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Significance of Ground

The term Ground holds significant meanings across various belief systems and contexts. In Buddhism, it signifies a foundational basis. Vaishnavism describes it as the physical surface related to actions of deities, such as demonstrating respect or the impact of significant events. Similarly, the Purana refers to it as the battlefield or resting places of beings. In Dharmashastra, it denotes locations for placing food for outcasts, while Mahayana associates it with the oppressive environment of Avici hell. Historical perspectives also define Ground as the base of stories or physical sites.1
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Synonyms: Earth, Soil, Land, Floor, Surface, Base, Foundation

In French: Sol; In Dutch: Grond; In Finnish: Maadoitus; In Spanish: Suelo; In German: Boden; In Malay: Tanah; In Swedish: Jord

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

Buddhist concept of 'Ground'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Ground" represents both the fundamental basis for development and the foundation of Avici hell, where flames signify an oppressive environment, highlighting contrasting states of existence.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The foundational basis or starting point upon which something is built or developed.[1]

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

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The foundation of Avici hell from which flames leap up, signifying the hell's oppressive environment.[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 'Ground'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Ground" signifies various physical surfaces representing critical moments such as unconsciousness, defeat, humility, and emotional responses, emphasizing its role as a symbol of vulnerability and the transformative events occurring upon it.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The surface where Shrinivasa physically expresses his reaction, highlighting the intensity of his feelings in response to the wonderful manifestation.[3] (2) The physical surface on which the Lord of Vaikuntha lay while entering into yoga-nidra.[4] (3) The surface of the earth onto which Lakshmi was lifted, symbolizing the physical space where the event takes place.[5] (4) The surface upon which Nityananda fell, indicating a physical context for the event.[6] (5) The surface upon which the devotees fell, signifying the urgency and intensity of their response to the Lord’s departure.[7]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The surface on which the jars of yogurt are being placed.[8] (2) The surface of the earth where the duck was thrown by Krishna.[9] (3) The surface of the earth where Krishna is thrown, indicating the setting of the conflict.[10] (4) The surface on which Indra and the elephant landed after the incident.[11] (5) Refers to the surface of the earth which is being shaken by the demon's actions.[12]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The surface on which the king physically demonstrates his respect to Krishna, indicating humility.[13]

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 (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

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

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The surface on which the monkeys rested at night during their extensive search.[14]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The battlefield that was transformed through the actions of both kings during the fierce combat.[15]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s 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: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A specified location where food should be placed for certain beings, particularly for outcasts and lepers, to avoid handing food directly to them.[16]

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.

The concept of Ground in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Ground" encompasses both the physical earth’s surface and metaphorical spaces for gatherings or events, playing a crucial role in shaping the story's setting and providing a context for interactions.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The ground was that women might not see men in Vrindaban, the reason the Sadhu refused to go, as mentioned in the text.[17] (2) The ground was simply carpeted with edelweiss, highlighting a specific visual feature of the environment.[18]

From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages

(1) This is a place, site, or base, which can be an assembly, or a hall of audience, or a palace or seat.[19]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The surface of the earth, often made of soil or other materials, and is the base of the story's setting.[20]

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) The place where a pit was dug.[21]