Development of devotion scale :

Abstract

Background: Devotion Scale is a cost-effective screening tool to assess the qualities of Bhakta, which are mentioned in chapter 12 of Bhagwad Geeta, are reliable in modern era or not? Suppression of emotions among a group of people. Further the data can be used to interpret the risk of psychosomatic disorders in future. Aim: The study aims to use the Devotion Scale as a screening tool, to assess the qualities of Bhakta, which are mentioned in chapter 12 of Bhagwad Geeta, are reliable in modern era or not? To get to know that these qualities are only for higher level spiritual persons or for a common person? Methodology: In order to generate items for the Devotional (BHAKTI) Scale, we majorly referred Srimad Bhagavad Gita for understanding the qualities of a Bhakta according to Lord KRISHNA and Narada Bhakti Sutra for the knowledge about Bhakti. 35 attributes discussed in Bhagavad Gita were selected and divided among our 7 group members. All of them dealt with minimum of 4 qualities each. We also arranged meetings with Dr. Manjunath (Svyasa) for better understanding of the attributes which were given in Sanskrit. Result: We reached to a conclusion that the tool developed was appropriate in measuring what it supposed to be measured. The reliability was high and the Cronbach’s Alpha gave a very good result for each of the 4 items used in the study. Conclusion: In today’s world with too much stress and tensions which is beyond our control is causing too much problems at mind as well as at body level. The path of Devotion really helps one to understand them and therefore find a solution to their own problems