Devotion (bhakti)

Definition

Devotion, or bhakti, refers to a deep, personal love and devotion to a deity in Hinduism, characterized by intense emotional attachment and a desire for union with the divine. This spiritual practice emphasizes faith, surrender, and the cultivation of a loving relationship with God, which can manifest through prayer, rituals, and singing hymns. Bhakti is central to various philosophical schools and is particularly significant in the context of Vedānta as it encourages a direct, heartfelt connection with the divine beyond intellectual understanding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bhakti became prominent in India during the medieval period as a response to formalistic rituals and caste distinctions, emphasizing personal devotion over traditional practices.
2. Various saints and poets, such as Meera Bai and Ramanuja, played crucial roles in popularizing bhakti through their teachings and compositions.
3. In the context of Vedānta, different schools interpret bhakti uniquely; for instance, Dvaita Vedānta emphasizes duality between the devotee and God, while Advaita Vedānta stresses non-dualism.
4. Bhakti practices include singing devotional songs (bhajans), chanting names of deities (japa), and engaging in communal worship (satsang).
5. The ultimate goal of bhakti is to experience a loving union with the divine, leading to spiritual fulfillment and liberation (moksha).

Review Questions

• How does bhakti differ across various Vedānta schools, particularly in terms of its interpretation of the relationship between the devotee and the divine?
  • Bhakti varies significantly among different Vedānta schools. In Dvaita Vedānta, bhakti emphasizes a dual relationship between the devotee and God, where God is seen as distinct from the individual soul. Conversely, Advaita Vedānta interprets bhakti as an expression of non-dualism, suggesting that the devotee and God are ultimately one. These differing perspectives highlight how devotion can be understood in various philosophical contexts within Vedānta.
• What role did saints like Meera Bai play in shaping the bhakti movement and its impact on Hindu philosophy?
  • Saints like Meera Bai were instrumental in popularizing the bhakti movement by emphasizing personal devotion over ritualistic practices. Through their poetry and teachings, they challenged social norms, including caste distinctions, and inspired a more inclusive approach to spirituality. Their contributions helped establish bhakti as a legitimate path within Hindu philosophy that encouraged emotional connection with God, influencing countless followers and shaping contemporary practices.
• Evaluate the significance of bhakti in contemporary Hindu practices and its implications for spiritual growth within the broader context of Indian philosophy.
  • Bhakti remains highly significant in contemporary Hindu practices as it fosters personal connections with the divine through love and devotion. Its emphasis on emotional engagement offers an accessible spiritual path for many individuals seeking fulfillment beyond intellectual pursuits. This focus on devotion also promotes inclusivity and community among practitioners. Evaluating its implications for spiritual growth reveals how bhakti not only enriches personal lives but also strengthens the broader philosophical landscape of Indian spirituality by integrating diverse expressions of faith.

Related terms

Moksha: The liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) achieved through spiritual practices, including devotion.

Karma: The law of cause and effect, where a person's actions determine their future experiences, often intertwined with bhakti as selfless actions are encouraged.

Jñāna: The path of knowledge and wisdom in Hindu philosophy, which can complement bhakti by providing insight into the nature of the divine.