On Bhakti.

On the paths of Gyaan and Karma one is expected to control the senses and keep them in check. The aspirant is meant to transcend the needs and wants of the senses and make his desires null. If the sadhak does not meet this requirement then his or her spiritual progress becomes hindered and stunted. However, when on the path of Bhakti, those desires are not cut off, they are encouraged; only, the direction changed. They are to be directed towards the Lord and in the worship and service of the Lord. All the senses are to be engaged. We use our eyes to see his divine form in the temple, and to read scripture. We use our ears to hear his divine names. We use our tongue to take the remnants of his prasadam, and to chant his glories. We use our nose to smell the sweet flowers and fragrant incense offered to him, and we use our hands to engage them in any service of his possible. We have no use for cutting the ties to the senses, we rejoice in them and use them to the fullest extent in his seva. That is the greatness of Bhakti.

* A devotee at Sri Radha Govinda mandir, Jaipur.