Significance of Pranama
Pranama is a significant term across various spiritual traditions, representing acts of respect and reverence. In Jainism, it indicates humility through bowing or spiritual exercises. In Vaishnavism, it encompasses respectful salutations to spiritual figures and deities, conveyed through physical gestures like bowing. Shaktism views Pranama as an act of prostration toward the goddess, while in a scientific context, it signifies a respectful gesture towards elders. Overall, Pranama embodies devotion and honor within various cultural and spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Salutation, Bow, Reverence, Homage, Obeisance, Prostration, Greeting, Acknowledgement
In Dutch: Pranama; In German: Pranama; In Finnish: Pranama; In Spanish: ±Ê°ù²¹²Ô²¹³¾Ã¡
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Pranama'
Pranama in Hinduism signifies acts of reverence through gestures such as bowing and offering obeisance, reflecting devotion to deities, spiritual teachers, or revered figures, exemplified by various respectful interactions between prominent personalities.
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A respectful offering or obeisance made to a spiritual teacher or deity.[1] (2) A physical expression of respect and reverence, often involving bowing or offering homage to a spiritual teacher.[2] (3) A respectful offering or greeting, which Shrila Gurudeva extended to Shrila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja and the Deities.[3] (4) The act of offering respect or reverence, which Shrila Gurudeva did to his parents.[4] (5) The act of reverent salutation offered by the inhabitants of Shri Navadvipa to Shrila Gurudeva.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An act of offering respect or obeisances, which Shri Narada performed towards the worship articles.[6] (2) A respectful offering made by Shri Krishna to Shri Narada, symbolizing reverence and acknowledgement.[7] (3) A gesture of respect and devotion; Shri Prahlada Maharaja offered this to Narada Muni upon his greeting.[8] (4) The act of offering obeisance or respectful salutation, often involving bowing the head.[9] (5) A form of respect or obeisance offered by Shri Krishna to Shri Nanda.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) an obeisance.[11]
Jain concept of 'Pranama'
In Jainism, Pranama signifies an act of bowing in respect to deities, reflecting humility, and also denotes a form of penance involving specific spiritual exercises aimed at enhancing devotion and discipline.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) An act of bowing or showing respect, especially to deities, indicating humility and reverence in spiritual practice.[12]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Name of a penance; referring to specific spiritual exercises.[13]