Significance of Devotional practice
Devotional practice, as described across various traditions, involves a range of activities aimed at cultivating a deep connection with the divine. In Vaishnavism, it includes meditation, rituals, chanting, and community gatherings, focused on fostering love and spiritual growth towards deities like Krishna. Other traditions such as Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vedanta interpret devotional practice similarly, emphasizing actions that sustain spiritual dedication through worship, respect, and transformative rituals. Overall, devotional practice serves as a fundamental means for individuals to express reverence and realize spiritual truths.
Synonyms: Spiritual exercise, Religious ritual, Meditative practice, Worship, Prayer, Meditation, Religious observance
In Dutch: Devotionele praktijk; In Finnish: Hartausharjoitus; In Spanish: Práctica devocional; In German: Andachtspraxis; In Swedish: Andaktsövning; In Malay: Amalan berbakti; In French: Pratique dévotionnelle; In Italian: Pratica devozionale; In Portugese: Prática devocional; In Polish: Praktyka pobożnościowa
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 encompasses rituals and expressions of faith aimed at honoring the Buddha and supporting individual spiritual growth, reflecting commitment and respect towards Buddhist teachings and figures.
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) These are actions and rituals, such as offering cloth, that are performed by worshippers to show their devotion to Datsueba and seek her blessings.[1] (2) The practices within eighteenth-century Tibetan Buddhism, within which the group of objects depicting the Qing Qianlong emperor as a Tibetan Buddhist monk and emanation of Manjushri-Cakravartin, surrounded by a pantheon of deities and spiritual masters, were situated.[2] (3) Devotional practices are ways to transcend mortality and suffering, actively constructing an alternative reality through Buddhist artefacts, created in an age plagued by fear and anxiety.[3]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Rituals and acts of worship that demonstrate commitment and respect towards the teachings and figures in Buddhism.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Devotional practice'
Devotional practice in Hinduism encompasses a range of actions performed by devotees, including worship, rituals, and community gatherings, aimed at expressing reverence, deepening spiritual connections, and cultivating love for the divine.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The devotional practice is the kirtana, led by Mukunda, involving music and rhythmic expression to connect with the Lord, inspiring an emotional response from the devotees.[5] (2) Devotional practices encompass the rituals, prayers, and acts of worship undertaken by individuals to express their faith and reverence towards a deity or spiritual figure.[6] (3) The entire statement indicates a "devotional practice" centered around preparing and offering something to Krishna, followed by valuing even the remnants.[7] (4) Devotional practice is represented by the kirtana, which is the central activity, showcasing a spiritual dedication where the devotees are continuously engaged without any other activity.[8] (5) Activities undertaken as an expression of faith. The reasons behind these actions were not understood by a segment of the population.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) This refers to the gradation of spiritual practice, or sadhana, which influences the degree of result or experience, as described in the text.[10] (2) Sadhana that leads individuals to arrive in Vaikuntha.[11] (3) the acts undertaken to worship and connect with the divine[12] (4) Activities aimed at nurturing devotion, particularly within the context of seeking liberation and engaging with sacred places.[13] (5) The acts and rituals performed by devotees aimed at serving and pleasing the divine.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This is a specific activity that involves following spontaneous devotion. It is observed distinctively within a group of people and emulated by others.[15] (2) The various methods and rituals employed in expressing devotion, influenced by different types of bhakti.[16] (3) Spiritual activities or rituals performed with the intention of serving and loving the divine.[17] (4) Rituals and activities dedicated to serving and worshiping a deity or divine figure.[18] (5) Various rituals and acts performed in reverence to tulasi that are fundamental to her worship.[19]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Devotional practice is emphasized through the example of a sadhaka who should follow the rules of the bhakti-shastras rather than imitating pure devotees.[20] (2) As part of a devotional practice, after offering obeisances to tulasi, one should chant the prescribed number of krishna-nama on tulasi beads with sambandhajnana.[21] (3) Activities performed by devotees, such as hearing, chanting, and remembering the Supreme Lord, aimed at fostering a connection with divinity.[22] (4) The various activities and actions performed to express love and reverence toward the divine.[23]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The processes undertaken by devotees to develop their love for Krishna, including chanting and reading scripture.[24] (2) Activities and rituals undertaken by devotees to cultivate their relationship with Krishna and deepen their love and devotion.[25] (3) Various activities, including worship, offerings, and sacrifices performed by devotees for the recovery of Shrila Gurudeva.[26]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The acts of worship, meditation, and remembrance that cultivate a personal relationship with the Lord.[27] (2) Rituals and practices, such as Yajnas, that are aimed at fostering spiritual growth and connection with the divine.[28]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Rituals and prayers that showcase the characters' relationship with divine beings and the importance of faith.[29] (2) Actions performed by individuals to worship and connect with the divine, emphasized in the teachings of the story.[30]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The activities undertaken by devotees, such as chanting and serving, aimed at cultivating a closer relationship with Krishna.[31]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Actions performed by devotees to express reverence and worship the deities.[32]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A variety of rites and routines aimed at deepening spiritual connection and devotion to the divine.[33]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The spiritual activities in which Nidagha engages within the beautiful grove near the Devika river.[34]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Acts of worship or reverence towards deities that are briefly mentioned in the Purana.[35]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Practice carried out with devotion, leading to firmness and stability.[36]
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.[37]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Spiritual exercises undertaken with the intent of realizing one's unity with Brahman.[38]
The concept of Devotional practice in local and regional sources
Devotional practice encompasses spiritual activities aimed at achieving divine connection, religious rituals, and expressions of faith. It involves worship, festivals, and rituals that foster spirituality and reverence, highlighting its significance across various traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Spiritual activities directed towards achieving divine connection and realization, such as the worship of Sakti in Devi Mahatmya.[39] (2) Religious rituals and activities undertaken by individuals to express piety, such as prayer or rituals involving the rosary.[40] (3) Religious activities aimed at expressing faith and devotion to the divine, particularly in the context of Desika.[41] (4) A pattern of worship or veneration involving the creation of statues to perpetuate the presence of a deity.[42]
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.[43]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This phrase refers to the acts of religious devotion and worship, which were considered as significant, but the magazine's work was not seen as inferior to them by Swamiji.[44]
The concept of Devotional practice in scientific sources
Devotional practice, as per regional sources, involves worshipping various Buddhas and linking them distinctively to Buddha fields.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Devotional practices, such as touching Dervish Hatixhe's tomb and lighting candles, allow devotees to connect with her shenjtëri and are reinterpreted and embodied in various forms that engage both sight and the senses.[45] (2) According to the text, a space allows survivors to cope with the continuing confrontation of loss and trauma in their daily lives through gendered devotional practices.[46] (3) The appearance of tables of small formats that could be easily carried allowed devotional practices to be personal and to be given in private and non-liturgical settings.[47] (4) Devotional practices are religious rituals and activities that express personal and communal faith, fostering a sense of connection with the divine and shaping spiritual experiences, as described in the text.[48] (5) It is a set of rituals that encouraged individuals to engage in during their lifetime, seeking a favorable rebirth, combined with the Buddhist teachings.[49]