Significance of Facing the East
In Dutch: Met het gezicht naar het oosten; In Finnish: Itään päin
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Facing the East'
Facing the East in Buddhism symbolizes a person's alignment with the rising sun, emphasizing reflections and self-awareness, as well as the literal orientation while gazing into a mirror, highlighting insights gained through introspection.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The actual direction the man is oriented towards when looking into the mirror.[1] (2) The orientation of a person looking in the direction of the rising sun, which becomes significant in understanding reflections in mirrors.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Facing the East'
Facing the East in Hinduism signifies a spiritual orientation during rituals, symbolizing growth, auspiciousness, and connection to divine energy, particularly during ceremonies, meditation, and while consuming meals, emphasizing its importance in traditional practices.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The direction one should face while eating food during the day, highlighting ritual significance of orientations.[3] (2) A physical orientation where the person is looking towards the East, possibly while simultaneously acknowledging the Southern direction.[4] (3) A directional aspect mentioned in the ritual practices, suggesting a symbolic or spiritual significance attached to the orientation during eating.[5] (4) A specific orientation that is generally prescribed for eating to ensure compliance with traditional practices.[6]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The direction the wife faces during the Simantonnayana ritual, believed to be significant.[7] (2) The position in which the bride and groom are seated on the red bull's skin during the ceremony.[8] (3) The position of the bride in the ritual which aligns her with auspicious direction as part of the marriage ceremony.[9] (4) The position where a person is oriented towards the east, which is significant in various rituals.[10]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The direction in which the woman sits during the ritual.[11] (2) The position the woman is in during the ceremony, which may have ritualistic implications related to the direction.[12]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The direction in which a person shall eat their meals, symbolizing a specific ritual or traditional practice.[13]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A directional orientation recommended during meals for performing rituals and eating silently.[14]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Indicates the direction the teacher faces while performing certain actions in the ritual.[15]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The direction the boy is to sit in during the ceremonial act.[16]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A directive indicating the orientation of the worshipper during meditation and worship, signifying a connection to divine energy.[17] (2) The direction in which worship should be conducted during the rituals for the Sun.[18]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the position of the Pandava army in relation to their foes.[19]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The direction in which the monkeys positioned themselves.[20]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An indication of orientation in rituals or meditation, traditionally associated with auspiciousness.[21] (2) The positioning of Satyakama during the ritual, which can hold significance in spiritual practice or directions in Vedic traditions.[22] (3) Positioning oneself towards the East, which is often considered auspicious in spiritual practices and rituals.[23]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) One of the directions in which the blindfolded person turns, metaphorically representing the search for direction or truth.[24]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The ritual act of turning towards the east, symbolizing growth and spirituality in Hindu tradition.[25]