Significance of Prostration
Prostration signifies acts of deep respect and humility in various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it denotes acts of devotion toward enlightened beings. The Arthashastra describes elephants prostrating to the Moon as a form of apology. In the Purana, prostration involves bowing in worship, offering gratitude, and signifies reverence in Hindu rituals through gestures like Ashtanga and Pancanga. Vedanta presents prostration as an act of respect that some higher sannyasins may reject, emphasizing unity over hierarchy. Overall, prostration is a vital expression of reverence across spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Submission, Humility, Kneeling, Bowing, Worship, Exhaustion, Fatigue, Collapse, Weariness, Weakness
In Dutch: Uitputting; In Finnish: Uupumus; In Spanish: ±Ê´Ç²õ³Ù°ù²¹³¦¾±Ã³²Ô; In German: ·¡°ù²õ³¦³óö±è´Ú³Ü²Ô²µ
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Prostration'
Prostration in Buddhism signifies deep respect and worship towards enlightened beings, embodying humility and devotion. It serves as a physical expression of reverence and submission in spiritual practice and devotion.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Acts of deep respect and worship often directed towards enlightened beings, indicating humility and devotion.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Prostration'
Prostration in Hinduism signifies deep respect and devotion, involving physical acts of submission and worship towards deities and wise individuals, while also reflecting humility and reverence in various spiritual practices and rituals.
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Acts of deep respect and devotion often directed towards the wise or those perceived to embody spiritual truth.[2] (2) Acts of respect that are discouraged among higher classes of sannyasins who realize their unity with all beings and reject hierarchical distinctions.[3]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) Acts of deep reverence shown by the elephants as they apologize to the Moon.[4]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Acts of bowing or kneeling in worship as part of the king's offerings to deities.[5]