Importance of Bhakti

External worship, bhakti yoga, should be learnt first before someone starts on their spiritual journey. As one's ego is melted and heart is surrendered through Bhakti, can the ultimate wisdom of life, of the universe and of Bhagwan/Brahm/Paramatma/Ishwar be given to them.

Only a Bhakta, a true devotee can walk their spiritual journey and be meditative. Mature Bhaktas learn to dissolve their negative, bad Karma at the feet of the Deity, a Devi or a Devata and is not afraid to bear the results of his/her own Karma. Mature Bhaktas establish their relationship, a deep conscious connection with God/Divine and live life in surrender. 

Mirabai, Sant Kabir, Sant Tukaram, Sant Haridas, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are some of the great Bhaktas of India who led their life in surrender and were absorbed in the divine nectar (Amrit) of Bhakti. 

The word, BHAKTYAA, meaning through devotion, shows that bhakthi is the means for the realisation of the truth of God's nature. Advaita, Visishtadvaita, and Dvaita are one in this emphasis on Bhakti to obtain God's grace. To whatever school we belong, we should invoke that grace through Bhakti, leaving it to Him to reavel the truth of His nature. All Achaaryas have stressed this need for Bhakti. 

~ Taken from Kamakoti