"Hinduism distinguishes 3 approaches towards perfection depending upon the dominance of the intellectual, emotional and volitional aspects of human being.
They are the paths of knowledge (Jnana), devotion (Bhakti) and action (Karma).
The emphasis of Jnana-Marga is on the harmony of intellect and emotion. Its domineering aspect, however, is intellect.
The human sentiments are not given expression to freely by the aspirant, but only done under the ruling guidance of the intellect.
The emphasis of Karma is on volition which expresses itself in the form of action.
But in the path of Bhakti, the domineering element is emotion. A devotee does not quell his sentiments, but retains and gives full expression to them even as a worldly man does.
However, the object on which he casts all his feelings is not finite but infinite. He distinguishes himself from the aspirant adhering to the path of knowledge in that he does not regulate his sentiments.
Again he (bhakta) is different from a worldly man in that he directs all his feelings towards God. He agrees with the first in that God is his ultimate goal.
He shares common characteristic with the second in respect of his retention of the feelings and emotions.
This is his anthropomorphic approach to God, the approach to infinite through finite feeling.
If he wants to extol, he extols God. If he wants to be a slave, he will be a slave to none but God.
If he wants to quarrel he quarrels with God.
Or if he wants to fondle he fondles God converting the Supreme into a child.
If he wants to love, he loves God as a woman does her beloved.
Thus his devotion assumes five major forms, viz. Santa, Dasya, Sakhya, Vatsalya and Madhurya".
Cited from
by Dr. H.L. Chandrasekhara, p. 148
