noun
- In Hinduism and other Indian religions, devotion to a deity or spiritual practice characterized by emotional attachment and personal faith rather than ritual or knowledge.
Usage: From Sanskrit; used in English primarily in religious and cultural contexts; Often capitalized when referring to the specific religious movement or philosophy
Examples
- Bhakti yoga emphasizes the path of devotion as a means to spiritual enlightenment.
- The bhakti movement in medieval India transformed religious practice through emotional devotion to Krishna.
- Many followers practice bhakti by singing devotional songs and chanting the names of their chosen deity.
- Bhakti traditions celebrate the personal relationship between the worshipper and the divine.
- The poet Mirabai expressed her bhakti through verses of love and longing for Krishna.