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Significance of Object of devotion

The Object of devotion in various spiritual traditions signifies a central focus for worship and reverence. In Tibetan Buddhism, it encompasses representations of the Buddha and emphasizes the veneration for achieving spiritual goals. Vaishnavism defines it as the entity evoking love and respect essential for bhakti. In the Purana tradition, it represents the ultimate focus leading to spiritual fulfillment, particularly Krishna for the Gopis. Additionally, Yoga identifies it with Ishvara, while Vedanta highlights the aspect of Brahman associated with worship, and Mahayana views it as a crucial element for developing Buddhist faith.

Synonyms: Idol, Deity, Worship, Focal point, Sacred object, Revered figure, Saint, Beloved, Focus, Symbol, Emblem

In Dutch: Voorwerp van toewijding; In Finnish: Omistamisen kohde; In Spanish: Objeto de devoción; In German: Gegenstand der Verehrung

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

Buddhist concept of 'Object of devotion'

Buddhism Books

The keyphrase "Object of devotion in Buddhism" signifies a focal point for prayers and meditation, encompassing representations of the Buddha and emphasizing the veneration necessary for faith, worship, and the pursuit of prosperity and spiritual fulfillment.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Refers to the emphasis on God as worthy of worship and reverence, especially among those who seek Prosperity and the Highest Good.[1]

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) Refers to any representation of the Buddha, whether in stone, wood, or clay, indicating the importance of venerating such forms.[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

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

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A focal point for practitioners' prayers and meditative practices, crucial for the development of faith in Buddhism.[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 'Object of devotion'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Object of devotion symbolizes the personal aspect of Brahman, such as Ishvara, which devotees worship to attain spiritual fulfillment, emotional connection, and union with the divine, embodying qualities of the highest Lord.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The aspect of Brahman that devotees engage with through worship, which varies according to the qualities and attributes assigned in their spiritual practices.[4] (2) The focus of spiritual worship that embodies qualities of the highest Lord, often depicted through various attributes and forms.[5]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Any form or concept that a devotee focuses their worship towards, which may lead to spiritual fulfillment if understood correctly.[6]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The focus or goal to which one dedicates themselves, perceived as the highest acquisition.[7]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The entity or focus towards which a devotee directs their love, respect, and emotional energy, crucial for defining states of bhakti.[8]

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�).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) The divine entity, Ishvara, which acts as the focal point for worship and spiritual contemplation.[9]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).