Significance of Devotee
Synonyms: Follower, Admirer, Supporter, Enthusiast, Zealot, Adherent, Disciple, Acolyte., Believer, Fan, Faithful, Followers, Disciples
In Dutch: Devotee; In Finnish: Uskovainen; In Spanish: Devoto; In Portugese: Devoto; In Italian: Devoto; In German: Anhänger; In Swedish: Anhängare; In Malay: Penganut; In French: Passionné; In Dutch: Toegewijde; In Polish: Wielbiciel
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Devotee'
In Buddhism, a devotee can be someone who fervently prays for the end of suffering, a layperson dedicated to the Dhamma, a believer in banyan tree worship, or an admirer of revered figures.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Individuals who admired and venerated the Precious kar ma pa, often retaining fragments of his garments.[1]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A layperson dedicated to the Buddha and committed to practicing the Dhamma, representing exemplary faith and generosity.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Refers to those who believe and participate in the worship or prayer at the banyan tree, hoping for their wishes to be granted.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) These people will understand thoroughly and pray enthusiastically and seriously, when the teachers ask them to pray for the extinction of all suffering and sorrow.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Devotee'
In Hinduism, a devotee is an individual dedicated to a belief, deity, or spiritual practice. They express love, reverence, and loyalty through worship, service, and adherence to faith, seeking blessings and experiencing spiritual transformation.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) It signifies a follower, and discriminating against it will prevent individuals from attaining any auspiciousness or benefit.[5] (2) The Lord considers His devotees to be intimately related to Him, showing that devotees are very important to the Supreme Lord.[6] (3) A devotee, specifically of Vishnu, is a person held in high regard, and mistreating them can lead to consequences, as implied by the threat of being killed.[7] (4) Individuals who are dedicated followers or worshippers, and who are recipients of pleasing actions as depicted.[8] (5) According to the text, one who worships the Lord but fails to worship the Lord's devotees should be understood not to be a true devotee but a victim of false pride.[9]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to individuals who experience direct interaction and a sense of connection, marked by simplicity, especially after experiencing desolation and separation.[10] (2) The ardent devotees like Vidhura received news of the impending visit of the Lord, and a phased programme was implemented to prevent excessive joy from upsetting those devotees.[11] (3) Devotees are implicitly referenced as the Lord's focus, with the Lord acting as an abject servant to them, showcasing the Lord's tender solicitude and simplicity.[12] (4) "Devotees" are the self-less apostles of the Lord, who are in the vanguard of service and are considered His hot favorites.[13] (5) They receive the wholesome path of progress and knowledge, and the Supreme is easily attainable by them.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Individuals who, in conjunction with a central figure, contribute to the creation of a primary emotional state. Their involvement is integral to the experience and manifestation of this feeling.[15] (2) Devotees are those who are dedicated to the Lord, and it is important not to tolerate criticism or hatred towards them, reflecting respect.[16] (3) These individuals who engage in transcendental loving service of lotus feet have no difficulty in achieving anything within the realm of the four principles.[17] (4) It is a person dedicated to the divine, whose association or grace can help others eradicate negative tendencies and qualify for pure devotion.[18] (5) A person who is dedicated to the Lord and cultivates a relationship with the divine being through various devotional sentiments like dasya, sakhya, and vatsala.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Devotee of Lord Krishna has the power to transform an ordinary person into a saint through even a brief moment of contact.[20] (2) They are referenced when describing Vasudeva as the best among them, highlighting his exemplary spiritual qualities and dedication.[21] (3) "Devotees" are individuals who recognize a form of the divine entity, contrasting with the perception of formlessness.[22] (4) The "devotees" are those who are dedicated and devoted to a higher power, demonstrating their faith and commitment through various practices.[23] (5) A person or entity dedicated to a deity, as exemplified by Mount Raivata's devotion to Lord Hari.[24]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The devotees directly experience all the incarnations and view them with eyes imbued with devotion, causing these forms to always appear as topmost reality.[25] (2) Individuals who are the recipients of divine compassion and kindness, inspiring intense emotions and actions, such as speaking with a choked voice and shedding tears of affection.[26] (3) Devotees are those who experience jubilation and delight upon directly seeing Shri Bhagavan, as they possess devotion.[27] (4) These are the individuals who worship the Lord with a particular mood, and they receive results according to their devotion and prayers.[28] (5) These are the people who are dedicated to a particular deity or spiritual practice.[29]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The devotee in ragamarga is described as fixed in two kinds of service moods, one executed with his external body and the other with his internally contemplated body.[30] (2) Devotees decorate themselves with garlands and ornaments worn by the Supreme Lord and subsist on His remnants to conquer illusory energy.[31] (3) A devotee who remembers pastimes is transcendental and filled with eternality, knowledge, and bliss, similar to the Supreme Lord, showing the elevated state achieved through devotion.[32] (4) According to the information, there are devotees who desire to love Krishna, and they are contrasted with those whose hearts are impure due to offences.[33] (5) An individual in whom virtue and peacefulness manifest under certain circumstances, according to the information given.[34]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Lord Gaura instructed his devotees, including Shrivasa, to return to their respective ashramas and to serve each other.[35] (2) The devotees are those who yearn to attain the divine's feet, and the text emphasizes their devotion, meditation, and unwavering love, highlighting their desire to serve the divine.[36] (3) These are the individuals who surround Lord Gaura, and who are deeply affected by His decision to leave, expressing their sorrow and fear of being separated from Him, fearing the dangers of the material world.[37] (4) These are individuals who are joyful, and the text suggests that the devotees are connected to the divine figure through their actions and emotions.[38] (5) The devotees followed Lord Gaura, and a saintly brahmana spoke to the Lord, indicating a relationship of devotion and following.[39]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) An individual who has performed some type of service to Shrila Gurudeva as a sign of devotion.[40] (2) Individuals devoted to God and committed to practicing bhakti under the guidance of spiritual teachers.[41] (3) A follower dedicated to the devotion and service of Krishna.[42] (4) Individuals who are dedicated to serving and following Shrila Gurudeva's teachings and were instructed on how to manage Gurudeva's food intake.[43] (5) Individuals who follow the teachings and lifestyle as propagated by Shrila Swami Maharaja and are part of his spiritual community.[44]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A devotee is put by Krishna in all possible situations to train the judgment of those who profess to believe in them, and their budding faith must survive a purgatorial ordeal, according to the text.[45] (2) This is a person who is eternally engaged in doing good, and the recipients of their actions are often unconscious of the service being provided.[46]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A devotee is what Sissoopal claims he will become, abandoning all worldly hopes, indicating his intention to pursue a spiritual path and renounce his ambitions after facing disgrace and defeat.[47]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The individual who is engaged in the spiritual practices of Bhuta Suddhi, as described in the provided text.[48] (2) A person who shows devotion and commitment to the worship of the Devi.[49] (3) Individuals who worship and seek the blessings of the Devi Bhagavati with sincerity and faith.[50] (4) Worshippers of Vishnu who seek protection and removal of difficulties through chanting his name.[51] (5) A person who sincerely practices the rituals of Shirovrata and is dedicated to its observances.[52]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The one who worships with his inmost self intent, is esteemed as the most devoted.[53] (2) A person who is devoted to spiritual practice and understanding, striving to unite with the supreme self.[54] (3) An individual who sincerely dedicates themselves to spiritual practice and devotion to the divine.[55]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The text speaks of a great devotee who, after obtaining the consummation of devotion, lives a life of liberation, detached from the cares and concerns of the world.[56] (2) This is the person who is to worship the Lord in the usual method of the ritual, as mentioned in the text provided.[57]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Devotee refers to someone dedicated to religious practices, which the women believe Sita is unsuited to be, given her refined nature and upbringing.[58] (2) Individuals whose holy power caused trees to spring and bloom from their heat-drops, ensuring their growth is ever fresh and young.[59]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) A pure follower who deeply engages with the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita, especially the eighteenth chapter.[60]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Individuals who dedicate themselves to the worship of Parameshvara, embodying love and devotion as their primary means of spiritual practice.[61]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The devotee is the individual who engages in devout meditation, aiming to attain the highest Brahman and realizing its presence within their heart.[62] (2) The devotee is the one who meditates, reaching the object of meditation, which is the highest Person, and the text speaks about him being led up by the Saman verses to the world of Brahman.[63] (3) The Self of this person is of exactly the same nature as the released Self during meditation.[64]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Faithful followers who recognize and worship the Lord; their devotion is linked to perceiving His presence.[65]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is the individual who engages in the practice of meditation, and has to reiterate meditations up to his death.[66]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) One should never condemn food as though it were his Guru; this refraining should be made a vow.[67]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The aspects of the Lord, such as Vishva, Taijasa, Prajna and Turiya are approachable by the devotee, according to the provided text.[68]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The role assumed by the goldsmith in the Arabic version where he presents himself as a loyal well-wisher to the king.[69] (2) a character who rescues the starving Brahman by offering rice, demonstrating the theme of charity.[70]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Individuals depicted in sculptural representations with superhuman qualities, structured based on their spiritual advancement stages.[71]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) The Universal Soul reveals itself to these individuals in human forms, according to beliefs.[72]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) It refers to those who perform penance, enduring hunger, but less powerful than those who relieve it.[73]
The concept of Devotee in local and regional sources
"Devotee" encompasses individuals expressing faith through worship, prayer, and spiritual practices across diverse traditions. The term highlights a personal connection with the divine, emphasizing devotion, surrender, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The devotee's perspective offers a personal account of witnessing and worshipping the divine figure, highlighting the transformative power of faith and devotion.[74] (2) These are the people who will be grateful to the translator for gifting them with a particular translation.[75] (3) Devotees are described as being bound to a higher power, experiencing inner turmoil, and suffering grief, which are all part of their devotion.[76] (4) This is a person who should not lose their faith in a divine being, contrasting with a warrior who may turn coward, highlighting the importance of unwavering belief.[77] (5) The descent of the Divine into a human mould–the drama of the Divine accepting the limitations of the terrestrial play–the entanglement of the Divine in the love of these.[78]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Devotees of Shri Ramakrishna were filled with joy upon Swamiji's return, and many of them considered themselves blessed to invite him to their homes.[79] (2) A devotee is mentioned as a potentially trustworthy individual who, if affluent, could undertake works like founding a Math or keeping funds in custody.[80] (3) This refers to the followers of Ramakrishna, who are seeking to create a memorial to honor him and continue his work.[81] (4) This individual is described as one whose soul is crying for God, having no other idea but to worship God and to praise Him.[82] (5) These are people who are devoted to the My devotees, indicating a hierarchy of devotion.[83]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Tulsidas is acknowledged as supreme among devotees, a high status mirrored in other supreme figures.[84]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) This is a person who requests the monks to perform the ceremony, and recites a Pali stanza asking the monks to begin.[85]
The concept of Devotee in scientific sources
Devotee refers to people traveling long distances to visit a temple and pray to a deity, turning objects into symbols of gods. This is connected to a guru convicted of murder, with devotees showing attention to a central figure.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) They are individuals who participate in the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, renewing their allegiances to the Nine Emperor Gods and experiencing the contestations between divinities and the state.[86] (2) Individuals whose realism encouraged them to touch, lick, and kiss sculptures, typically starting at the feet, then attending to the hands and face.[87] (3) Devotees are those who follow Zöhre Ana, experiencing a sense of something greater than themselves, reinforcing the power from her presence, often seeking healing for various afflictions.[88] (4) Shri Chaitanya became furious when someone offended his dear devotees, and he prepared to use his weapon to kill the offenders in defense of his followers.[89] (5) The very act of these people praying to objects renders the objects as synecdoche for gods.[90]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) The text describes **devotees** as individuals who participate in devotional and worshiping songs, seeking solace and peace, and they hold the devotional and worshiping songbooks in their hands, perform dhog (touching the books with their foreheads) as an act of reverence, and subsequently begin singing the songs.[91]