Bhakti

Bhakti is a complex Sanskrit term and concept encompassing

• intense devotion to a personal deity;
• the sense of pertaining to the formless metaphysical essence of the cosmos;
• modes or moods of devotion ranging from contemplative forms of yoga to expressions of passionate love;
• the pursuit of social reform within the frame of the Brahmanical dharma,
• or mystical pursuit of salvation out of social and religious conventions.

Originally, Bhakti was the personal name of a female deity (devi) incarnated in a Dravidian woman walking with her two sons and granted youth again thanks to her piety.

Embracing bhakti was a powerful motivation for rulers of Ancient Southeast Asia. The concept didn't adapt to the personal ethics of Theravada Buddhist dhamma.