The are nine modes for expression of Bhakthi are :

1. Sravanam: listening to stories of the Lord's lilas or plays

2. Kirtanam: chanting of God's glories

3. Smaranam: remembering the presence of the Lord constantly

4. Padasevanam: Pada means feet. Seva means service. This is when you get to blend your practice of karma yoga (seva) with bhakti. In doing your duty and serving humanity, develop the bhava that you are serving and worshiping the Lord's Feet.

5. Archanam: Worship of God through rituals such as puja

6. Vandanam: prostration. The yogi expresses his respect and love to god by prostrating physically to the ground thereby developing humility

7. Dasyam: The devotee is developing the feeling of being the Lord's servant. This will weed out pride, selfishness, arrogance and egoism which are all based on avidya.

8. Sakhyam: Feeling of friendship. This bhava helps the devotees establish a personal relationship with God picturing him as his best friend. One should be ready to do anything for their friend.

9. Atmanivedanam: Complete surrender of self. The term bhakti is often translated as devotion or love but rarely as surrender. Actually surrender is the highest aspect of bhakti. One's ego is totally offered to the Lord and nothing but the atman remains and non duality is experienced.

Answered by Yogeshwar , an ibibo Specialist, at 1:08 PM on September 30, 2008

The nine expressions of gunas correspond to the nine sentiments and ... of the three artistic modes of expression is of a great importanceHence the concept of Bhakti, or Devotion, seems to contradict the .... What is the use of elaborate and noisy expressions of metaphysics if it is not to ...

Answered by Vipan Thapar , an ibibo Master, at 10:55 PM on September 18, 2008

1. Sravanam

This is listening to stories of the Lord's lilas or plays. The same way that hearing sermons on the new gospel will inspire awe and wonder in the heart of the aspirant and increase his faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, listening to stories about the deities will help the bhakta increase his devotion. The mythological scriptures of yoga/sanatana dharma are called puranas. Each purana is dedicated to a deity. Some of the most well know puranas, and the deities to which they are dedicated are:

* Siva purana - Lord Siva
* Srimad bhagavatam or Vishnu purana - Lord Vishnu
* Devi mahatmya - the divine mother, Goddess Durga

2. Kirtanam

This is chanting of God's glories. Over the course of history countless mystics and yogis have spontaneously composed and written devotional songs. Most kirtans and bhajans are in the Sanskrit language and, to take full advantage of the inherant spiritual power of this ancient sacred language, it is highly recommended to chant them in the original.

3. Smaranam

Smaranam consists in remembering the presence of the Lord constantly. You can do that by remembering His name - meaning repeating His mantra. Smaranam will change one's mental attitude. Becoming aware of the omnipresence of God, there is a respect for not only human beings but all creatures, plants and even objects of one's surroundings.

4. Padasevanam

Pada means feet. Seva means service. This is when you get to blend your practice of karma yoga (seva) with bhakti. In doing your duty and serving humanity, develop the bhava that you are serving and worshiping the Lord's Feet.

It is to be noted here that in the bhakti tradition of India, the Lord's Feet are an important symbol of the sacredness of the Divine. Psychologically worshiping the feet of God drives home the point that God is a higher entity and it helps establish humility in the devotee's heart.
5. Archanam

Worship of God through rituals such as puja, havan or homa. Again, performing rituals is now recognized as a basic psychological need. If you observe well you will see that in daily life everyone around you is performing rituals. Most of them of course are meaningless.

Bhakti yoga teaches us how to worship god in a codified manner using gestures, offering different items such as flowers, incense, food, light etc. while chanting corresponding mantras in order to express our love and devotion to a certain aspect of the divine.

6. Vandanam

Vandanam is prostration. The yogi expresses his respect and love to God by prostrating physically to the ground thereby developing humility. There are different techniques but the main thing is to touch the floor with the forehead.

7. Dasyam

The devotee is developing the feeling of being the Lord's servant. This will weed out pride, selfishness, arrogance and egoism which are all based on avidya.
8. Sakhyam

Feeling of friendship. This bhava helps the devotees establish a personal relationship with God, picturing him as his best friend. One should be ready to do anything for their friend.

9. Atmanivedanam

Complete surrender of self. The term bhakti is often translated as devotion or love but rarely as surrender. Actually surrender is the highest aspect of bhakti. One's ego is totally offered to the Lord and nothing but the atman remains and non duality is experienced.

Answered by Ashish Yadav , an ibibo Wizard, at 8:23 AM on September 16, 2008

In all there are nine modes of devotion in the path of bhakti yoga which help the devotee feel closer to God.

1. Sravanam
This is listening to stories of the Lord's lilas or plays. The same way that hearing sermons on the new gospel will inspire awe and wonder in the heart of the aspirant and increase his faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, listening to stories about the deities will help the bhakta increase his devotion. The mythological scriptures of yoga/sanatana dharma are called puranas. Each purana is dedicated to a deity. Some of the most well know puranas, and the deities to which they are dedicated are:

2. Kirtanam
This is chanting of God's glories. Over the course of history countless mystics and yogis have spontaneously composed and written devotional songs. Most kirtans and bhajans are in the Sanskrit language and, to take full advantage of the inherant spiritual power of this ancient sacred language, it is highly recommended to chant them in the original.

When you feel happy, you find yourself chanting naturally and spontaneously. Chanting sattvic kirtans will bring the joy and bliss of devotion into the devotee's heart.

3. Smaranam
Smaranam consists in remembering the presence of the Lord constantly. You can do that by remembering His name - meaning repeating His mantra. Smaranam will change one's mental attitude. Becoming aware of the omnipresence of God, there is a respect for not only human beings but all creatures, plants and even objects of one's surroundings.

Unceasing prayer is also a form of smaranam. If somebody is in love with another person the first thought that comes to their mind in the morning is the beloved one. Automatically they will mentally see his/her face, mentally say his/her name and feel good. Practicing remembrance of the Lord will bring about complete love.

4. Padasevanam
Pada means feet. Seva means service. This is when you get to blend your practice of karma yoga (seva) with bhakti. In doing your duty and serving humanity, develop the bhava that you are serving and worshiping the Lord's Feet.

5. Archanam
Worship of God through rituals such as puja, havan or homa. Again, performing rituals is now recognized as a basic psychological need. If you observe well you will see that in daily life everyone around you is performing rituals. Most of them of course are meaningless.

Many like to argue the necessity of rituals by pointing out that the true feelings in the yogi's heart and the spirit of the teachings are more important than performing rituals with an empty heart. This is very true but with equal heart, the one who does ritual will feel closer to God than the one who does not. Furthermore if devotion is lacking at first, it can develop after regular practice of rituals.

6. Vandanam
Vandanam is prostration. The yogi expresses his respect and love to God by prostrating physically to the ground thereby developing humility. There are different techniques but the main thing is to touch the floor with the forehead.

7. Dasyam
The devotee is developing the feeling of being the Lord's servant. This will weed out pride, selfishness, arrogance and egoism which are all based on avidya.

8. Sakhyam
Feeling of friendship. This bhava helps the devotees establish a personal relationship with God, picturing him as his best friend. One should be ready to do anything for their friend.

9. Atmanivedanam
Complete surrender of self. The term bhakti is often translated as devotion or love but rarely as surrender. Actually surrender is the highest aspect of bhakti. One's ego is totally offered to the Lord and nothing but the atman remains and non duality is experienced.
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Answered by Jyothi , an ibibo Master, at 3:30 PM on September 15, 2008

The Nine Modes of Devotion

In all there are nine modes of devotion in the path of bhakti yoga which help the devotee feel closer to God.
1. Sravanam

This is listening to stories of the Lord's lilas or plays. The same way that hearing sermons on the new gospel will inspire awe and wonder in the heart of the aspirant and increase his faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, listening to stories about the deities will help the bhakta increase his devotion. The mythological scriptures of yoga/sanatana dharma are called puranas. Each purana is dedicated to a deity. Some of the most well know puranas, and the deities to which they are dedicated are:

* Siva purana - Lord Siva
* Srimad bhagavatam or Vishnu purana - Lord Vishnu
* Devi mahatmya - the divine mother, Goddess Durga
2. Kirtanam

This is chanting of God's glories. Over the course of history countless mystics and yogis have spontaneously composed and written devotional songs. Most kirtans and bhajans are in the Sanskrit language and, to take full advantage of the inherant spiritual power of this ancient sacred language, it is highly recommended to chant them in the original.

3. Smaranam

Smaranam consists in remembering the presence of the Lord constantly. You can do that by remembering His name - meaning repeating His mantra. Smaranam will change one's mental attitude. Becoming aware of the omnipresence of God, there is a respect for not only human beings but all creatures, plants and even objects of one's surroundings.

Unceasing prayer is also a form of smaranam. If somebody is in love with another person the first thought that comes to their mind in the morning is the beloved one. Automatically they will mentally see his/her face, mentally say his/her name and feel good. Practicing remembrance of the Lord will bring about complete love.
4. Padasevanam

Pada means feet. Seva means service. This is when you get to blend your practice of karma yoga (seva) with bhakti. In doing your duty and serving humanity, develop the bhava that you are serving and worshiping the Lord's Feet.
5. Archanam

Worship of God through rituals such as puja, havan or homa. Again, performing rituals is now recognized as a basic psychological need. If you observe well you will see that in daily life everyone around you is performing rituals. Most of them of course are meaningless.

6. Vandanam

Vandanam is prostration. The yogi expresses his respect and love to God by prostrating physically to the ground thereby developing humility. There are different techniques but the main thing is to touch the floor with the forehead.

7. Dasyam

The devotee is developing the feeling of being the Lord's servant. This will weed out pride, selfishness, arrogance and egoism which are all based on avidya.
8. Sakhyam

Feeling of friendship. This bhava helps the devotees establish a personal relationship with God, picturing him as his best friend. One should be ready to do anything for their friend.
9. Atmanivedanam

Complete surrender of self. The term bhakti is often translated as devotion or love but rarely as surrender. Actually surrender is the highest aspect of bhakti. One's ego is totally offered to the Lord and nothing but the atman remains and non duality is experienced.

Answered by Anju Singh , an ibibo Master, at 1:34 PM on September 15, 2008

The nine modes for expression of Bhakthi are
sarvana,kirthana,smarana, padasevana,archana,vandana,Das ya,sakhya and Athma Nivedana

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 11:29 AM on September 15, 2008

Sri Rama spoke to sabari about the nine ways known as nava-vidha bakthi or nine fold devotions First is satsang or association with love-intoxicated devotees.The second is to develop a taste for hearing the god stories. The third is service to the guru who inspires everyone with divine love. Fourth is to sing kirtanas unabashed.

Japa or repetition of my holy name and chanting bajans are the fifth expression. To follow the scriptual injunctions always and always and to practice control of senses and selfless service is the sixth mode of bakthi.
Worshipping saints is the seventh stage.To find no faulth with anyone and to be contended with one's lot is the eightth mode of bakthi.
Unreserved surrender, with total faith is the highest and ninth expression of bakthi

Answered by SESHAN , an ibibo Master, at 11:27 AM on September 15, 2008

Bhakti is the Sanskrit term that signifies a blissful, selfless and overwhelming love of God as the beloved Father, Mother, Child, Friend or whichever relationship or personal aspect of God that finds appeal in the devotee's heart.

The nine primary activities of bhakti, with the instruction that by following all, or just one, of these activities perfectly the aspiring devotee can achieve pure love of God:

1. Hearing about the Lord - singing & chanting God's names (japa), hearing stories from scripture.
2. Glorifying the Lord - describing God's all-attractive features.
3. Remembering the Lord - internal meditation on the Lord's form, activities, names or personality.
4. Serving the lotus feet of the Lord - providing a form of physical service.
5. Worshiping the Lord - deity worship (arcana) is a popular form of this within India.
6. Offering prayers to the Lord - any form of prayer offered to please God.
7. Serving the Lord - offering a service for Lord's pleasure, such as preaching activity.
8. Building a friendship with the Lord - having an internal, loving relationship with God.
9. Surrendering everything unto the Lord - surrendering one's thoughts, actions and deeds to God.

Answered by Shishir , an ibibo Master, at 9:12 AM on September 15, 2008

There are nine modes for expression of Bhakthi:
1. Sravana: Hearing of the Lord's Lilas or divine past times.
Listening to the Divine stories from a learned teacher is important.
2. Kirthana: Singing the glories and praises of the Lord.
It gives pleasures to the mind and at the same time purifies
the heart. Kirthan is the method suitable to all people.
3. Smarana: Remembrance of His Name and Presence.
God is to be remembered at all times. This alone will destroy
all worldly habits and turn the mind from sense-objects.
4. Padasevana: Service of His feet. As it is not literally possible,
we can have an image of God or consider the entire humanity
as His image and do service to them as a service to God.
5. Archana: Worship of God. The worship can be performed
to a picture or Image of God or through a mental form or image.
6. Vandana: Prostration to the Lord. This is a humble prostration
before the form of God with faith and reverence or to all beings,
regarding them as the forms of Lord.
7. Dasya: Service of the Lord. This includes service in the temple,
service to people, service to the poor and the sick as a service
to God. The devotee destroys his self will and gives himself
completely to God and does not retain any personal desires.
8. Sakhya: Friendship with the Lord. The devotee joyfully takes up
any work of the Lord leaving aside any of his personal work.
He feels, that everything he owns belongs to "his friend" God also.
9. Athma Nivedana: Complete self-surrender to the Lord.
The devotee offers himself entirely to God. God will take care of
everything far better than man can ever dream of.
source; http://www.bnaiyer.com/companion/pa ths-05.html

Answered by Tingtong , an ibibo Master, at 8:49 AM on September 15, 2008