Abstract
The paper discusses the place of Bhakti devotionalism within the larger Hindu faith. The paper explains that as another variation, it belongs to several forms of One Hindu tradition with its origins in medieval India, south and north, the different forms taken, the shared devotional bias that avoids caste, the communal differences, the ritualism, the importance of the singer saints to both traditions and the different view of karma/moksha.

From the Paper
"The variety of religious expression within the Hindu world can inspire questions as to whether a single Hindu tradition exists, as is the case, whatever its variations. Hinduism has featured various innovative, reformist and revival movements in keeping with a principal religion. This paper discusses the example of Bhakti developments c. 800 to 1700 that have had far-reaching effects in a religion forever producing challenges to established beliefs, and particularly, religious authority. (Smith 313-314) In the medieval period, bhakti movements were a departure from..."

Tags:hinduism, bhakti, variation

Abstract
This paper describes Bhakti, or devotional worship, which is supposed to offer a path to liberation and rationalization. The paper examines the reasons that Bhakti is so popular as well as the ways that Bhakti helps its followers attain the goals of liberation and realization.

From the Paper
"The ineffable goal of liberation and realization, "Tat tvam asi" is the ultimate goal. There are multiple ways to achieve this and bhakti yoga is just one among several techniques used to attain liberation. Its popularity has grown through all levels of the caste system due to its accessibility and its level of effectiveness. Traditionally, moksha is only reached by the committed practitioner but Bhakti can also be used by lay people to achieve some form of selflessness. The goal is to be as self-less as possible. So, maybe not everyone will reach samadhi and moksha but through right effort, one can still gain and achieve some level of freedom through giving up one's self to the deity. The rules depend on where you are in your own continuum. Through Bhakti, one may not even seek complete liberation, but may seek a better rebirth in order to be in a position for complete release."

Tags:moksha, Brahman

Abstract
The paper is a brief description of the bhakti poetry of two ancient Hindu poets.

From the Paper
"Mahadeviyakka and Mirabai Devotional Poets: In their native Hindi language, the term bhakti refers to our modern idea of devotion, not only to gods or goddesses but to individuals and to the faith of the Hindu. Easily we understand why Mahadeviyakka and Mirabai would have been called bhakti or devotional poets as their devotion to spirituality is seen in their poetry and can be understood and related to even in today's society."

Tags:mahadeviyakka, mirabai, bahkti

Abstract
This paper asserts that were it not for a brilliant poet, Jayadeva, who lived during the twelfth century B.C.E., Vaisnavism and the practice of Bhakti, two pillars of modern Hindu thought, may have been lost long ago. The paper discusses the impact of his extremely influential poem, "The Gitagovinda" or "The Love Song of the Dark Lord," as translated by Barbara Stoler Miller. The paper also analyzes the poem and discusses how it revived the Hindu practices of Vaisnavism and Bhakti.

From the Paper
"Today, the school of thought of Vaisnavism (a monotheistic school of thought which holds Vishnu as the supreme ruler) and the practice of Bhakti (loving devotion to God through which one can achieve Moksa) are staples of the Hindu religion. However, were it not for a brilliant poet who lived during the twelfth century B.C.E., these two pillars of modern Hindu thought may have been lost long ago. The poet was named Jayadeva and his extremely influential poem was called the Gitagovinda or "The Love Song of the Dark Lord" as translated by Barbara Stoler Miller. This poem single-handedly revitalized the decaying ideals of Vaisnavism and popularized the practice of Bhakti in order to achieve Moksa."

Tags:jayadeva, barbara stoller miller, gitagovinda hinduism vishnu vaisnavism yoga bhakti india

Abstract
This paper examines how Hinduism teaches that there are different methods by which a person can reach "god" or a place of spiritual awareness and peace--- karma, jnana, and bhakti. It points out that Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism, which are of the Japanese religious tradition, are influenced significantly by Hinduism especially the conceptions of the divine and of human nature. The paper relates that these Eastern religious traditions are present in many aspects of Western life especially in popular culture media, such as movies like "The Matrix" trilogy.

From the Paper
"The first method, karma, is something that we have no control over in the afterlife-after one has lived a life, performed certain actions, and behaved in a certain manner, your reward or punishment will be meted out via karmic action. Dependent upon one's caste, karma can be "undone" through "asceticism, meditation, devotions to and worship of the gods." Karma is really not a method of reaching god, since it is dependent on other actions and beliefs for its determinations. Those beliefs and actions are better personified by the two methods of achieving spiritual consciousness, jnana and bhakti."

Tags:karma, jnana, bhakti, influences, divine

Abstract
Though many tend to think of Hinduism as a unified religion, there are many variations on even basic principles. Through analysis of the Upanishads, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga texts, several of these important fundamental differences are explained in the paper.

From the Paper
"The Upanishads, a compilation of stories whose authorship and origin are largely unknown, form a vital component of the foundations of Hinduism. Despite their anonymous origins, they are generally considered shruti, the product of divine revelation, and are thus considered to be spiritual teachings of the highest order. Indeed, many of Hinduism's most well-known elements are explained almost continuously throughout the text, providing an exceptionally clear description of key religious concepts and methods of practice."

Tags:asian, india, karma, yoga

Abstract
This paper discusses the different teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism in regards to their respective conceptions of the nature of the human soul. This paper also examines each religion's doctrines and their respective views on the cycle of life and rebirth.

From the Paper
"Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism (particularly the teachings of the Upanishads) are all Dharmic religions with many similarities. However, upon more thorough inspections, they each distinguish themselves from one another through their teachings and practices of important religious issues and tasks. Of particular note are the unique and differing doctrines surrounding the nature of the soul in each of these religions. These conflicting views over the nature of the soul also contribute largely to each religion's exclusive beliefs of the processes of rebirth, karma, and asceticism. Regardless of these differences, each religion has managed to sustain popularity over time and all remain important world religions in contemporary times."

Tags:atman, upanishads, jivas, rebirth, soul, buddaghosa, dharma, karma, bhakti

Abstract
This paper discusses the significance of gods in two different religions, specifically Hinduism and Judaism. In particular, the paper looks at how the Hindu gods and the Jewish God are extremely significant to members of those religions. The paper consists of sections on both the Hindu and Jewish significance of gods and points out common traits between the way the religions treat gods and the ways in which they differ in their practices. The paper uses MLA style footnotes but does not include a works cited page.

From the Paper
"Hindu religion emphasises a need for release from this world. One of these methods of release is the Bhakti Marga. The Bhakti Marga is a reaction of the common people to the other more intellectual paths to release. It focuses on devotion to the gods, and is a significant part of modern Hinduism. The Hindu gods are not all-powerful immortal beings, and originally the religion was philosophically based, with little emphasis placed on worship of these deities. Over time, worship of the Hindu gods became an avenue for the less intellectually inclined people of India to participate. In developing a justification of worship to the gods, Hinduism became a more practical religion, and this helped secure its own survival in a world where there were many religions to choose from."

Tags:torah, Bhakti, Marga, prayer