Significance of Divinities
Synonyms: Gods, Goddesses, Supernatural entities
In Dutch: Godheden; In Finnish: Jumaluudet; In Spanish: Divinidades; In German: Gottheiten
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Divinities'
In Buddhism, Divinities are celestial beings that assist the Bodhisattva by providing blessings, guidance, and support, while also observing and reflecting on the Buddha's actions throughout his spiritual journey.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Celestial beings who support the Bodhisat in various ways throughout his journey, either by offering blessings, suppressing noise, or guiding him.[1] (2) Celestial beings who observe the Buddha and reflect on his actions.[2]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) These are central figures in the medieval Japanese economy, believed to bring wealth by intervening directly in the generation of surplus, in agriculture and other commercial activities.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Divinities'
In Hinduism, "Divinities" encompasses various divine entities worshipped across rituals, including celestial spirits, deities for sacrifices, and manifestations guiding spiritual practices, highlighting their significant roles in the universe and human meditation.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) They feared Death and entered the science of the Triadic Science. They covered themselves with the Metres. They became immortal and fearless.[4] (2) Breath and the rest appertaining to the Divinities. The desires of the Divinities are obtained through the Solar Person.[5] (3) Spiritual beings or representatives of divine qualities that are referenced in the context of meditation and the mystical practices described in the text.[6]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The divine entities or gods that are often associated with various aspects of the universe.[7] (2) Refers to the five gods regarded as divine entities within the context of the verse.[8]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) These are the gods, and the text examines their relationship with the organs of the body, and how they should be considered in meditation.[9] (2) These are entities that are said to guide the pranas, and the text discusses their role in relation to the actions and effects of the pranas.[10]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The deities or gods to whom the offerings and rituals are directed in the sacrificial practices.[11] (2) The gods or divine beings addressed or invoked during rituals, indicating their relevance to the actions being performed.[12] (3) Deities or divine figures that are addressed and prayed to during the rituals for blessings and guidance.[13] (4) The gods or divine beings that are invoked during the rituals.[14] (5) The sets of gods mentioned concerning the offerings, particularly with respect to those containing added Soma.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Different forms or manifestations of divine beings that individuals may worship.[16]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Various forms or aspects of divine beings that are invoked and worshipped during the rituals.[17]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The celestial spirits and gods with whom the inhabitants associate and worship within the Dvipas.[18]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The celestial beings who assist and witness the events taking place.[19]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Entities are addressed with specific formulas when assigning the oblation-material, and the oblation-material is sprinkled in accordance with them.[20]
Jain concept of 'Divinities'
In Jainism, Divinities symbolize reverence for weapons such as swords and bows, representing respect for the items associated with the divine. This worship highlights the cultural significance of these objects in spiritual practices.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) They worshipped their respective weapons—sword, bow, quiver, dub, spear, etc., like these, showing a respect for the items.[21]
The concept of Divinities in scientific sources
Divinities, as defined by regional sources, are supernatural beings or gods. These entities are central to worship and are integrated into cosmological frameworks. They are believed to offer blessings and play a crucial role in belief systems.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The four associates of Confucius are referred to as this, which is ( shin’i 神 位 ) in Japanese, by the plaintiff in the arguments.[22] (2) These are supernatural beings whose appearances and actions are frequently described in biographies to strengthen the religious authority of monks and their monasteries.[23]