious Janaki.
O Mind, sing praises of Sri Ram, friend of the poor.
Lord of solar dynasty, he is the destroyer of demons.
Descendant of Raghu, he is bliss personified.
Son of Dasaratha, he is Koshala's joy.
He is adorned with a crown, ear-rings and tilak.
His beautiful organs are decorated with ornaments.
His long arms hold a bow and an arrow.
He defeated Khar and Dushan in battle.
O Ram, one who is loved by Shiva, Shesha & saints,
Please reside in the lotus of my heart,
And destroy all the evils like desire within me.