Bhakti Is Intense Love for God
Now, therefore, we shall teach bhakti,
or the religion of divine love.
Bhakti is intense love for God.
In its intrinsic nature
this divine love is immortal bliss.
By attaining It,
a person becomes perfect,
immortal, and satisfied forever.
On attaining That
a man does not desire anything else;
he grieves no more,
is free from hatred or jealousy;
he does not take pleasure
in the vanities of life;
and he loses all eagerness
to gain anything for himself.
The devotee may first
become intoxicated with bliss.
Then, having realized That,
he becomes silent,
and takes his delight in the Atman.
— Narada’s Bhakti Sutras
(From Sacred Jewels of Yoga)