Significance of Expiation
Expiation in various religious contexts, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Purana, Dharmashastra, and Theravada, refers to acts of atonement or purification. In Hinduism, it encompasses ceremonial actions to rectify mistakes in rituals and ensure their efficacy. Jainism emphasizes making amends through specific practices, while Purana discusses ritualistic atonement for sins. Dharmashastra outlines the importance of confession and specific rituals for moral realignment. Theravada presents expiation as a process of reconciliation for committed offenses, promoting acknowledgment and corrective actions.
Synonyms: Atonement, Repentance, Redemption, Compensation, Penance, Satisfaction
In Dutch: Boetedoening; In German: Sühne; In Finnish: Sovitus; In Spanish: Expiación
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Expiation'
Expiation in Buddhism encompasses the process of atoning for offenses through acts of correction and reconciliation, including formal acknowledgement and prescribed penalties, aimed at restoring personal and communal harmony in accordance with teachings and monastic rules.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A class of offence related to making amends or atoning for wrongdoing.[1] (2) Acts or processes of atoning for wrongdoings in a religious context.[2] (3) A process of atonement or reconciliation for offenses committed, particularly in the context of lying speech.[3] (4) A process or act of making amends for a wrongdoing according to the teachings described.[4] (5) A process through which one can atone or make amends for an offence.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A concept regarding atonement or addressing wrong actions that may have occurred.[6] (2) A form of corrective action or punishment required for making amends for an offence.[7] (3) The act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing, often involving a formal process of reconciliation in religious contexts.[8] (4) The act of making amends or atoning for an offence through a prescribed penalty.[9] (5) The act of acknowledging wrong-doing and seeking to atone for it by confessing an offense, which is required under specific circumstances in the Order.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) The process of making amends for an offence according to monastic rules.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Expiation'
Expiation in Hinduism encompasses various atonement methods for sins, emphasizing rituals, penance, and purification. It serves to restore spiritual integrity following transgressions, such as improper food consumption or breaches of ethical conduct.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of atoning for wrongdoing; here referring to the relief from sin after fulfilling certain conditions or penances.[12] (2) The act of making amends or atonement for sins or improper actions as described through rituals in the text.[13] (3) Forms of penance or acts intended to make amends for sins, the severity of which corresponds to the gravity of the sin committed.[14] (4) Refers to the ritualistic acts intended to rectify or purify offerings, which are not necessary when offerings are made directly to Brahmanas.[15] (5) The act of atoning or making amends for a sin or wrongdoing, particularly in the context of intentional offences.[16]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) The act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing, specifically addressed within the Prayashcittadhyaya of the Yajnavalkyasmriti.[17]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A form of atonement sought through rituals for wrong actions performed.[18]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of atoning for the failure to perform a sacrifice, which involves specific rituals or offerings.[19]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Specific actions required if rituals are disturbed by animals or improper settings during Vedic lessons.[20]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of cleansing or making amends within the context of the ritual.[21]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Ritual acts performed for atonement of sins or purification.[22] (2) The act of atoning for wrongs or sins, a key theme in the narrative focused on Candasharman’s accidental intake of liquor.[23] (3) The act of atoning for sins or misdeeds, which is a central theme in the narrative surrounding the worship of Kapaleshvara.[24] (4) The act of making amends for sin; the text mentions how certain sins lack conventional means of expiation except through bathing in Jabalitirtha.[25] (5) The process by which King Saudasa sought to cleanse himself of the sin of Brahmana-slaughter through rituals and pilgrimages.[26]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Rituals or acts intended to atone for sins and restore spiritual purity.[27] (2) The act of atonement or making amends for sins committed, restoring moral or spiritual balance.[28] (3) Acknowledges the process of atonement for sins, underscoring its importance in spiritual practice.[29]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Acts of atonement performed to cleanse oneself from sins.[30] (2) The act of making amends or reparation for wrongdoing, particularly in the context of sin and guilt as discussed by Yudhishthira and Vyasa.[31] (3) The process of making amends for sin or wrongdoing, exemplified by Janamejaya's efforts to cleanse himself of Brahmanicide.[32]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The act of atoning for sins through specific offerings and rituals.[33]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The process through which one seeks to atone for their sins, typically through suffering in hell.[34]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The process of making amends for sins or wrongdoings, often through penance.[35]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of making amends or seeking forgiveness when one's pot (Gharma) is shattered.[36] (2) Ceremonial acts performed to atone or rectify mistakes made during sacrifices or rituals.[37] (3) The act of making amends or atonement for errors or impurities that occur during the sacrificial rites, ensuring the ritual's sanctity and efficacy.[38] (4) A form of atonement that is performed if the Vasativari water is not obtained before sunset.[39] (5) The act of making amends, particularly through sacrificial rituals, to rectify a situation or wrong.[40]
Jain concept of 'Expiation'
Expiation in Jainism involves making amends and seeking forgiveness through nine distinct practices, emphasizing the importance of atonement and personal responsibility in spiritual growth and adherence to Jain ethical principles.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The act of making amends or seeking forgiveness, outlined here as consisting of nine kinds of practices.[41]
The concept of Expiation in local and regional sources
Expiation, defined as atoning for sin or wrongdoing, is a central theme in Harry's narrative within The Family Reunion, highlighting the character's journey towards redemption and personal growth amidst familial tensions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The act of atoning for a sin or wrongdoing, which is a central theme in Harry's story in The Family Reunion.[42]