Cultivating Devotion

What is devotion, and how can we express it meaningfully in daily life? True devotion is reverent love and surrenders to something greater than the self. It flows from an inner sense of inspiration and awe.

Apr 30, 2024
What is devotion, and how can we express it meaningfully in daily life?
True devotion is reverent love and surrenders to something greater than the self. It flows from an inner sense of inspiration and awe. The object of devotion may be divine, or even secular passions or people.
When you feel moved to devotion, nurture it mindfully. Let it deepen your purpose and connection to life. Recite the Ganesha mantra "Pranamya Shirasa Devam", which means "I bow my head to the divine power". Feel humility and grace.
Devote yourself to simple acts of love, not dogma. Play music to awaken your spirit. Cook meals for loved ones in need. Tend a garden with care. Perform your work wholeheartedly, as an offering.
See life itself as worthy of devotion. One teacher wrote:
"Every day is a temple and a palace where your divinity dwells. With reverence, live each moment in devotion to truth, goodness, and beauty."
May your devotion be a wellspring of inner peace.
 

Here is a quick 3-point summary on cultivating devotion:

What to do:
  • Nurture devotion mindfully when you feel inspired and in awe
  • Express devotion through simple, loving acts and wholehearted work
What to hear:
What to say: "I devote myself to truth, goodness, and beauty, living each moment as an offering."
 

Listen to the Pranamya Shirasa Devam Mantra

Video preview
 

Download the Mantra