Significance of Devotion
Devotion in various spiritual contexts highlights a profound love and dedication toward faith, deities, and spiritual practices. In Jainism, it represents commitment to respected figures and practices, while in Vaishnavism, it embodies loving service to God, central to worship and the relationship with divine figures like Krishna. Similarly, Buddhism emphasizes a strong commitment to the teachings of the Buddha. Overall, devotion is characterized by heartfelt dedication, sincere worship, and the desire for spiritual connection and fulfillment across different traditions.
Synonyms: Commitment, Dedication, Allegiance, Loyalty, Faithfulness, Attachment, Zeal, Passion
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Devotion'
Devotion in Buddhism signifies intense dedication and reverence to Buddhist teachings and figures, integral to spiritual practice and enlightenment. It encompasses acts of worship, commitment to dharma, and deep engagement in the Buddha's teachings.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A deep commitment to the principles of dharma and the path to enlightenment.[1] (2) A significant element in Buddhist practice that involves intense dedication, love, and reverence towards the teachings and figures in Buddhism.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A deep commitment and reverence towards the teachings of the Buddha, often manifested in various forms of worship.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Acts of reverence and worship shown by Ugga and his family towards the Buddha, contributing to their spiritual liberation.[4] (2) The intention and commitment developed through the description of the Buddha's activities to engage spiritually.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Devotion'
Devotion in Hinduism embodies a profound love and reverence for the divine, characterized by heartfelt worship, dedication to rituals, and sincere commitment. It serves as a pathway to spiritual fulfillment and divine realization through acts of love and service.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A heartfelt attribute with which a devotee should worship Krishna.[6] (2) A deep commitment and reverence towards a deity or spiritual practice, crucial for achieving purity.[7] (3) A heartfelt commitment and reverence towards deities, characterized by acts of worship and ritualistic offerings.[8] (4) The heartfelt devotion that Rama wished to perfect towards the feet of Maheshvara, symbolizing ultimate spiritual commitment.[9] (5) The heartfelt dedication and reverence of devotees that motivates them in their penance and worship.[10]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The strong commitment displayed by both the hunter and Nandin towards worshipping and serving Shiva.[11] (2) The sincere faith and worship displayed by the hunter and his wife while honoring Vishnu.[12] (3) A deep commitment or love towards spiritual practices and figures, leading to the attainment of virtues.[13] (4) The outcome for a shudra who engages in worship, highlighting the value of faith and allegiance in spiritual practices.[14] (5) Intense dedication and spiritual commitment displayed by Balavati through her practices toward the Sun.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Religious practices that Krishna engages in during the early hours, highlighting his devotion and piety.[16] (2) A profound commitment to a cause or deity, particularly in the context of Arjuna’s actions.[17] (3) A profound dedication and love towards the divine, leading to spiritual fulfillment and connection.[18] (4) A deep commitment and sincerity in performing religious acts, which can purify even those who lack self-restraint.[19] (5) A sincere and dedicated love and commitment towards a deity or spiritual figure.[20]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The emotional and spiritual commitment demonstrated by the characters in their worship of Shiva.[21] (2) The sincere worship and reverence shown by the gods towards the goddess.[22] (3) The sincere love and worship that Arjuna offers to Shiva.[23] (4) The heartfelt respect and reverence expressed by the Siddhas towards Lord Shiva.[24] (5) The quality that could render the sins of the wicked tiger ineffective.[25]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A sincere and dedicated commitment towards the worship of the Goddess, vital for attaining desired fruits in life.[26] (2) A deep love and dedication towards the divine, essential for spiritual progress.[27] (3) Profound commitment and love towards a deity or spiritual practice.[28]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) A consistent practice of reverence and commitment to the divine, essential for spiritual progress.[29] (2) A deep commitment or love for the divine, essential for attaining renunciation and ultimately Brahman.[30]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The act of reverent love and loyalty towards the divine, seen as a motivation for the mention of the Ganga.[31] (2) The act of worship and reverence that Devapi displayed towards the Devas, sacred fires, and the Vedas.[32]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A path of spiritual submission and love towards the divine, considered essential in the teachings of the Bhagavadgita.[33] (2) A path of worship and love towards the divine, which the Gita literature addresses in conjunction with knowledge and action.[34]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A quality exhibited by Dirghatapas, representing deep religious commitment and dedication to spiritual practices.[35]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Devotion embodies the love and commitment followers have towards the goddess, often seen as essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.[36]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Bibishana's loyalty that led to Rama granting him the City of Lanka as a reward.[37]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A spiritual discipline characterized by selfless love and dedication to the Supreme, emphasized in numerous paths leading to realization of the Supreme Reality.[38]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A deep commitment to worship and honor a deity, which plays a crucial role in the narrative's themes of fate and protection.[39]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The attitude with which offerings should be made to please the gods, indicating sincere worship.[40]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A sincere and loving service offered to the Supreme Lord, distinguished here from the selfish motives of sinful individuals.[41] (2) A deep commitment and love towards a deity, exemplified in Nityananda's feelings for Lord Caitanya.[42] (3) A deep commitment and love towards someone or something, which in this context, the people lacked.[43] (4) The loving service and offerings made by devotees like Sarvabhauma to the Lord.[44] (5) A heartfelt commitment and service to Lord Krishna, regarded as the vital essence of spiritual practice, surpassing mere linguistic proficiency.[45]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A deep, spiritual connection and loving service toward the divine, underlying the context of the rasa dance.[46] (2) A term referring to the deep love and commitment devotees have toward the divine.[47] (3) The act of loving and worshipping Shri Krishnadeva from one's heart.[48] (4) A deep love and commitment to serving a deity or spiritual figure, characterized by emotional attachment and worship.[49] (5) A deep love and reverence for God, often expressed through service and worship.[50]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The commitment and loyalty towards the divine, considered unattainable in the presence of personal offenses.[51] (2) The act of engaging in worship and service dedicated to Shri Bhagavan, noted among the citizens.[52] (3) Dedication and commitment to a religious practice or belief.[53]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Profound dedication and love towards a divine figure, often expressed through rituals and worship.[54] (2) The act of worshipping or showing reverence to the Lord with full earnestness and love.[55] (3) A profound commitment and love directed towards the Lord, often expressed through worship.[56]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The act of serving a higher power or God with pure love and without any expectation of reward.[57] (2) The essential method of worship in Sri Ramanuja's philosophy, characterized as pleasing and necessary for attaining Godhead.[58]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A strong love or commitment to serve and please God or a spiritual leader.[59]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A sincere and dedicated form of love and service towards the divine, exemplified by Prahlada's wishes.[60]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The heartfelt dedication to the practice of chanting and worshipping God.[61]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The commitment to worship the Lord in his boar form, leading to spiritual liberation.[62] (2) A sincere commitment and reverence towards Shri-Rama that is essential for attaining salvation.[63]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A state of loving commitment and connection to the Self, considered synonymous with meditation (upasana).[64]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A necessary quality for acquiring deeper knowledge of the divine.[65]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) A central theme of the text, representing the heartfelt commitment to worship and service towards the divine and spiritual guidance.[66] (2) The means in the Kali Era to fulfill desires and connect with the divine.[67]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The act of revering and dedicating oneself to God, often expressed through worship and adoration.[68] (2) The act of showing reverence and commitment to God, as indicated by the purpose of the text.[69]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A committed faith or dedication that enables the accomplishment of difficult endeavors.[70]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The recommended means for attaining Narayana, emphasizing love and focused worship as pathways to divine realization.[71]
Jain concept of 'Devotion'
In Jainism, devotion signifies a profound commitment to spiritual practice, well-being of others, and reverence towards spiritual figures, illustrating a sincere love that transcends material desires, as seen in personal relationships and figures like Bhadra and Narada.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A heartfelt relationship that certain individuals, like Narada, desire instead of material objects.[72] (2) A deep commitment and loyalty, especially in relation to the charioteer and his relationship with Nala.[73] (3) A profound love and dedication to a spiritual practice or figure, exemplified by Bhadra's feelings for her son.[74] (4) A sincere commitment or worship towards the divine, fundamental to the practices and beliefs of Hinduism.[75]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Demonstrating a strong commitment or dedication, especially towards spiritual practice and the well-being of others.[76]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A deep dedication and reverence towards spiritual practices and respected figures in Jainism.[77]
The concept of Devotion in local and regional sources
Devotion signifies a profound commitment and love towards spiritual practices and deities, prevalent in narratives depicting the sincere motivations of individuals, like King Shivaji, and expressing faith and hope during suffering.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A central theme in the narrative, describing the commitment and love of devotees towards their spiritual practice and teachers.[78] (2) The sincere feeling that motivates King Shivaji to bring grain to Tukoba.[79]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A secondary sentiment in the piece, emphasizing the hero's faith and hope amidst suffering.[80] (2) A deep dedication and commitment to a cause or spiritual practice, particularly in the context of God and spirituality.[81]
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) A heartfelt dedication or spiritual commitment towards a deity, often expressed in oral narratives.[82]