Devotion
An expression of love
Devotion literally means an expression of love. Generally when we hear the term devotion, the first thought that comes to the mind is the religious sentiment that has been associated with this term since time immemorial.
All of us have our own ways of expressing our devotion. Majority of people express their devotion towards God, the highest cosmic power. Some follow elaborate rituals of worship like offering incense sticks, camphor, fruits, flowers and prasadam to their beloved deities. Others visit places of worship like temples. Some believe in helping the poor while others offer selfless dedicated service towards their families. Some meditate upon the holy name while others prefer to express their devotion by studying scriptures to understand the supreme truth. For many others, devotion means being dedicated to their work. They believe in the mantra, ‘Work is Worship.’
Thus the definition of devotion varies from person to person as it has many forms. Devotion can also mean the ability to love life as it is, love the people around us and the work that we do. It is the ability to embrace the dualities of life, remain calm amidst storms and connecting with the divinity within ourselves.
If one needs to truly understand the term devotion, then one has to view it from the spiritual perspective. Devotion in its purest form means love towards our creator, the cosmic power that sustains the entire universe. It is the light of love that shines the brightest and illuminates the entire universe.
In Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna says the following to Arjuna
Bg. 9.27
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत् । यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् ॥ २७ ॥
yat karoṣi yad aśnāsi yaj juhoṣi dadāsi yat yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam
Translation
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform – do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to me.
Written by: Saraswathi M V
Mentor: Prof. Shalini R Pujari
