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Significance of Eastern direction

The Eastern direction is significant across various beliefs and traditions. In Jainism, it encompasses both jiva and non-jiva forms. South Asian perspectives associate it with the Su-man country, while Vaishnavism links it to Keshi-tirtha's location. According to Purana, it symbolizes longevity, is where Naga Bindusara resides, and is tied to Bhimasena's strategic movements. Dharmashastra emphasizes its importance in spiritual rituals, and Mahayana recognizes it as the sun's rising place, influencing various cultural and geographical contexts.1
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Synonyms: Orient, East, Eastward, Sunrise

In Dutch: Oostelijke richting; In Finnish: 滨迟盲蝉耻耻苍迟补; In Spanish: Direcci贸n este; In German: 脰stliche Richtung; In Malay: Arah timur; In Swedish: 脰stlig riktning; In French: Direction Est

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

Buddhist concept of 'Eastern direction'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Eastern direction symbolizes new beginnings, as it represents where the sun rises. It also relates to the geographical significance of Takshashila, contextualizing the painter's journey within this spiritual framework.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The place where the sun rises, indicating the start of the day and a significant cardinal direction.[1] (2) The geographical context indicating the location of Takshashila, which is pertinent to understanding the journey of the painter.[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 'Eastern direction'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Eastern direction symbolizes the Sun's affection, signifies longevity, serves as a geographical orientation for spiritual locations, and plays a vital role in rituals, demonstrating its multifaceted significance in the faith.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The direction towards which Bhimasena marched, indicating his strategic movement in the ongoing events.[3]

From: Nilamata Purana

(1) The geographical orientation in which the Naga Bindusara is regarded to reside, reflecting the belief in spatial guardians.[4]

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 Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Khadira-grihya-sutra

(1) A cardinal direction that carries significance in many spiritual rituals and practices mentioned in the text.[5]

From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra

(1) The direction that participants face when engaging in certain actions during the ceremony, emphasizing orientation.[6]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) A specific compass direction mentioned in relation to the location of Keshi-tirtha.[7]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Jain concept of 'Eastern direction'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the Eastern direction symbolizes both jiva (living beings) and non-jiva (non-living entities), reflecting the duality of existence within this spiritual framework. This interpretation emphasizes the interconnectedness of all forms of life and matter.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The eastern direction has the form of both a jiva and a non-jiva.[8]

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 Eastern direction in local and regional sources

History Books

The Eastern direction symbolizes a path towards the Su-man country, indicating a shift in anticipated geographical characteristics, highlighting its significance in regional navigation and exploration.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This indicates a specific geographical direction, and the text employs it to symbolize the birth of the moon, suggesting a metaphorical association.[9] (2) The direction is defined by the sun鈥檚 rising above the horizon in the east, due east or the east par excellence is defined by the sun鈥檚 double rising at the vernal equinox, and the Pleiades do not forsake the eastern direction.[10]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) In Hindu mythology, the East symbolizes light, warmth, and auspiciousness, contrasting with the inauspiciousness of the West.[11]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)

(1) The orientation leading to the Su-man country, where the expectation of geographical features changes.[12]