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Asked by Saimon Last Modified
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Deleted User
Yoga enthusiast with 2+ years of experience
No, Bhakti Yoga does not necessarily require an idol. While the use of idols or images of deities is a common practice in Bhakti Yoga, it is not a requirement.
At its core, Bhakti Yoga is a path of devotion and love towards a personal God or divine figure, and this can be expressed in many ways. Some practitioners may choose to focus on a specific deity or image, while others may find a connection with the divine through nature, music, or other forms of creative expression.
The use of an idol or image can be a helpful tool for visualization and concentration and can help to create a tangible representation of the divine. However, it is important to remember that the idol or image is not the divine itself, but rather a symbol or representation of it.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of Bhakti Yoga is the cultivation of devotion and love towards the divine, and this can be expressed in many ways, with or without the use of an idol.
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No, Bhakti Yoga does not always require an idol or a physical representation of a deity. While it is common for practitioners of Bhakti Yoga to use an idol or a picture of a deity as a focal point for their devotion, it is not necessary for the practice.At its core, Bhakti Yoga is about cultivating love, devotion, and surrender towards a personal deity or a divine figure. This can be done through various means, such as chanting, prayer, meditation, and service to others. The key is to develop a personal relationship with the divine and to offer one's love and devotion to that divine figure.
In summary, while an idol or physical representation of a deity can be used in Bhakti Yoga as a focal point for devotion, it is not necessary for the practice. Bhakti Yoga is ultimately about cultivating love, devotion, and surrender towards a personal deity or a divine figure, which can be done through various means, with or without an external form.
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Not always. But when you are a beginner it will be easy to concentrate on idol which we will call Sakara. Through this our thinking will be narrow. but by practicing this we can reach to Nirakara where we belive that god has no particual shape then we dont need any idol. then we belives that he is everywhere. so Idol worship is like the first step.
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