# The process of devotional service
*Devotional service (bhakti-yoga) is the supreme process for developing love of God. Beginning with faith and association with devotees, it progresses systematically through various stages until one attains prema, pure love for Krishna.*
**Devotional service is the only means to attract Krishna:
![[cc/madhya/22/107]]
## The Nine Processes
**There are nine principal forms of devotional service:
![[sb/7/5/23]]
![[sb/7/5/24]]
## Beginning with Faith
**Devotional service begins with faith (śraddhā):
![[cc/madhya/23/14]]
## Association with Devotees
**Progress comes through association with pure devotees:
![[cc/madhya/22/83]]
## The Stages of Development
**From faith to pure love, bhakti develops systematically:
![[cc/madhya/23/15]]
![[cc/madhya/23/16]]
## Pure Devotional Service
**Unmotivated and uninterrupted devotion satisfies the soul:
![[sb/1/2/6]]
## The Ultimate Perfection
**Pure devotional service leads to prema, love of God:
![[cc/madhya/19/167]]
## Related Articles
- [[wiki/articles/the-nine-processes-of-devotional-service|The nine processes]] — Shravanam, kirtanam, etc.
- [[wiki/articles/association-with-devotees|Association with devotees]] — Sadhu-sanga
- [[wiki/articles/the-supremacy-of-bhakti|The supremacy of bhakti]] — Why devotion is best
- [[wiki/articles/love-for-krishna|Love for Krishna]] — Prema, the goal
- [[wiki/articles/the-pure-devotees-characteristics|The pure devotee]] — The perfected stage
## From the Index
- [[index/entries/devotional-service-to-lord|Devotional Service]] — Bhakti-yoga
- [[index/entries/bhakti-yoga|Bhakti-yoga]] — The path of devotion
- [[index/entries/pure-devotee|Pure Devotee]] — One perfected in bhakti
- [[index/entries/love-for-lord|Love for Lord]] — Prema, the goal