Significance of Penance
Synonyms: Atonement, Remorse, Repentance, Recompense, Contrition, Expiation, Redemption
In Swedish: Bot; In Dutch: Boete; In Finnish: Katumus; In Spanish: Penitencia; In German: 叠耻脽别; In Malay: Taubat; In French: 笔茅苍颈迟别苍肠别
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Penance'
In Buddhism, Penance signifies a form of punishment for Sisters consuming garlic, reflecting the moral teachings of the Master, which emphasizes discipline and adherence to dietary rules as a path to spiritual purification.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The punishment imposed on Sisters who consume garlic, stemming from the moral teachings imparted by the Master.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Penance'
Penance in Hinduism encompasses various forms of spiritual discipline and austerity aimed at achieving higher virtues, purification, and divine favor. It is practiced for atonement, social readmission, devotion, and spiritual growth through self-control and sacrifice.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Spiritual practices intended for purification and atonement that Dhritarashtra wishes to undertake as he seeks redemption for his past actions.[2] (2) Penance refers to the practice of self-discipline and austerity undertaken to achieve spiritual growth or atonement.[3] (3) Acts of discipline or self-restraint prescribed to atone for sins and restore one's purity.[4] (4) Severe spiritual practices undertaken by Arjuna in pursuit of divine favor and strength.[5] (5) A spiritual practice mentioned as a means to achieve higher states of being and to mitigate one's sins in the cycle of life and death.[6]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Refers to the spiritual disciplines and rigorous practices undertaken by the ascetic to attain higher states of being.[7] (2) Spiritual practices that contribute to the demon's protected state, making him difficult to defeat by conventional means.[8] (3) Rituals and austerities undertaken by characters like Ahalya to seek purification and redemption.[9]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Spiritual practices or acts of discipline carried out to atone for sins or to purify oneself from impurities.[10] (2) Disciplines or acts of self-control and sacrifice observed by a votary as a means to purify themselves and win divine favor.[11] (3) A spiritual discipline involving self-imposed hardship or austerities to attain a higher consciousness or divine favor.[12]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The necessary spiritual discipline that King Sagara was instructed to perform in order to bring the sacred Ganga down from heaven.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Penance is a practice by which the senses are taught to tame, and the heroes are taught this by high saints, in order to be true to duty.[14]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Penance is a spiritual practice that the outcast must undergo to be readmitted to society and sacrificial rites after being punished for a social offense.[15] (2) Practices or rituals undertaken for the purpose of expiating offences.[16] (3) Spiritual disciplines or self-imposed hardships undertaken for purification or atonement in spiritual practice.[17] (4) A form of austerity associated with specific rites that contribute to the purification process required for successful offerings.[18] (5) Religious or spiritual practices involving self-discipline and austerity that include the Yati-Candrayana among other forms of rites.[19]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The corrective actions or atonements that are to be described according to the context.[20] (2) Spiritual practices involving austerities and sacrifices aimed at purification or atonement for past sins.[21]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of performing penance, which is implied as part of the sacrificial procedure.[22] (2) The religious duty performed by the student as a means of atonement for his transgressions.[23]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to the rituals or acts of atonement a wife must undertake for infidelity.[24]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Severe self-imposed punishments or spiritual penalties that may be required for failing to carry out a duty.[25]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A prescribed act of self-discipline or punishment for failing to perform a sacrifice.[26]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The act of Mahashveta as she awaits a reunion with her lover, emphasizing themes of love and sacrifice.[27] (2) The act performed by Pururavas to appease Vishnu and reverse the effects of the curse preventing his union with Urvashi.[28]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The form of austerity and self-discipline practiced by Ookha due to her longing for her husband after their separation.[29] (2) A severe form of meditation and austerity performed by Salub to gain strength and revenge.[30]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) The practice of enduring self-imposed suffering in order to achieve spiritual growth and avoid causing pain to others.[31]
Jain concept of 'Penance'
Penance in Jainism encompasses rigorous self-discipline, fasting, and austerities aimed at purifying the soul and overcoming karma. It is integral for spiritual growth, practiced by both ascetics and devotees, leading to higher states of being.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Various spiritual practices conducted by the Lord, demonstrating his dedication and effort in his pursuit of enlightenment.[32] (2) Spiritual austerities practiced by Meghakumara as part of his commitment to his vow.[33] (3) The severe ascetic practices undertaken by Citra and Sambhuta to purify themselves and achieve emancipation.[34] (4) Severe self-discipline or suffering practiced by Anandamalin as part of his spiritual journey.[35] (5) A form of spiritual discipline that involves fasting and moral rigor, which is vital for acquiring flying skills.[36]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The practice of self-discipline and spiritual purification that the monk advises King Sanjaya to undertake.[37]
The concept of Penance in local and regional sources
Penance is depicted as a multifaceted spiritual practice, encompassing preparation for divine arrival, self-discipline for spiritual goals, purification rituals, and personal realization of self-identity, as outlined in the text's various contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Penance is a practice suggested by the sage, and it is a way for Sabari to prepare for the arrival of Sri Ramachandra, as indicated in the provided text.[38] (2) The spiritual practice that Ganapati Sastri undertook, aimed at realizing the self and understanding the essence of identity.[39] (3) The practice of self-discipline and sacrifice, which Chalam questions in relation to achieving spiritual goals.[40]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The act that the Brahmans decided upon to purify Bahirambhat and address his previous defilement.[41]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Penance refers to the acts of self-discipline and repentance that Adamnan undertook, including fasting, prayer, and continence, to atone for his sins and demonstrate his devotion to God, and find salvation.[42]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is what the author feels they must do.[43]