Kali Yug | it’s like we’re living with the lights turned off
Wanna hear something crazy that will make you question everything? Haha. But seriously…
There is this analogy often made in the yoga space that has completely changed my view of the world and has made me one h*ll of a curious human…
It goes like this:
Right now, in the era that we are in, we are living in darkness. It’s like there is one giant light switch covering all of everything and it is turned off. We see nothing. But when this era ends (known as Kali Yug), the light switch will flick on, and we will see what all of this really is. We will see everything.
This is so wild if you think about it!
In Hinduism, Kali Yug is considered the last of the four stages the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugs. It’s characterized by the degradation of moral values, a rise in conflict and chaos, and an overall decline in human spirituality. They see this as one of the most intense and dark periods, which oddly makes me feel so at peace to know that it can’t get worse (…lol) than what we’ve seen and heard and witnessed in these last years, decades, centuries, millennia…
I know this can be easily seen as something negative. However, something I love that often comes up in this conversation is the power of devotion during this period. Despite the darkness associated with Kali Yug, there is a belief that this era is the most conducive for spiritual growth through devotion (Bhakti Yoga). It’s said that even though this is the darkest age, the path of devotion can lead to liberation more easily than in other yugs (too crazy!!!).
I mean, do we really think that we entered this period just to put up with all the 💩?
Noooo way!
I believe there are so many purposes to us existing during this time.
I believe learning the power of devotion may be one of them.
Plus, devotion is fun! One of my favourite forms of devotion is through song and dance, allowing myself to be completely consumed by the energy I am calling in!
But are we devoting to the “right” thing? The thing that actually serves us to devote to?
If we are, great! If we aren’t… maybe there’s an opportunity to shift that.
For example - when you wake up in the morning… Is there anyone you thank for being alive? *Cough cough* yourself 😉
Do you think about what you are grateful for? Or what you are stressed about?
Do you feel appreciation for what you have? Or frustration for what you don’t have?
Really, the question is: What thoughts do you devote to?
I know my thoughts can be so annoying and human sometimes. It can honestly just feel like my mind just sends itself on a downward spiral of negativity! But it’s only in the moments where I choose to allow my thoughts to do that. I can choose differently, and choose to devote my thoughts and feelings to something that lifts me higher.
Perhaps that’s one of the great lessons of this era! Who really knows, though…
The thing is, maybe when the lights eventually do turn on, we will see that devoting to what makes us feel lighter is devoting to ourselves.
Kali Maa. Durga Maa.
Goddess of strength and courage, of duality, of time, of death and rebirth. She will destroy anything that is in that way. She will create success for her devotees.
Bhakti Yoga | Path of Devotion
Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) is one of the four main paths of yoga in Hinduism. The others are Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Jnana Yoga (the path of wisdom), and Raja Yoga (the path of meditation). Bhakti Yoga focuses on creating and nurturing a deep, loving connection with the Divine through acts of devotion and surrender — very often including music.
For our etymology lovers, the word "Bhakti" comes from the Sanskrit root "bhaj," which means "to adore or worship God." In Bhakti Yoga, practitioners channel their emotions and love towards a personal deity or the Divine in any form they resonate with, be it Krishna, Shiva, the Divine Mother, Self, or another aspect of the Divine.
Side note: I think it’s important to note that this practice doesn’t have to be so serious so quickly. There are many Bhakti yogis on YouTube and Spotify that sing devotional songs and share them with the world. You could start there and see how you jive with that vibe!
This is a great album to start with - Kirtan Alive by Edo & Jo
A few things about Bhakti Yoga…
It’s a devotional practice. This includes chanting, singing hymns (bhajans and kirtans), offering prayers, and rituals that honor the Divine. These practices help to open the heart and purify the mind.
It is a practice of surrender and selflessness. Bhakti Yoga emphasizes surrendering the ego and dedicating one's actions, thoughts, and emotions to the Divine. It encourages the practitioner to see God in all aspects of life and to serve others selflessly as a form of worship.
It is to cultivate a personal relationship with the Divine. Bhakti Yoga is deeply personal and involves cultivating an intimate, loving relationship with the Divine. This relationship can take many forms, such as seeing the Divine as a friend, parent, child, or beloved.
It’s a teacher of Universal Love. At its core, Bhakti Yoga teaches that love is the essence of the universe, and through the path of devotion, one can transcend the material world and realize their true nature, which is in union with the Divine.
So… why is Bhakti Yoga a great practice for us?
Bhakti Yoga offers a way to shift from the ego and drop into an open heart filled with love. It is accessible to absolutely everyone, regardless of intellectual or physical capabilities, and provides a means to experience the Divine directly—through song and music! It’s so beautiful!! This heart-opening practice is ultimately for the seekers calling in a deeper connection with Self.
“The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this: the man or woman who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful.”
