Significance of Blessing
The concept of Blessing varies across different spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it includes positive affirmations and spiritual benefits from enlightened beings for virtuous practitioners. Hinduism focuses on divine favors expressed during rituals for prosperity. Jainism incorporates gestures of goodwill and prayers for family well-being. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes spiritual empowerment and affirmations from teachers. In Vaishnavism, blessings are seen as divine favors often bestowed through devotion. Overall, Blessing conveys spiritual support, goodwill, and positive outcomes, reflecting a universal aspiration for well-being.
Synonyms: Benefit, Gift, Grace, Boon, Good fortune, Benediction, Approval, Sanction
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Blessing'
In Buddhism, "Blessing" encompasses spiritual empowerment from teachers, rituals for benefitting others, divine favor, spiritual protection, and positive outcomes from virtuous actions, illustrating a profound connection between spiritual practice and well-being.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The outcome of the consecration rite performed by dbon sher 'byung, aimed at benefiting others.[1] (2) Spiritual affirmations or support bestowed by a teacher or enlightened being.[2] (3) A positive spiritual acknowledgment or invocation given by a revered figure, requested from the Dharmasvamin rang byung rdo rje.[3] (4) Religious or spiritual benefits, which were emphasized through the recitations performed by the abbot after the death of the previous leader.[4] (5) An event in which zhig po bdud rtsi blessed his father during his illness, indicating a practice of invoking spiritual protection.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The positive influence and divine protection attributed to virtuous, compassionate actions and attitudes.[6] (2) The favorable outcomes or protection conferred by the Buddha and dharma on practitioners.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Positive karma or favor from a higher power that affects the well-being of a nation and its people.[8]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Positive rewards or outcomes resulting from virtuous actions or beliefs.[9]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Positive affirmations and support that enlightened beings provide to those leading a virtuous life.[10] (2) Spiritual benefits bestowed by enlightened beings upon sincere practitioners.[11]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The positive effects or rewards associated with honoring and following the teachings of the Blessed One.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Blessing'
In Hinduism, "Blessing" encompasses divine favors, well-wishes, and spiritual support, signifying goodwill from deities and spiritual leaders, aimed at promoting liberation, prosperity, and positive outcomes for devotees through devotion and rituals.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The desired outcome sought by the Brahmana from the sages for his son, indicative of the hope for divine favor and intervention.[13] (2) Divine favor or grace believed to be conferred upon devotees for their worship and observances.[14] (3) The desired outcomes or favorable conditions sought by the devotee from the Pitris during the Shraddha.[15] (4) A positive outcome or favor received, often in relation to divine intervention.[16] (5) Divine favors or spiritual auras granted to individuals, often linked to piety and reverence towards deities.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Astika intends to speak words mixed with blessings during the sacrifice, implying the power of positive words to effect change.[18] (2) Support and well-wishes bestowed upon Arjuna by his peers and spiritual leaders as he embarks on his quest.[19] (3) Expressions of goodwill and fortune that Arjuna received from those he worshipped.[20] (4) Divine favors provided by Mahadeva, signifying abundance and grace.[21] (5) Words of hope and support provided by the Brahmanas to console Yudhishthira.[22]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The divine favor given to individuals that enables them to achieve spiritual growth or salvation.[23] (2) A wish or invocation for good fortune and success given by Vasishtha to king Dilipa.[24]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Divine favors granted by the Supreme Lord to the devoted, promoting spiritual welfare and abundance.[25]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The spiritual grace and approval granted by Lord Vishnu to His devotees, signifying support and favor.[26]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The good wishes and positive affirmations that Queen Kaushalya gives to Ramacandra as a sign of her support for his decision to enter the forest.[27]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The act of granting liberation from the cycle of birth and death, referred to as Anugraha.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of bestowing favor or support, which is sought from Shripada Gosani.[29] (2) A invocation of divine favor or protection, promoting positive outcomes and well-being for the recipient.[30] (3) Gifts or positive outcomes often viewed as divine favor or approval in context with spirituality.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A term referring to a divine favor or supernatural gift, which is expected to be granted upon request.[32] (2) A gift or favor bestowed by the Lord that is seen as a reason for positive outcomes.[33] (3) A boon or favor that one may ask for, offered by Lord Shiva.[34]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The spiritual support that Gurudeva sought from his Godbrothers during his travels.[35] (2) Divine favor expressed by Shrila Gurudeva towards his devotees, often imparted during or after darshana.[36]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Bestowed by the attendees to wish well for Lord Gaura, representing goodwill and prosperity.[37] (2) Well-wishes and hopes for longevity and happiness offered to the newlyweds by Sanatana Pandita and his wife.[38]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A positive affirmation given by Narada Ji to Shri Krishna Chund, wishing him longevity and protection.[39] (2) Putana's act of giving Yashoda a well-wishing statement which serves to disarm suspicion.[40]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Good wishes or divine favors that Devarshi Shri Narada imparts to Devaraja Indra after the departure of Shri Vishnu.[41] (2) Divine gifts or favors granted, often sought through devotion and worship.[42]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the well-wishes or divine favor that one may bestow upon others, particularly relevant in spiritual or religious contexts.[43]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A declaration made by the Vidyadhari to ensure that Alankaravati obtains a husband who becomes the emperor.[44]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Divine favor sought from the Devas during ceremonies which is believed to bring prosperity and health.[45]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Invocations or expressions of good fortune and growth imparted during the ritual, often seeking divine favor and prosperity.[46]
Jain concept of 'Blessing'
In Jainism, "Blessing" encompasses verbal expressions and gestures denoting goodwill, involving figures like Coksha, Pradyumna, and King Devaka, reflecting themes of faith, support, and familial well-being.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A positive verbal expression or ceremonial gesture that Coksha bestows upon King Jitashatru during her visit.[47] (2) A positive wish given by King Devaka to his daughter, Devaki, hoping for her to obtain a suitable husband.[48] (3) A formal bestowal of goodwill or favor, notably involving Pradyumna as he plays the role of a mystical Brahman, reflecting themes of faith and devotion.[49] (4) A positive gesture offered by the old Matanga-woman to Vasudeva, suggesting goodwill and support.[50] (5) Prayers offered by the mothers-in-law to ensure the well-being of their daughters-in-law and sons.[51]
The concept of Blessing in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Blessing" in the text encompasses divine favor and promises from God, spiritual prosperity sought by devotees, respectful gestures, well-being, and mutual respect, illustrating the importance of divine connection and social harmony.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A divine favor or promise given by God, indicating Tuka's assured longevity.[52] (2) Divine favor or assistance which is believed to bring well-being and happiness.[53] (3) Divine favors or permissions that devotees seek from the Lord, symbolizing spiritual prosperity and connection.[54]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Expressions of goodwill and support for the narrator and Neelima's relationship, symbolized through the involvement of their families.[55] (2) The gesture made by Sri Sitarama Sastri to the Maharajah, symbolizing respect despite his prior fall from grace.[56]
From: Folk Tales of Gujarat (and Jhaverchand Meghani)
(1) The well-wishes exchanged between the Brahmin and King Bhoj, signifying mutual respect.[57]