Bhakti, unconditional love, and psychological healing

The paper examines Bhakti Yoga in light of the classical Indian depiction of emotions, viz. - the Rasa Theory. Bhakti is viewed as a movement in the emotional life of the aspirant, from minor devotional states (survival/pleasure/ego orientation), to major devotional states (love orientation). Traditionally in India, individuals turned to their gurus in times of crisis and suffering, and upon encountering the guru, the healing process began immediately because of the unconditional love and acceptance on the part of the guru, for the distressed individual. The paper thus focuses on the nature of (S)self work on the part of psychotherapists and counselors, based primarily on an Indian spiritual perspective, which takes one in the direction of becoming more loving and compassionate - thereby facilitating one’s own evolution - and in this process better able to help others. Toward the end of the paper, connections with early Christianity are also noted, and the role of love in the transformation of human evil is underscored.