How to Have Devotion as Told by Lord Rama

Lord Rama is considered by the Hindu tradition to have been the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu. Part of Rama's greatness, and the greatness of his story, is his undying devotion and loyalty to all the people and beliefs in his life that he holds dear.

Instructions

1. Begin to show your devotion early on and in the face of great temptation as Lord Rama did by refusing to take his father's throne and instead choosing to serve out the exile that would honor his father. Stay devoted to your cause and even refuse to end the exile (or whatever your task may be) early, as Rama did in order show his devotion to his parents.

2. Protect and dedicate yourself to the protection of your loved ones as Lord Rama did with his wife Sita, the incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. Put your loved ones' happiness before yours, as Rama did by trying to convince Sita not to join him in his long exile, so that your devotion benefits all the people who are close to you.

3. Keep your promises at almost any cost, which is something that Lord Rama professed to do and did at every point of his life. Whether it's a small thing or a large one, such as protecting all forest sages from harm as Rama vowed he would do, the key is to keep the promise even when it's not in your best interest to do so.

4. Stay devoted to the idea of avoiding or even abjuring violence as Rama told his followers and people to do. Rama exhibited his devotion to non-violence by offering some of his enemies a peace treaty while on the verge of war, giving at least two chances to all enemies and never using a weapon (in Rama's case it was a bow and arrow) unless it's absolutely necessary to do so.