Significance of Commencement

Commencement in Jainism, known as arambha, signifies the actual initiation of a planned activity. In the context of Dharmashastra, it is described as the formal beginning of a hymn recitation, which is typically announced by the teacher. This term emphasizes the significance of starting various activities, whether in religious practice or other planned endeavors, highlighting its role in both Jain and Dharmashastra traditions.1
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Synonyms: Graduation, Beginning, Start, Onset, Initiation, Opening, Launch, Inauguration, Inception, Outset, Origin

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

Buddhist concept of 'Commencement'
Buddhism Books

In this context, **Commencement** in Buddhism signifies the initial stage of a probationary course undertaken by specific Bhikkhus before a particular ruling was established, marking the very beginning point of their training.

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

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).

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) The starting point of a probationary term that a bhikkhu must undergo as a consequence of an offense.[1] (2) This signifies the starting point of a probationary term, to which an individual may be returned if new offences are committed.[2] (3) The commencement refers to the very beginning point of the probationary course that these specific Bhikkhus were undertaking before this particular ruling was established.[3]

Hindu concept of 'Commencement'
Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Commencement signifies the formal initiation of hymn recitation, typically introduced by the teacher, marking a sacred beginning to spiritual practices and teachings within the tradition.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

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.

From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra

(1) The formal beginning of a hymn recitation, often announced by the teacher.[4]

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) This refers to the start of the periods. The text mentions that the solar days of the periods should be added to the longitude of the sun to find it.[5]

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) Commencement refers to the beginning or starting point of something, in this context, the beginning of the lesson on Peace.[6]

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The commencement refers to the beginning of the seventh anuvaka, from where the phrase 'asadva idamagra asit' is taken and subsequently explained.[7]

Jain concept of 'Commencement'
Jainism Books

In Jainism, Commencement, or arambha, signifies the initiation of a planned activity, marking the actual beginning of actions. This concept underscores the importance of intention and the start of spiritual or worldly endeavors.

Significance in Jainism (general):

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Referred to as arambha, it is the actual beginning or initiation of the planned activity.[8]

The concept of Commencement in local and regional sources
History Books

Commencement signifies the beginning of an event, process, or activity, representing a pivotal moment of initiation, as outlined in the provided text from regional sources.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages

(1) This noun refers to the beginning or start of something, marking the initiation of an event, process, or activity.[9]