Bhakti yoga is a sadhana for psychological transformation. It gives nine practical disciplines or stages for transmuting negative and restrictive emotions to positive and uplifting ones.
Following any one of the nine stages of bhakti yoga will allow you to change limiting attitudes, conditionings and patterns of behavior that have been influenced by your family, society and culture.
Unlike other yogas, such as raja yoga or jnana yoga where a sequence has been prescribed for moving from one stage to the next, there is no need for linear progression on the ninefold path of bhakti yoga.
Each stage is related to the final stage; based on your nature and inclinations you can choose to perfect just one of the nine disciplines of bhakti yoga, immersing yourself fully in the practice, or you can decide to practice several disciplines simultaneously.
The system of nine steps or stages was established by various bhaktas, sages and seers. The most extensive descriptions are given in the Srimad Bhagavatam, the Shiva Purana, the Vaishnavachara system of tantra, the Ramayana and the Ramacharitamanas.
There is, however, no single set or collection of nine steps. Different scriptures include different steps and these do not always follow the same sequence. These variations in the ninefold path are the result of different interpretations and emphases.
Each master has given the teachings in the manner appropriate to the time and audience. Yet the essence is the same; each step brings the aspirant closer to the aim of bhakti yoga.
The first component of bhakti yoga is satsang, keeping the company of the wise and good. Sat means truth, reality. Sang means association with. Satsang is association with what is true and real. This encounter with the truth is often a requirement for getting on to the path of bhakti yoga.
The second stage or sadhana of bhakti yoga is sadvichara, connecting to virtues and maintaining a positive, optimistic attitude in all situations.
The third sadhana of bhakti yoga is seva. Seva is selfless service without ego and without expectation.
The fourth stage of bhakti yoga is simplicity, saralta, and innocence, kapat tyag, removal of deviousness.
The fifth sadhana of bhakti yoga is smaranam, constant remembrance of your source of inspiration and inner strength.
The sixth discipline of bhakti yoga is sajjanata, decency, goodness, humanness and graciousness, which is supported by sanyam, observing the sensorial distractions and dissipations of the mind.
The seventh aspect of bhakti yoga is seeing the spark of divinity in each and every form of creation.
Santosha or contentment is the eighth component of bhakti yoga. When you are content, you are fulfilled. You do not desire or crave anything and you do not see the mistakes or faults of others.
The final stage of bhakti yoga is samarpan, atmanivedana, annihilation of the ego or surrender to the divine will.
By surrendering the ego that stands between you and divinity, you and your Self, you accept a higher reality and a greater law that is responsible for every experience in your life.
From the Book “Bhakti Yoga for Everyone, Overview and Practice Capsules”, pg. 28-29, Sw. Niranjananda Saraswati