Significance of Boon
The term "Boon" is significant across various traditions. In Jainism, it denotes a gift from a Yaksha following a successful endeavor. In Vaishnavism, it represents blessings from the Lord, including desired favors such as spiritual advancement or protection. The Purana framework highlights diverse blessings granted by deities in response to devotion, including those sought by figures like Dhruva and Hiranyakashipu. Additionally, in Theravada and Vedanta, "Boon" refers to favorable teachings and blessings that aid spiritual growth. Overall, "Boon" encompasses divine gifts reflecting devotion and aspiration.
Synonyms: Blessing, Benefit, Gift, Fortune, Windfall, Gain, Good fortune
In Dutch: Zegen
In Finnish: Siunaus
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Boon'
Boon in Buddhism encompasses beneficial teachings for spiritual growth, grants from Sakka to the Bodhisatta for virtue, and requests made by Suddhodana regarding his son Rahula, highlighting its multifaceted nature in spiritual practices.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A beneficial teaching or practice that enhances one’s spiritual growth and understanding.[1]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A request made by Suddhodana the Sakyan to the Lord concerning his son Rahula.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A grant or favor offered by Sakka to the Bodhisatta for his virtuous practices and intentions.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Boon'
In Hinduism, "Boon" signifies divine blessings or gifts bestowed by deities, often in response to sincere devotion or penance. These blessings fulfill desires, provide spiritual advancement, or grant special powers, forming a vital aspect of faith and worship.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Blessings or favors granted by the Devas as a result of sincere worship of Khandeshvara.[4] (2) A special favor granted, which Raktashringa wished to receive from Indra after completing his task.[5] (3) A special favor or blessing that can be granted by a deity, as offered by Shiva to Brihaspati.[6] (4) A grant of divine favor from Karkoteshvara to Karkota, offering protection to pious serpents and condemning the sinful.[7] (5) A divine favor or blessing, which Patreshvara requested to have Shiva remain in the Tirtha after his name.[8]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A blessing or gift that Jayadratha sought from the three-eyed god after his humiliation.[9] (2) A grant of a wish or blessing, especially in the context of King Vrihadratha's desire for a child.[10] (3) Favors granted by Indra to Yavakri, enabling him to acquire the knowledge of Vedic texts and other desires.[11] (4) Grants or promises of gifts that confer advantages or benefits.[12] (5) A blessing or gift promised to Tilottama by the Grandsire, enhancing her beauty and status among beings.[13]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Blessings or gifts granted by the gods in response to devotion or sacrifice.[14] (2) A request made by Indra to Bala, highlighting the theme of seeking favors from powerful beings.[15] (3) A blessing or favor granted by a deity; in this context, a form given by Shiva to Paundraka.[16] (4) A blessing or fulfillment of a wish granted by a deity.[17] (5) A desired blessing or privilege that Hiranyakashipu asked for from Rudra.[18]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Gifts or blessings desired by the sons of Taraka from Brahma, particularly asking for indestructibility and protection from death.[19] (2) Wishes or blessings granted by a deity to their devotees as a reward for their devotion.[20] (3) A favor or blessing requested from Ganesha by the infuriated sages.[21] (4) A blessing or gift that Mena requests from the Goddess, highlighting her desires and aspirations.[22]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A gift or favorable outcome granted by a powerful figure, in this case, by Vasishtha to Saudasa.[23] (2) A favor or blessing granted by the Gods to Shatrughna in recognition of his victory.[24] (3) A blessing or favor that Shri Rama embodies, highlighting his role as a protector and son of the earth.[25] (4) A blessing or favor that Budha promises to grant the Rajarishi after a certain timeframe.[26]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A blessing or favor requested from the Devi, symbolizing divine generosity.[27] (2) A special favor or blessing that Matsyagandha requests from Parashara after their union.[28] (3) A blessing granted to King Nimi by the Devas, where he requests the ability to exist as a form of air watched by all beings.[29]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Blessings or gifts granted by deities, which Andhaka sought from lord Shiva.[30] (2) Divine blessings or favors granted by deities, typically in response to devotion or sacrifice.[31] (3) Blessings or favors granted by the lord to the devotees in response to their penance and devotion.[32]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A blessing or gift, as granted by Shukra to Yayati regarding the transfer of old age.[33] (2) Blessings or gifts that Devas offered to the sage in exchange for his cooperation in the sacrificial rites.[34] (3) Wishes or blessings desired by Kanva from the deities represented by Ganga and Kshudha.[35]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A blessing granted to Aditi by the Sun, through which he was incarnated to help defeat the demons.[36]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A wish granted by a deity, often in response to devotion or effort made by mortals.[37]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Special blessings granted by Vishvamitra to Satyavrata, allowing him to choose his desires.[38]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Wishes or desires that are granted by the Pitris to those who have performed exceptional penance.[39]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A special favor or blessing granted by Lord Brahma to Hiranyakashipu, allowing him various protections.[40]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A favor or blessing granted by Ganga to Bhagiratha that fulfills his desires.[41]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A blessing or gift granted by the goddess to the king and the vaishya in response to their devotion.[42]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A favor or blessing requested by Matanga from the goddess Mantrini.[43]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A blessing or favor granted by the divine, as wished by Dhruva from Lord Krishna.[44]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A blessing or favor asked from the Lord, specifically seeking to hear His glories.[45]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A beneficial blessing granted by Shri Bhagavan, which the narrator believes is not indicative of true grace.[46]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The favorable outcome or gift granted by Lord Krishna that led to the birth of the Jalandharis, emphasizing the divine influence in the event.[47]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A special favor or blessing granted by Lord Shakayanya Muni to the King.[48]
Jain concept of 'Boon'
In Jainism, "Boon" signifies a valuable gift or favor from a Yaksha to Daraka, awarded after a successful accomplishment. This reflects the importance of wise choices in receiving such blessings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A gift or favor granted by the Yaksha to Daraka after the successful painting, which he chooses wisely.[49]
The concept of Boon in local and regional sources
Boon in the text signifies a blessing from a deity requested by the Dewan's son for the Prince, and a promised favor from a snake if the Prince rescues it from fire, representing divine and magical gifts.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A blessing or wish granted by the deity, which the Dewan's son asks for on behalf of the Prince.[50] (2) A favor or gift promised by the snake to the prince if he saved the snake from the fire.[51]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A favor or blessing granted, often by a divine being, as a reward for dedication or virtue.[52]