Surrender

Definition

In the context of Bhakti Yoga, surrender refers to the act of yielding oneself completely to a personal deity or divine will. It involves a deep trust and faith that one is guided and supported by the divine presence, leading to a profound spiritual relationship. This concept emphasizes letting go of ego and personal desires in favor of devotion, fostering a connection that is both intimate and transformative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surrender in Bhakti Yoga is seen as essential for achieving liberation (moksha) as it aligns the devotee's will with that of the divine.
2. Practicing surrender helps to dissolve the barriers created by ego, allowing for deeper emotional and spiritual connections with the divine.
3. Devotees often express their surrender through prayer, chanting, and ritual offerings, which serve as acts of devotion and commitment.
4. The concept of surrender varies among different sects within Hinduism, with some emphasizing complete abandonment to God's will while others focus on active participation in devotion.
5. Surrender is often depicted in stories and scriptures, such as the tales of saints who exemplified unwavering faith and trust in their personal deities.

Review Questions

• How does the act of surrender enhance the relationship between a devotee and their chosen deity?
  • Surrender enhances the relationship between a devotee and their chosen deity by fostering a sense of trust and intimacy. When a devotee surrenders their ego and personal desires, they open themselves up to receiving divine guidance and support. This deep emotional bond allows for a more profound experience of devotion, where the devotee feels cherished and protected by their deity.
• In what ways does surrender challenge the concept of individualism in Bhakti Yoga practices?
  • Surrender challenges the concept of individualism by encouraging devotees to let go of their personal ambitions and desires in favor of divine will. This shift from self-centeredness to devotion promotes a communal sense of belonging within the broader spiritual community. By prioritizing surrender over individual needs, practitioners cultivate humility and recognize their interconnectedness with others and the divine.
• Evaluate how surrender is represented differently across various Hindu traditions within Bhakti Yoga, and its implications for spiritual practice.
  • Surrender is represented differently across various Hindu traditions within Bhakti Yoga, with some traditions advocating for total abandonment to divine will while others encourage active participation in devotion. This diversity reflects broader interpretations of spirituality, where complete surrender may be viewed as an ultimate goal in some sects while being balanced with personal agency in others. Such variations influence spiritual practice by shaping how devotees engage with their faith, determine their relationship with the divine, and integrate surrender into their daily lives.

Related terms

Bhakti: A devotional practice that involves love and devotion towards a personal god, central to Bhakti Yoga.

Ego: The sense of self-importance or individuality that often stands in the way of true devotion and surrender to the divine.

Prasad: Food offered to the deity during worship, which is then shared with devotees as a blessing, symbolizing the fruits of surrender.