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Significance of Cardinal directions

Cardinal directions refer to the four primary orientations: north, south, east, and west. Various traditions and philosophies interpret these directions differently. In Jainism and Ayurveda, they represent important reference points for movement and guardianship. Tibetan Buddhism associates them with radiant deities and mandala rituals. Shilpashastra emphasizes their importance in construction orientation, while Purana highlights their obscured significance in battle. Mahayana Buddhism connects them to the Bodhisattva's cosmic awareness, and historical contexts, like India, show practical alignment with nature.1
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In Dutch: Hoofdrichtingen; In Finnish: Kardinaalit ohjeet; In Spanish: Direcciones cardinales; In German: Himmelsrichtung; In Malay: Arah kardinal; In Swedish: Kardinal riktningar; In French: Point cardinal

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Cardinal directions'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, cardinal directions symbolize the Bodhisattva's universal awareness and teachings, relate to the radiant goddesses, inform mandala rituals, and highlight ethical considerations regarding livelihood in different geographic orientations.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The four main directions (North, South, East, West) referenced in the context of impure means of livelihood.[1] (2) Refers to the four primary directions (north, south, east, west) that the Bodhisattva examines after birth, symbolizing his awareness of the universe and his intention to teach universally.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Cardinal directions'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Cardinal directions symbolize various life aspects, assign guardian roles to the Ashtadiggajas, are crucial for construction orientation, and reflect the chaos obscuring clarity in life, as represented by battles.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The primary points of orientation (north, south, east, west) that were obscured in the dust of battle.[3]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of N膩r膩ya峁嘺):
Pancaratra Books

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) The four primary directions which represent different aspects of existence and life cycles.[4]

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Jain concept of 'Cardinal directions'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, cardinal directions鈥攅ast, south, west, and north鈥攕erve as essential reference points for indicating movements or births, symbolizing the connection between spatial orientation and spiritual guidance within the faith.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) The main points of reference used to indicate movements or births, namely east, south, west, and north.[5]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Cardinal directions in local and regional sources

History Books

Cardinal directions, specifically north, south, east, and west, shaped the layout of Rahman Dheri, which was oriented by observing the sunrise, illustrating their significance in urban planning and navigation.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) These are defined by Bhaskara II to determine the north and south points using the east and west points, and Meru is located north of any given place on the earth.[6] (2) The cardinal directions, such as east, south, west, and north, are shaped like a drum in the universe and a carriage seat in the non-universe.[7] (3) These are the four main points of the compass: north, south, east, and west, which the grid-pattern town of Rahman Dheri was oriented to by observing the sunrise.[8]