Significance of Devotional practice
Devotional practice, according to various traditions, encompasses a wide range of worship activities aimed at connecting with the divine. These practices include meditation, chanting, prayers, and rituals that foster spiritual growth and love for a deity, particularly within the context of bhakti. In Vaishnavism, devotional practice emphasizes acts of reverence and service, while other philosophies like Vedanta and Buddhism underscore unity with the divine or commitment to spiritual teachings. Overall, devotional practice serves as a pathway for devotees to cultivate their relationship with the divine.
Synonyms: Spiritual exercise, Religious ritual, Meditative practice, Worship, Prayer, Meditation, Religious observance
In Dutch: Devotionele praktijk
In Finnish: Hartausharjoitus
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Devotional practice'
Devotional practice in Buddhism involves rituals and expressions of faith honoring the Buddha, illustrating commitment to teachings, and enhancing personal spiritual growth through acts of worship and respect.
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) The kinds of rituals and expressions of faith performed to honor the Buddha and advance one's own spiritual journey.[1]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Rituals and acts of worship that demonstrate commitment and respect towards the teachings and figures in Buddhism.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Devotional practice'
Devotional practice in Hinduism encompasses rituals and activities aimed at honoring deities, especially Vishnu, through expressions of love and reverence, fostering spiritual growth, and cultivating a personal relationship with the divine.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Spiritual activities carried out by devotees to express love and reverence towards the divine.[3] (2) Spiritual activities and rituals aimed at fostering devotion and connection to the divine, central to the teachings of Shri Caitanya.[4] (3) Religious rituals or activities aimed at expressing love, respect, and devotion to a deity.[5] (4) Spiritual activities that cultivate love and worship towards God, contributing to one's spiritual growth and connection.[6] (5) Acts of worship or expressions of devotion, such as dancing and singing the praises of deities.[7]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Sadhana that leads individuals to arrive in Vaikuntha.[8] (2) the acts undertaken to worship and connect with the divine[9] (3) Activities aimed at nurturing devotion, particularly within the context of seeking liberation and engaging with sacred places.[10] (4) The acts and rituals performed by devotees aimed at serving and pleasing the divine.[11] (5) Various methods of worship and dedication that are traditionally believed to lead to spiritual elevation.[12]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The various methods and rituals employed in expressing devotion, influenced by different types of bhakti.[13] (2) Spiritual activities or rituals performed with the intention of serving and loving the divine.[14] (3) Rituals and activities dedicated to serving and worshiping a deity or divine figure.[15] (4) Various rituals and acts performed in reverence to tulasi that are fundamental to her worship.[16] (5) Devotional practice encompasses various forms of worship and spiritual activities directed toward a deity, specifically within the context of vaidhi-bhakti.[17]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The processes undertaken by devotees to develop their love for Krishna, including chanting and reading scripture.[18] (2) Activities and rituals undertaken by devotees to cultivate their relationship with Krishna and deepen their love and devotion.[19] (3) Various activities, including worship, offerings, and sacrifices performed by devotees for the recovery of Shrila Gurudeva.[20]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Activities performed by devotees, such as hearing, chanting, and remembering the Supreme Lord, aimed at fostering a connection with divinity.[21] (2) The various activities and actions performed to express love and reverence toward the divine.[22]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The acts of worship, meditation, and remembrance that cultivate a personal relationship with the Lord.[23] (2) Rituals and practices, such as Yajnas, that are aimed at fostering spiritual growth and connection with the divine.[24]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Rituals and prayers that showcase the characters' relationship with divine beings and the importance of faith.[25] (2) Actions performed by individuals to worship and connect with the divine, emphasized in the teachings of the story.[26]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The activities undertaken by devotees, such as chanting and serving, aimed at cultivating a closer relationship with Krishna.[27]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Actions performed by devotees to express reverence and worship the deities.[28]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Ritualistic observances performed by devotees intending to please the deities.[29] (2) The rituals and offerings made to Ratneshvara, which are believed to bring about peace, prosperity, and liberation.[30] (3) Actions of worship, which include propitiating the deity Ishaneshvara for desired outcomes.[31] (4) Acts of worship and dedication towards Ramanatha, involving physical, emotional, and mental engagement in religious activities.[32] (5) Rituals or acts of worship performed to honor deities, specifically the Sun in this context.[33]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Rituals and actions directed toward worshipping the divine, often aimed at attaining spiritual growth or forgiveness.[34] (2) Rituals and acts of devotion aimed at honoring the deity and achieving spiritual merits.[35] (3) Actions performed in dedication to the divine, involving rituals, fasts, and prayers, as a means to attain spiritual goals.[36] (4) Rituals and actions performed with devotion intended for spiritual seeking and connection with the divine.[37] (5) Rituals and activities performed to honor and worship Vishnu, such as singing praises and meditating on his forms.[38]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Religious or spiritual activities undertaken to honor and worship deities, especially Lord Vishnu.[39] (2) Acts of worship and service aimed at pleasing a deity, particularly during the holy rite of Shivalinga.[40]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The various activities, such as chanting, meditating, and performing sacrifices, that foster a bond with the divine.[41]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A variety of rites and routines aimed at deepening spiritual connection and devotion to the divine.[42]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The actions encouraged within the text, suggesting that reading, teaching, and narrating the story leads to spiritual benefits.[43]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The spiritual activities in which Nidagha engages within the beautiful grove near the Devika river.[44]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Methods and rituals employed by devotees to express their dedication and love for deities.[45]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Acts of worship or reverence towards deities that are briefly mentioned in the Purana.[46]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Practice carried out with devotion, leading to firmness and stability.[47]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Spiritual activities performed with love and reverence, aimed at fostering a closer connection to the divine.[48]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Spiritual exercises undertaken with the intent of realizing one's unity with Brahman.[49]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The activities and beliefs of Aghoris who worship the Aghora aspect of Lord Shiva, disregarding societal norms of auspiciousness.[50]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Actions and processes that enhance one's connection to the divine, aimed at making worship more pleasing to Vishnu.[51]
The concept of Devotional practice in local and regional sources
Devotional practice encompasses activities by lay Buddhists that express reverence for the Buddha, including worship, statue creation, and participation in religious rituals and festivals, fostering a deep connection to spirituality and faith.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Religious activities aimed at expressing faith and devotion to the divine, particularly in the context of Desika.[52] (2) A pattern of worship or veneration involving the creation of statues to perpetuate the presence of a deity.[53]
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) Activities such as visiting temples, celebrating religious festivals, and participating in rituals that maintain a connection to spirituality.[54]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) Activities performed by lay Buddhists that express love and reverence towards the Buddha and his teachings.[55]