Understanding the Inner Difference Between Bhakti and Self-Realization

Understanding the Inner Difference Between Bhakti and Self-Realization

Shared in the light of grace and guidance from Praveen Radhakrishnan⁩ Anna

Often, we encounter external forms in our spiritual life, be it the divine presence of a Guru or the loving bond of a spouse. Both are visible. Both evoke deep emotional currents in us. But the inner impact of remembering each is profoundly different.

When the form of the Guru arises in your mind, what awakens within? Devotion… reverence… surrender.

When the form of a spouse arises, often what stirs is emotion, attachment, even desire.

Yet, from a yogic perspective, both are forms—both are “objects” in our awareness.

But here's the subtle, transformative truth:

For a seeker who is still journeying through duality, even the Divine appears as an object, a darshan, a visible form, something to see, touch, feel. This relationship with the Divine is seen as someone separate, and yet fills your heart with immense joy and sweetness, is called Bhakti (devotion).

This is the beginning stage. A stage of love, remembrance, external worship.

And it's a beautiful stage. Bhakti cleanses. It prepares the ground.

But then comes a deeper flowering.

As the seeker matures, there arises a mystical realization:

> “Maa is not separate from me. Her presence is not visiting me, it is living as me.”

You begin to feel not just devotion toward Maa or Baba, but identity with them. That your very soul is their essence. That your own being is no different from their being.

Like clay in a pot—there's no distinction. Is the pot 50% clay and 50% pot? No. The entire pot is clay, just given a shape.

Similarly, the Divine isn’t just within you. The Divine is what you ARE.

So, when such a being remembers the Divine Maa, not as an object but as their own Self, there is no longer any separation. The moment they utter her name, they dissolve and Ego vanishes.

This is not Bhakti alone anymore. This is Advaita Bhava. This is Gyana wrapped in Bhakti. This is Unity.

So, whether your sadhana begins in duality, with love for a form, a name, a Guru or whether it deepens into non-duality, where even the “I” vanishes in Maa Adya or Baba Bhairava, both are steps of the same sacred staircase.

In the beginning, divine is an object of devotion. And

in maturity, Divine is your own Self, pervading every breath.

Both are true. Both are sacred. The journey is from seeing Maa and Baba to dissolving into them.

Jai Maa❤

Jai Baba❤

BhairavaKaliPutra Siddharth Goswamy