Devotion, Devoted: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Devotion means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

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In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Devotion in Yoga glossary
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

1) Devotion (to gnosis) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Bhakti, according to the Śivayogadīpikā by Sadāśivayogīśvara: a text dealing with Śaivism and Haṭhayoga in two hundred and eighty-nine verses.—Accordingly, while discussing the difference between Rājayoga and Śaivayoga: “[...] Devotion (bhakti) is gnosis full of Śiva, and Śaiva gnosis is Śiva’s nature. Since Śaiva observance is worship of Śiva, Śiva's yoga is five-fold. He who is without the practice [of worshipping] Śiva is certainly a bound soul, and he goes round and round forever in this cycle of birth and death”.

2) Being Devoted (to a particular practice) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Rata, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] Some are devoted (rata) to Mantra Yoga, some are confused by meditation and some tormented by forceful [practices]. They do not know what causes one to cross over [to liberation]. [...]”.

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Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): (shaktism)

Devotion (to a particular observance) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Nirata, according to the 17th century Kaulagajamardana (“crushing the Kaula elephant”) authored by Kāśīnātha or Kṛṣṇānandācala.—Accordingly, [as Īśvara said to Pārvatī]: “Listen, O Pārvatī, I shall give a critique of the Pāṣaṇḍas. Knowing this, a wise man is not defeated by them. Those devoted to fake observances (kalpita-ācāra-nirata); those who rebuke the religion of the Vedas; those who have fallen from caste and religious duties; those who have erred and think themselves learned, they are [all] called Pāṣaṇḍas [because] they act contrary to [true] religion. They fall into a terrifying hell until the end of the world. [...]”

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Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

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