Devotion comes from the Latin 'devovere' which contains the two Latin roots 'de' meaning down and 'votum' meaning vow. So 'devotion' means to lay down a vow and promise something. Someone who is devoted is said to be 'devout'.
'Votum' is the root of the word 'vote' meaning to make a conscious choice from a group of options. When you vote you are promising your support to the choice you made. Votum is also the root of 'votary' which is a term applied to someone who takes a vow to live a religious life of worship or service.
Therefore, when you are 'devoted' you consciously choose to promise your time, energy, thoughts and love to a person, a group, or a cause.
'Peace comes with ease when in true devotion the mind is dyed deep in the color of the Lord's Love.'
-Guru Amar Das, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Page 36
'By devotion one truly understands what and who I am in essence. Having known Me in essence, one immediately merges with Me.'
- Sri Krishna, Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18, Verse 55
'Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God.'
- 1 Chronicles 22:19
Reference: www.etymonline.com, www.worldwidewords.com, http://dictionary.cambridge.org
Courtsey:http://yogaunlimited.com/newsletters/august_2006/august_2006.htm
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