Significance of Ceremonial offering
Ceremonial offering is a significant practice across various traditions. In Hinduism, it involves specific items like butter for sacrificial rites. Jainism emphasizes ritual contributions honoring Mahavira. Tibetan Buddhism presents gifts to monasteries, while Shilpashastra highlights offerings to deities as expressions of devotion. Vaishnavism includes items during worship for blessings, and Purana describes offerings like flowers and fruits to honor the divine. Vedanta focuses on sacrificial offerings to vital forces, and both Mahayana and Theravada observe significant contributions and respect in their rituals.
Synonyms: Ritual gift, Sacrificial offering, Tribute, Oblation, Votive offering, Dedication, Presentation.
In Dutch: Ceremoni毛le offerande; In Finnish: Seremoniallinen uhri; In Spanish: Ofrenda ceremonial; In German: Zeremonielle Opfergabe
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ceremonial offering'
Ceremonial offering in Buddhism symbolizes respect and gratitude, encompassing acts like kings gifting viharas, presenting items at funerals, contributing during teachings, and the elaborate offerings seen in significant celebrations like Visakha's wedding.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The lavish offerings and celebrations that characterized the wedding and subsequent events hosted by Visakha.[1] (2) Various items such as flowers and incense presented in respect to the Buddha's relics during the funeral ceremonies.[2]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The act performed by the king when he gave the vihara to the theras, symbolizing respect and gratitude.[3]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Significant contributions made during requests for teachings, historically including gold to the Indian panditas.[4]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Gifts and items presented to the monastery or to him, including gold, silver, books, and silk scarves; part of the ritualistic lifestyle.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Ceremonial offering'
Ceremonial offerings in Hinduism encompass various items presented during worship, including food, flowers, and sacred substances. These symbolize respect and devotion toward deities, integral to ritual practices aimed at seeking blessings and favor.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Ritual practices like burnt offerings and sacrifices used to propitiate spirits and seek their favor.[6]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Gifts presented in a religious or ceremonial context, often bestowed with great significance and customary practices.[7]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The specific items, such as butter and oblations, that are offered in the fire as part of the sacrificial rite to satisfy the Agnis.[8]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The sacrificial offerings made with specific invocations directed to various vital forces.[9]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Items like water, food, and other ingredients presented during a ritual for blessings or as part of worship.[10]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Items presented as gifts to deities during rituals, signifying devotion and respect.[11]
Jain concept of 'Ceremonial offering'
Ceremonial offering in Jainism signifies ritual contributions made during celebrations and worship, emphasizing communal support for Mahavira's spiritual journey and reinforcing the collective devotion among followers.
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) The ritual contributions made during celebrations and worship, showcasing the communal support for Mahavira's spiritual journey.[12]
The concept of Ceremonial offering in local and regional sources
Ceremonial offering involves presenting items, such as food and symbolic representations, during a ceremony to appease planetary deities and ward off evil spirits, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance in regional practices.
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) Items presented during the ceremony, including food and symbolic representations made to appease both planetary deities and evil spirits.[13]