Significance of Sacrifice
Synonyms: Offering, Forfeit, Surrender, Giving up, Renunciation, Selflessness, Atonement, Oblation, Immolation, Donation, Forfeiture, Abandonment, Offer, Give up, Martyr, Dedication, Oblation.
In Dutch: Offer; In Finnish: Uhrata; In Spanish: Sacrificio; In German: Opfern; In Malay: Pengorbanan; In Swedish: Offra; In French: Sacrifier
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacrifice'
In Buddhism, "Sacrifice" encompasses actions of self-denial and offering, from personal comfort for spiritual growth to giving up one's life, emphasizing selflessness and moral duty for the benefit of others and pursuit of enlightenment.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The act of killing a being for a ritual purpose, which plays a crucial role in the chaplain's plot.[1] (2) The act of offering victims, including his sons and daughter, that King Vasavatti engages in under the influence of Khandahala.[2] (3) The act of offering something precious to a deity, in this case involving the planned offering of the flesh and blood of one thousand evil-doers.[3] (4) The act of offering food to the Tree-sprite, showcasing the poor man's devotion even with limited resources.[4] (5) A ritual act that the king was unable to perform successfully to bring rain, due to Isisinga's overwhelming virtue.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Acts of renunciation or giving up that are performed by the Bodhisatta as part of his path toward achieving perfection.[6] (2) Acts of generosity or giving up certain pleasures or comforts, considered a vital part of the path towards fulfillment of the paramis.[7] (3) The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of something greater or for the benefit of others, as shown by Darubhandaka in his offerings.[8] (4) The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of others, central to the moral fabric of the story.[9]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A practice aiming to offer something of value, traditionally an important aspect of spiritual rites.[10]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) The act of giving up personal comforts or safety for the sake of spiritual growth and understanding.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A significant ritual or offering done in preparation for receiving the Buddha and the samgha.[12] (2) The profound act of giving up personal treasures, family, and ultimately, the prince's status, which is central to the themes of the story.[13] (3) The significant act the king undertook, which involved extreme bodily harm, in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[14] (4) The act of giving up something valuable, such as one's life or body, for the benefit of others, especially as exemplified by the bodhisattvas.[15] (5) The act of giving up something valuable, as exemplified by king Che-p’i's willingness to remove part of his body for another.[16]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Ritual offerings made to deities or spirits as a form of worship or supplication, which have various interpretations and practices throughout history.[17] (2) Rituals performed with the intention of attaining specific outcomes, such as obtaining heaven, as discussed in relation to the Veda.[18] (3) An action performed in accordance with Dharma that is seen as contributing to moral duty and is characterized by the term dharmika.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Sacrifice'
In Hinduism, sacrifice refers to ritualistic offerings to deities, symbolizing the connection between the divine and humanity. This practice encompasses various forms, aiming to attain blessings, express devotion, and observe spiritual discipline.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The concept of giving up something valuable for a higher cause, layered with moral implications within the relationships described.[20] (2) Ritualistic practices intended to honor the divine and distribute wealth, which should not be squandered for personal enjoyment.[21] (3) Alludes to the acts of devotion and rituals significant in religious practices.[22] (4) Rituals conducted by kings such as Marutta, involving offerings to deities to gain favor and blessings.[23] (5) Ritual offerings performed for spiritual or religious purposes, indicative of piety and reverence in the narrative.[24]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) An act of devotion or giving up something valuable, exemplified by historical figures referenced in Kaikeyi's statements.[25] (2) A religious offering made by King Dasaratha aimed at producing an heir.[26] (3) A ceremonial act, likely involving offerings to deities, where the recitation takes place during intervals.[27] (4) A ritual observance often associated with offerings made to deities or spiritual entities.[28] (5) A religious or spiritual act performed by King Dasaratha in hopes of begetting heirs.[29]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Rituals where offerings are made to deities, often involving chanting and various forms of worship.[30] (2) A significant offering made to deities during rituals, typically involving fire and oblations.[31] (3) A religious ritual involving the offering of something valuable, in this case, a human child for the King's illness remedy.[32] (4) A religious rite in which offerings are made to a deity, often involving rituals to gain favor or merits.[33] (5) A ritual offering made to deities, typically involving the giving up of something valuable.[34]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A ritual act performed by various divine beings for the purpose of obtaining Soma and appeasing the gods.[35] (2) The act of offering to deities, which is central to Bharadvaja's beliefs and practices.[36] (3) A religious act performed by the king to seek a son, demonstrating his devotion and desire for progeny.[37] (4) An offering or ritual performed to please the Devas and gain their blessings, crucial for establishing harmony and prosperity.[38] (5) Ritualistic offerings that yield spiritual benefits, underscoring the importance of holy rituals.[39]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Sacrifices in this text refer to religious offerings or rituals performed by Ritadhvaja’s son, reflecting his role as a responsible ruler.[40] (2) Ritual offerings to deities, intended for spiritual purification and maintaining harmony with the cosmos.[41] (3) A ritualistic act performed by Brahma after creating cattle and plants, involving offerings made in accordance with Vedic traditions.[42] (4) A religious or ritualistic offering represented as sf.[43] (5) Religious offerings made to please the gods and other beings, highlighting a duty of kshatriyas to maintain harmony and righteousness.[44]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A ritual practice often involving offerings to deities, aimed at attaining blessings or purifying the practitioner.[45] (2) Ritual acts performed during creation involving plants and animals, significant in Vedic traditions.[46] (3) A ritual performed to nourish the gods, which in turn supports mankind through rain and fosters heavenly fruition for those who perform them diligently.[47] (4) An act of offering something valuable for a spiritual or religious purpose, viewed as essential for achieving the perfection of the universe.[48] (5) A ritual act performed by the character Jahnu, which plays a pivotal role in the narrative's conflict and resolution.[49]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The sacrifice, an ordained act, was what the king had intended, which he aimed to perform with the assistance of a specific individual to achieve his goals.[50] (2) The ritual that the king ordained, and for which he gained a reward, due to the grace of the one who rules the skies, Lord Indra.[51] (3) An offering that the sonless monarch bade prepare to gain an heir, demonstrating a practice of the time.[52] (4) The sacrifice is the complete rite that the king wants to have completed through the prince's actions, and the prince must return home.[53]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The act of offering to the divine, which is a recurring theme in the chapter highlighting its significance in spiritual achievement.[54] (2) A religious act performed by Devasharman to please the gods and attain peace.[55] (3) An act of offering something valuable, often part of spiritual practices, which Susharman neglected.[56]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Ritual offerings made to appease the gods, which were disrupted by Indra's anger.[57] (2) Ritual offerings made to deities, often in pursuit of favor or blessings.[58] (3) Ritual offerings made to deities or ancestral spirits aimed at seeking blessings or expressing gratitude.[59]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Rituals performed in honor of deities, wherein Vishnu is recognized as the ultimate recipient.[60] (2) Religious rites or offerings that are believed to invoke divine favor and help in spiritual endeavors.[61] (3) The act of offering something to the goddess during worship, which could include items of value or other rituals.[62]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A ritual act understood by those who comprehend the relationship between the life-winds Samana and Vyana.[63] (2) A ritual or act of devotion in the metaphysical realm, signifying the surrender of the self to attain a greater understanding of the Brahman.[64]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Rites performed by Raja Bali, emphasizing his charitable nature and devotion.[65] (2) An offering made to the gods in worship, wherein the presence of Tulsi leaves is highlighted as crucial for the effective performance of such rituals.[66]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A religious rite involving the offering of food or other items to the gods.[67]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) An act of offering or dedication that aligns with spiritual laws; instrumental in maintaining balance between human desires and divine favor.[68]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Acts of giving up something of value for the sake of others or for a higher purpose, emblematic of the Karma-Yoga philosophy.[69]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Rituals performed by the prince to overcome challenges and gain enlightenment.[70]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to grass, wood, or other materials designated as sacrificial which must not be used for covering the ground during urination.[71] (2) Ritual practices that are performed as part of the spiritual duties of the boy after he receives his second birth.[72] (3) A particular act represented as an offering, distinct from other forms of actions.[73] (4) Ritualistic acts performed to appease deities, often involving offerings such as food.[74] (5) A religious act performed to expiate for sins associated with the use of household implements.[75]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The overall act performed during the rituals which involves offerings and prayers to various fire deities.[76] (2) The act of offering something valuable, like oblations to the fire, aimed at invoking blessings and expressing devotion in the ritual context.[77] (3) The offerings made in the ritual to appease deities, represented by actions taken with the Mahavira and the surrounding symbols.[78] (4) A ritual practice involving offerings made to various deities, invoking their blessings for prosperity, health, and communal well-being.[79] (5) A religious ceremony involving offerings to deities, intended to invoke favor and blessings.[80]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The religious act of offering something to divine beings, as described in the context of the text.[81] (2) The ritual acts performed in the context of seeking fulfillment of desires.[82] (3) The act of offering something valuable in a religious context, often an animal.[83] (4) The act of offering oblations or food to deities, typically performed in a ritualistic manner during ceremonies.[84] (5) Ritual offerings made to deities as part of the initiation and learning process.[85]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) An act of offering to the gods as a means of seeking purgation from sins.[86] (2) The act of giving something valuable as an offering to achieve spiritual goals.[87] (3) Ritual acts involving offerings made to deities, often performed in specific contexts to seek blessings.[88] (4) Ritual offerings made for spiritual merit or favor, which must be performed with dedication and adherence to rules.[89] (5) Religious offerings or rites performed to honor the gods or ancestors, which require the presence of knowledgeable individuals to ensure their efficacy.[90]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A religious offering made to deities, often involving rituals and the performance of specific duties by priests.[91] (2) Religious offerings made to deities, accompanied by rituals and recitations.[92] (3) Ritual acts of offering cooked food and other items to deities, as performed during the Shravana ceremony.[93] (4) The act of making offerings to deities as part of ritualistic practices, often involving food and recitation of verses.[94] (5) The act of making offerings, likely in a religious context as part of the marriage rituals.[95]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of making an offering, in this context referring to the ritual that was initially omitted.[96] (2) Ritual offerings made to gods as a form of worship, integral to the Vedic and ceremonial practices.[97] (3) The act of giving up something valued for the sake of something regarded as more important.[98] (4) Ritual offerings made during ceremonies, often involving the shedding of life or the giving of material goods to please deities or spirits.[99]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of offering gifts and food to deities as part of Vedic rituals.[100] (2) The central act within the described rites, involving various oblations and invocations to deities.[101] (3) A religious offering that may involve the use of the cow and is associated with specific rituals conducted during the ceremony.[102]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of offering something, such as objects or oblations, as part of a religious or spiritual ceremony.[103] (2) A religious act of offering to deities, which can involve food and other items, fulfilling prescribed rituals.[104] (3) Religious offerings performed to deities, carried out in accordance with specific rituals.[105]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Ritual offerings made to deities in various forms as described in the text.[106]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) An act by which we surrender something for the sake of the gods, which is important for man's salvation.[107]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) In this context, it refers to the ceremonial offering made during the daily recitation of the Veda.[108]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The overarching term for the ritual acts performed to appease and commune with the divine, primarily through fire offerings.[109] (2) A fundamental practice in Vedic religion involving offerings to deities as a means of communion, renewal, and cosmic significance.[110] (3) A ritual offering made to a deity, which in this context consists of multiple offerings and libations.[111] (4) The act of offering to deities, involving specific rituals, invocations, and materials intended to achieve divine favor.[112] (5) Sacrifice is the act of offering something valuable to the divine, often involving food or rites, with a significant focus on Agni as the recipient.[113]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The individual offering themselves as a sacred act, recognizing their role in the spiritual ritual.[114] (2) A ritual that involves the work of the priests to purify the paths of mind and speech; if performed incorrectly, both the sacrifice and sacrificer are ruined.[115] (3) The ritual offering made to deities, which is at risk of being harmed due to mistakes.[116] (4) Refers to the ritual act that was underway, which involved other priests.[117] (5) The ritual setting where hymns are sung and mantras are recited.[118]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The text indicates that these are actions that can be utilized in the pursuit of understanding, and they are connected to the search for it.[119] (2) This is how the rishis were able to follow the trace of speech.[120] (3) Actions that are performed by those who live in a village, and are associated with the ishtis, and are part of the practices, and are related to the works of public utility.[121] (4) The sacrifice serves as the foundation for the meditations that are the subject of discussion, with the Stotra and other members being essential parts, all of which are taught within the three Vedas.[122] (5) This is a ritual performance, and the text explores whether certain vidyas are permanently connected with it. The text indicates that even those who do not know the details can perform the action.[123]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The act of offering and dedicating something of value, here involving libations that symbolize devotion and connection to the divine.[124] (2) The act of offering, which is linked to purification and is associated with the concepts of Air, Mind, and Speech.[125] (3) A religious event involving offerings made to deities, during which Ushasti seeks potential appointment to priestly roles.[126] (4) Rituals that involve offerings and recitations aimed at achieving specific results, connected to the Sun.[127] (5) The spiritual activity involving rituals and offerings, linked to the performance of Sama and the recognition of its divine elements.[128]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A religious or spiritual act involving offerings, within which the Udgitha and other elements are central.[129] (2) Ritual practices within the context of the Vedas that involve offerings and meditations, essential to the understanding and execution of spiritual rites.[130] (3) Activities that involve offering to deities, indicated as essential duties for the Brahmana caste.[131] (4) A ritual practice involving offerings made to deities, which is contextually central to the meditations and their intended outcomes.[132] (5) A ritual offering that serves as a comparison to meditative practices in which specific parts or aspects may be focused on versus the whole.[133]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A religious act symbolizing connection to higher realms, necessitating both physical offerings and introspective faith.[134] (2) The act of performing rites which is central to the philosophy of Vedic teachings for achieving spiritual results.[135] (3) A ceremonial offering made to deities, which involves various rites and methodologies.[136] (4) The term sacrifice in the text encompasses rituals and offerings made to attain various spiritual or material results, often tied to scholarly inquiry and knowledge acquisition.[137]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Rituals performed by individuals seeking to attain the benefits of going to heaven.[138] (2) The concept linking man to both Purusha Vidyas, underpinning the idea presented in the Chhandogya and Taittiriya texts.[139] (3) A ritual action typically undertaken in various traditions, which is mentioned in comparison to gaining knowledge of Brahman.[140]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) An essential act that is made effective through knowledge, embodying spiritual practices within the text.[141] (2) An act that is actualized by intelligence, as indicated in the quote from the Upanishad.[142]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The spiritual offering made by the mind and the act of maintaining equilibrium in breath as part of metaphysical processes.[143]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ritual offerings made to the divine, demonstrating devotion and seeking blessings, particularly towards Agni.[144]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Sacrifices refer to ritualistic offerings made for spiritual purposes, which are associated with the act of knowing and understanding their significance.[145]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) The act of offering something valuable, often a living being, in worship or to appease deities as prescribed by religious texts.[146]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) An act of offering to a deity or spiritual entity, central to the discussion of the oblations and the activities of the priest.[147]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) An act of offering made to deities as part of religious worship.[148]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Ritual offerings performed in honor of deities, which were conducted by the king Drumila.[149] (2) A ceremonial act involving offering something valuable, in this case linked to the character Bali.[150] (3) A ritualistic act of devotion and offering, which, when accompanied by hearing and chanting, provides spiritual protection.[151] (4) Ritual acts performed to offer materials, typically to a deity or fire, often involving the use of specific utensils like ladles and spoons.[152] (5) Acts of devotion or offerings made in the spiritual context, particularly in relation to pleasing the divine.[153]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A spiritual act represented by offerings made to deities, embodied by Yajna-murti, essential for fulfilling heartfelt desires of worshipers.[154] (2) Acts of worship involving offerings to deities, often performed during rituals.[155] (3) ritual offerings performed as part of worship, associated with spiritual seeking and connection with the divine[156] (4) Ritual offerings made to a deity, often accompanied by prayers or chanting, intended to express devotion and seek blessings.[157]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A significant ritual being conducted by the sages that requires uninterrupted attention.[158] (2) A religious offering performed by Vasudeva and the sages as a means to seek favor from the divine.[159] (3) A ritual offering made by Soodukoch to summon the female devil Kritya as part of his plan for revenge.[160]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An act of offering that Yudhishthira undertook in response to divine guidance, significant in the context of devotion.[161] (2) An act of giving up something for the sake of something else, often associated with religious or spiritual rituals, which contributes to achieving material enjoyment.[162]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The ritual act that Bali Maharaja is engaged in, referred to as yajna.[163]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A key component of Vedic rituals, which may or may not directly relate to the study of specific Vedas.[164]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The act of offering something of value, in this context often implying the moral and ethical implications of slaying in magic rituals.[165] (2) A ritual performed by Dhanadatta to procure a son, illustrating the use of spiritual rituals to achieve personal desires.[166] (3) The act of offering a human victim, in this case, the Brahman boy, to appease the Brahman demon, emphasizing moral and philosophical questions about life and duty.[167] (4) A ritual act mentioned in various contexts within the tales, reflecting the religious practices of the time.[168] (5) A recurring theme in the story, where characters are encouraged to make offerings for the attainment of desires, often leading to moral dilemmas.[169]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A theme reflected in the actions and decisions of characters seeking fulfillment and happiness.[170]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The act of offering something, in this context referring to the necessity of having a complete universal within an individual before proceeding with the offering.[171] (2) The ritual or action in which substances, like rice, are offered or prescribed as part of a religious or cultural ceremony.[172] (3) An act performed with a material (e.g., ground grain) with the intention of attaining an abstract or invisible benefit rather than for the material itself.[173]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A ritual offering, wherein the preparation of Soma is described as a significant act that elevates its status among the divine.[174]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Ritual offerings made in pavilions, often a significant act within religious ceremonies.[175]
Jain concept of 'Sacrifice'
In Jainism, sacrifice encompasses ritual offerings to deities for specific goals, communal spiritual acts among disciples, valuable offerings reflecting promises, and significant ceremonies, especially involving ascetics like Kaushika and Trinabindu, creating divine merit.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A ceremonial act involving a gathering of individuals, specifically disciples, for spiritual offerings.[176] (2) An act of offering something valuable, in this case relating to the promise made by a character in the text.[177] (3) An important ceremonial function where ascetics, including Kaushika and Trinabindu, were present and offered fruit.[178] (4) An act of offering something valuable, often with the belief of gaining spiritual merit or favor from the divine.[179]
The concept of Sacrifice in local and regional sources
Sacrifice is presented as a multifaceted concept involving selflessness, loss, and devotion. It emphasizes the importance of giving up personal interests for others, highlights moral themes in narratives, and underscores its significance in various cultural and spiritual contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of other considerations, often glorified in stories of heroism.[180] (2) The theme of sacrifice portrayed in Masti's works, particularly in the context of women's experiences and historical figures.[181] (3) A recurring theme in 'Maala Palli', suggesting that achieving higher moral and social goals requires personal sacrifices and selflessness.[182] (4) Refers to the higher act of offering or devotion that is symbolically linked to the flow and offering of the waters.[183] (5) A recurring theme in the narrative, symbolizing the personal costs involved in maintaining family honor and fulfilling societal expectations.[184]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The ritual act of offering animals that the witch woman suggests as a necessary act for her nephew's recovery.[185] (2) An offering made by the bear in an attempt to exorcise the spirits, indicative of rituals performed in such contexts.[186] (3) The act performed by the Raja and his men in an attempt to procure water, which ultimately leads to tragedy.[187]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a part of all religions, and it is a means to reach God.[188] (2) The act of giving up something cherished, either by the author or his fellow disciples, to potentially bring forward individuals dedicated to the cause, demonstrating a willingness to make significant personal concessions.[189]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of others or spiritual goals, a theme prevalent in various stories.[190] (2) The second Veda Sastra, Sse, which pertains to the rules surrounding sacrifice and prayer.[191]