What is Bhakti Yoga?
The Yoga of Devotion Explained

The Yoga Most Recommended for This Age

The Bhagavad-Gita describes four main paths of yoga: Karma Yoga (the yoga of action), Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge), Ashtanga Yoga (the yoga of meditation) and Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion). Lord Krishna himself says in the Gita (18.65): "Think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me, bow down to Me — and you will come to Me certainly."

For the present age — called Kali Yuga in Vedic tradition — Bhakti Yoga through chanting the Holy Names is described as the most powerful and accessible path. Srila Prabhupada, our spiritual teacher, spread this knowledge worldwide.

"In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is chanting the Holy Name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way."
— Brihan Naradiya Purana

The Three Main Practices

1. Kirtan — Congregational Chanting

Kirtan is the communal chanting of God's names with music — mridanga drums, kartals (hand cymbals) and harmonium. It is one of the most ancient forms of spiritual practice. Modern science confirms that kirtan reduces cortisol (stress hormone), increases oxytocin and puts the brain into a meditative state within minutes.

At Hare Krishna Berlin, we hold kirtan every Saturday from 4 PM. Everyone is welcome — no experience required.

2. Japa — Personal Mantra Meditation

Japa is the individual repetition of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra on a string of 108 prayer beads (japa mala). It is a form of moving mantra meditation — deeply calming and profoundly focusing.

Hare = the Lord's energy; Krishna = the all-attractive Lord; Rama = the reservoir of all pleasure. This mantra has no sectarian limitation — it is a direct call to God's energy.

3. Bhagavad-Gita Study

The Bhagavad-Gita is a 700-verse conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, containing the essence of Vedic wisdom. It covers topics such as the nature of the soul, the purpose of life, karma, reincarnation, meditation and the path back to God.

We study Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad-Gita As It Is every Saturday at 4:30 PM in Berlin. The class is open to all — beginners are especially welcome.

What Bhakti Yoga is NOT

• It is NOT a religion — people of all faiths practise it
• It does NOT require you to become a vegetarian (though it is encouraged)
• It does NOT require a guru initiation to start
• It is NOT a commercial product — everything is free

Join Us in Berlin — Every Saturday

Our weekly program at Hare Krishna Berlin:

• 4:00 PM — Kirtan (devotional chanting)
• 4:30 PM — Bhagavad-Gita class
• 6:00 PM — Free vegetarian prasadam

Join our WhatsApp group for the current location. No registration, no fee — come as you are.