Significance of Gift
Synonyms: Present, Offering, Donation, Token, Contribution, Blessing, Surprise
In Malay: Hadir; In Dutch: Geschenk; In German: Geschenk; In French: Cadeau; In Finnish: Lahja; In Spanish: Regalo; In Swedish: 骋氓惫补
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Gift'
In Buddhism, "Gift" encompasses outer (material) and inner (spiritual) offerings, illustrating the transient nature of life and value, with examples from royal exchanges and the limitations of acceptance after death.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The valued items exchanged between King Bimbisara and King Pukkusati, notably the muslin sent as a royal present.[1]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) What the forfeited items may be considered as if they were acquired, even incorrectly, after being treated as a wrong action.[2]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Items or offerings that Udena desired to bestow upon the Bhikkhus.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Refers to the ultimate inability of people to even accept Sirima's body as a gift, symbolizing the loss of value once life has departed.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Described as when items such as garments, beds, food, and others are given, creating a situation in which these items are recognized as gifts, rather than being gifts in themselves.[5] (2) In the context of the text, gifts can be categorized into outer gifts (bahyadana) and inner gifts (adhyatmikadana), where the latter pertains to spiritual or inner offerings.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Gift'
In Hinduism, "Gift" encompasses offerings made in religious contexts, acts of charity, and generous presents. It signifies spiritual merit, fostering goodwill, and essential rituals, emphasizing the auspiciousness and rewards associated with giving.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) In this context, it refers to the consideration of offering kingdoms or territories as a form of appeasement or resolution to avoid conflict.[7] (2) Gifts are presented as superior to both penances and knowledge, with a significant emphasis placed on their auspiciousness and merits.[8] (3) Refers to the act of giving, which is considered a refuge and a sacred practice according to Yudhishthira.[9] (4) Offerings or donations made as acts of charity or dedication in religious contexts, especially within the framework of Sraddhas.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The gifts are given to the guests.[11] (2) Gifts are items given to the prince, symbolizing generosity and goodwill, and they represent the king's favor and the prince's high standing.[12] (3) The gift is the gift of food given to the saint by the village people.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The rewards consisting of gold and gems that Bibishana is instructed to distribute to recognize the efforts of the inhabitants.[14] (2) The offerings Shveta was willing to present to the sage in exchange for deliverance from his suffering.[15]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A chapter within the Agni Purana that similarly describes aspects found in the Matsya Purana.[16] (2) A concluding chapter subject in the Matsya Purana discussing the significance and types of gifts, particularly in context to donations.[17]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Specifically refers to the Dahshina money-gift in the context of traditional obligations during sacred rituals.[18]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The act of donating land which Raja Bali was contemplating, prompted by Vamana's request.[19]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Items or offerings received from individuals of lower castes, acceptance of which signifies association and is discouraged.[20] (2) A token or offering made by the bridegroom to the father of the bride at the time of marriage, which is to be returned to the giver.[21] (3) Items or tokens offered to others, particularly enemies, as a means of creating goodwill and fostering favorable relations.[22] (4) A deliberate offering aimed for a specific purpose or result, differentiated from alms which do not have such intentions.[23] (5) An item given either as charity or as a friendly present, which is considered invalid if given by someone who is not the owner.[24]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Items such as gold, cows, and clarified butter offered in a religious context.[25]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Symbols of material wealth or offerings that, when given, are compared to the spiritual rewards received from the knowledge of Gayatri.[26]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Physical offerings or rewards that do not contribute to genuine insight or the attainment of truth.[27]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Material or spiritual offerings made to God or the divine, considered essential for accruing merit and spiritual progress.[28]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Offers made to the enemy as a means of securing peace or preventing hostility.[29]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The act of giving wealth or presents as a means to foster goodwill or affection in relations.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Items or offerings presented to someone, often as a gesture of goodwill, in this context, carried by the gopas.[31]
Jain concept of 'Gift'
In Jainism, the concept of Gift symbolizes respect and allegiance, exemplified by items presented to Sagara by the Lord of Magadhatirtha, highlighting the importance of giving within the spiritual and communal context.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Items presented to Sagara by the Lord of Magadhatirtha, signifying respect and allegiance.[32]
The concept of Gift in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Gift" encompasses items Narsi Meheta is expected to present to his relatives, a divine offering the author yearns for, and items given to spirits for favor, highlighting themes of obligation, desire, and spirituality.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Items or offerings that Narsi Meheta is expected to bring but lacks to give to his new relatives.[33] (2) A potential offering from God that the author longs for, reflecting a desire for divine acknowledgment.[34]