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Significance of Acts of devotion

Acts of devotion encompass various expressions of love and reverence towards the divine across different traditions. In Vaishnavism, they include actions exemplified by figures like Murari Gupta, and involve rituals like dancing and worship of Lord Krishna. Purana emphasizes righteous actions aimed at enhancing spiritual standing. Mahayana highlights rituals such as making offerings to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, while Theravada focuses on actions that honor the Buddha, like offering and reflecting on his virtues. Each tradition highlights the importance of devotion in spiritual practice.

Synonyms: Acts of worship, Expressions of faith, Devotional activities, Sacred ceremonies, Worship, Piety, Veneration

In Dutch: Daden van toewijding; In Finnish: Omistautumisen teot; In Spanish: Actos de devoción; In German: Akte der Hingabe

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Acts of devotion'

Buddhism Books

Acts of devotion in Buddhism encompass actions like making offerings and honoring the Buddha, driven by true reverence. These acts, including rituals like burning incense, are believed to bring rewards in life and illustrate deep spiritual commitment.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) Actions such as making offerings or reflecting on the Buddha’s greatness that express reverence and honor.[1]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) Certain actions performed with true devotion that yield rewards in this life, exemplified by individuals named in the narrative.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra

(1) Rituals performed by sentient beings, such as burning incense, making offerings, and reciting praises to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Acts of devotion'

Hinduism Books

Acts of devotion in Hinduism encompass righteous actions driven by love and faith towards deities, particularly Vishnu, manifested through rituals, worship, and service, as illustrated by Murari Gupta's experience and various physical expressions of reverence.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The expression of faith and love towards God, as exemplified by Murari Gupta’s experience.[4]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) Practical expressions of love and reverence towards Lord Krishna, often including worship, prayer, and service.[5]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Rituals or practices undertaken to express love and reverence towards the divine, such as dancing.[6]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).