Significance of Empowerment
Empowerment in Buddhism, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, encompasses various methods and rituals that grant spiritual power and authority to practitioners. This process involves the presentation of offerings, cleansing of spiritual faculties, and initiation ceremonies that enable individuals to perform specific rituals and achieve transformative milestones. Empowerment also represents spiritual blessings or initiations that enhance practitioners' abilities, facilitating their progression on the spiritual path. These blessings are often associated with the mandala and are crucial for attaining higher states of consciousness.
Synonyms: Authorization, Encouragement, Emancipation, Liberation, Self-determination, Permission, Accretion
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Empowerment'
Empowerment in Buddhism encompasses spiritual permissions from a master, conferring blessings, and a process of cleansing one's faculties. It entails ritual initiations that enable practitioners to attain transformative milestones and specific spiritual authority through practices like mandala rituals.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A key component of the ritual that involves the presentation of offerings and bestowing spiritual powers upon the students, linked to their level of intelligence.[1] (2) A ritual process of receiving spiritual power or authority from a teacher or deity.[2] (3) The process of receiving spiritual authority or blessings that enable a practitioner to achieve specific results.[3] (4) A spiritual practice or initiation that grants an individual the ability to perform specific rituals and achieve transformative milestones.[4] (5) The process of cleansing and refining one's spiritual faculties to achieve greater states of consciousness.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Spiritual permissions or initiations given by a master in the Buddhist tradition, which Shantideva receives.[6] (2) Rituals performed in Tibetan Buddhism to bestow spiritual attainment and blessings.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The authorized processes or rituals that impart spiritual power and enable practitioners to achieve specific spiritual states or realizations.[8] (2) Methods or rituals that provide participants with spiritual power or authority in the context of samayas.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Empowerment'
In Hinduism, Empowerment signifies the Valakhilyas' rituals and mantras aimed at creating a new Indra, illustrating a transformative process that reshapes divinity and reinvigorates spiritual authority.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The process through which the Valakhilyas, through their rituals and mantras, sought to create a new Indra to replace the existing one.[10]
The concept of Empowerment in scientific sources
Empowerment involves patients building confidence and acquiring knowledge to manage their health effectively. This process is enhanced through pharmacists' communication, enabling individuals to make informed health decisions.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Empowerment refers to the process of gaining the ability and confidence to make informed decisions regarding one's health.[11] (2) A process through which patients gain confidence and knowledge to manage their health, often facilitated by effective communication from pharmacists.[12]