Significance of Bow and arrow
Synonyms: Projectile weapon, Bow, Arrow
In Dutch: Pijl en boog; In Finnish: Jousi ja nuoli; In Spanish: Arco y flecha; In German: Pfeil und Bogen; In Swedish: Pil och båge; In Malay: Busur dan anak panah; In French: Arc et flèches; In Portugese: Arco e flecha; In Italian: Arco e freccia; In Polish: Łuk i strzały
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Buddhism, the bow and arrow symbolize the duality of aggression and violence, represented by Kukkutamitta and his sons, yet also illustrate the transformative power of love and understanding to overcome these traits.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Weapons carried by the hunter and his sons, which they attempted to use against the Buddha, but were unable to because of the Buddha's power.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Weapons used by Kukkutamitta and his sons; symbolize aggression and the potential for violence that is overcome through love and understanding.[2]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An illustrative example used to convey the distinction between different roles and interpretations of an object and its use.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Hinduism, the bow and arrow symbolize martial prowess and readiness for combat, representing warriors' strength and valor. They also serve as metaphors for spiritual pursuits, highlighting the connection between personal aspirations and divine aims.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Bow and arrows are the weapons held by Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, who voiced his apprehension about using them to slay the deer present in the sanctuary.[4] (2) The bow and arrows were seized by Shri Ramacandra from Parasurama's hands, which Ramacandra then strung and placed an arrow on in a show of defiance.[5] (3) Weapons symbolizing Raghava’s warrior status and readiness for combat.[6] (4) Symbols of Lakshmana's readiness to defend Rama and act with valor.[7] (5) The weapons that symbolize Lakshmana's readiness to protect and defend, highlighting his warrior spirit.[8]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The bow and arrows constituted the blazing flames of that fire and the flight of his weapons constituted its friendly breeze.[9] (2) Bow and arrows are the weapons that Saradvat possessed, which slipped from his hand upon seeing Janapadi, symbolizing the disruption of his ascetic focus and control.[10] (3) Bow and arrow is used by Bhagadatta, who is drawing his large bow and shooting many bright arrows.[11] (4) Mahadeva began to pursue the Sacrifice, which had taken the form of a deer, with bow and arrow.[12] (5) The "bow and arrows" are the weapons of choice for the Yavanas, who are skilled in smiting, but are ultimately overcome by Satyaki's superior skill and unwavering determination.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Armed with a bow and arrows, the character journeys forth with his brother, signifying readiness for battle and the protection of others.[14] (2) Weapons typically associated with combat or hunting, which the giant monarch has now laid aside.[15]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Weapons that Hara used, indicating readiness for confrontation.[16]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The weapons used by King Harishcandra to confront and attempt to kill the boar.[17]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) During His incarnation as Shri Rama, Lakshmana carried the bow and arrows and served Him. The absence of such service for the bow and arrows is noted.[18]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) It refers to a weapon system consisting of a bow used to launch arrows, emphasizing the use of archery as a method of warfare or hunting.[19] (2) An ancient weapon referenced in the text that symbolizes strength and protection given to the speaker.[20] (3) A symbol of strength and valor, representing the weaponry associated with Lord Ramacandra.[21] (4) A weapon or tool carried by the young individual, symbolizing strength and readiness.[22]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Arjuna took his bow and arrows when going to protect the brahmin's child and later prepared to burn himself with them on a funeral pile.[23] (2) Weapons that Krishna carries with him during his hunting expedition.[24]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Traditional weapons used in archery, symbolizing skill and mastery in the art of dhanurvidya.[25] (2) Weapons held by the disguised figure, representing duplicity and the contrast to the aesthetic of non-violence.[26]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Weapons held by Ramacandra, symbolizing the destruction of the name and fame of materialists by combating their desires.[27] (2) A weapon carried by Him, used to annihilate miscreants.[28] (3) A metaphorical representation indicating the shape of the eyebrows resembling a bow, with the nose being an arrow positioned on it.[29] (4) Weapons held by the two hands of Rama, representing protection and righteousness.[30]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Weapons carried by Shakti Sakini, symbolizing the readiness to act and the precision in manifestation.[31]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A metaphor used to describe the relationship between Pranava (bow), Atman (arrow), and Brahman (mark), illustrating how one must aim for the Brahman.[32]
Jain concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Jainism, the bow and arrow symbolize Lakshmana's commitment to defense and protection, embodying the values of readiness and safeguarding moral principles within the context of spiritual duty.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The weapon used by Lakshmana, signifying his readiness to defend and protect.[33]
The concept of Bow and arrow in local and regional sources
Bow and arrow symbolize strength, protection, and righteousness in various contexts, representing characters' roles, skills, and readiness for action, while also reflecting traditional hunting practices and the legacy of Shri Ram.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The bow and arrow, along with the process of making fire, were two other very great inventions of the hunter-stage of human culture, demonstrating ingenuity.[34] (2) Weapons that symbolize strength and the warrior spirit, reflective of Ramadas’s character and role in the narrative.[35] (3) The weapons that were previously used by others, now held by a character reflecting on their significance.[36] (4) The hunting tools traditionally used by Lingadu, representing his role and capabilities as a hunter.[37]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Weapons used by the girl's family in their search for her after she was taken.[38] (2) A traditional weapon used for hunting, which Lakhan needed to pursue the buffaloes.[39] (3) The weapon the prince retrieved to confront the tigress after she killed the bullock.[40] (4) A traditional weapon used for hunting or defense, signifying the cowherd's preparedness despite his fear.[41] (5) A weapon used by Kara and Guja, which they skillfully employed to hunt.[42]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The symbolic weapons of Shri Ram, representing strength, protection, and righteousness.[43] (2) Symbolic weapons associated with Lord Rama, representing strength, valor, and readiness to protect devotees.[44] (3) Symbols of Shri Rama's power, which Ramdas inquires about in his vision.[45] (4) Weapons symbolizing power and readiness for action, held in the hands of the subject.[46]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) These are weapons that the Prince used to defend himself and the Princess against the Vaedda King's army, showcasing his bravery and skill in combat.[47] (2) Weapons given by the King to the gardener as a means to defend the garden against thieves.[48] (3) The weapons the Princes took with them to the river when they went to wash their heads.[49] (4) A method used by the eldest Prince to hunt animals after he abandoned the stone-bow.[50] (5) Weapons that Ayiwanda seeks to use during a hunting expedition for his uncle's daughter's wedding.[51]
The concept of Bow and arrow in scientific sources
Bow and arrow, as highlighted by regional sources, is tied to active hunting. Hunting involves both elders and youth, demonstrating the tool's use and importance in collective work.
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Active hunting is most often a collective work, involving both the elders and youth and the demonstration of the use of this.[52]
Classical concept of 'Bow and arrow'
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) Items held in the left hand of the carved figures found on rocks, symbolizing power, authority, and military prowess.[53]
From: The Authoress of the Odyssey
(1) The bow and arrows are the initial weapons that Ulysses uses to begin his assault on the suitors, marking the start of the battle and demonstrating his skill as an archer.[54] (2) The bow and arrow are the tools used in the competition, and Telemachus lays them down after failing to string the bow multiple times.[55]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) The bow and arrow was offered by Ulysses' wife to be contended for by the suitors, and this event marked the beginning of their end, as none could string it.[56]
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) A weapon used for ranged attacks, capable of piercing a hand or glancing off armor.[57]