Significance of Ceremonial practice

Ceremonial practice encompasses a variety of rituals and customs significant in religious and cultural contexts. It includes structured observances during gatherings, worship, and life events aimed at spiritual elevation and purity. Different traditions highlight specific practices, such as those involving betel leaf during key milestones and organized rituals led by priests as outlined in Dharmashastra. Additionally, cultural respect is emphasized in traditions like Theravada. Understanding these diverse ceremonial practices is essential for appreciating their roles in spiritual and communal life.

Synonyms: Ritual, Rite, Observance, Ceremony, Tradition, Custom, Ceremonial, Formality

In Dutch: Ceremoniële praktijk; In Finnish: Seremoniallinen harjoitus; In Spanish: Práctica ceremonial; In German: Zeremonielle Praxis

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Ceremonial practice'

Buddhism Books

Ceremonial practice in Buddhism signifies the cultural respect for monks, exemplified by King Bimbisara’s posthumous honor for King Pukkusati, illustrating the deep reverence within Buddhist traditions for spiritual leaders.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The way King Bimbisara honored King Pukkusati posthumously, reflecting the cultural significance of respect for a monk.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Ceremonial practice'

Hinduism Books

Ceremonial practice in Hinduism encompasses organized rituals and customs integral to religious gatherings, involving specific roles for priests, diverse forms of worship, and significant life event observances, all aimed at spiritual elevation and purification.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) Rituals involving betel during significant cultural events such as births, marriages, and funerals.[2] (2) Specific actions and observances taken during important life events, where betel leaf and areca nuts often feature prominently.[3]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Traditional rituals or actions that are performed during significant life events, aimed at spiritual elevation.[4]

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) Refers to structured religious observances which are critical for maintaining spiritual purity and cleansing the home.[5]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The organized rituals and rites that comprise the traditional religious activities, including specific roles and responsibilities for priests.[6]

From: Khadira-grihya-sutra

(1) Various rituals that are performed during the Godana and other related observances.[7]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

The concept of Ceremonial practice in local and regional sources

History Books

Ceremonial practices encompass rituals and ceremonies linked to worship in Chinese religions, involving offerings and prayers, which serve as vital expressions of faith and community within these traditions.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Rituals and ceremonies associated with worship in various Chinese religions, including the use of offerings and prayers.[8]

Plural form: Ceremonial practices.