I struggled with the phrase – devotion to a lama. Probably from my being raised Catholic and the rigid structure of Catholic School. That said I have always felt a connection to Mary/Kwan Yin – The embodiment of compassion, Kwan Yin is known as “she who hears the cries of the world.” For me,I use their presence as an anchor in my practice and in my everyday life.
I am more comfortable with devotion as a commitment to deepening my meditation practice and to being present.