Significance of Fortune

Fortune, as discussed in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, is a multi-faceted concept that often represents well-being and prosperity beyond material possessions. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is seen as predetermined well-being, while Vaishnavism describes it as a state of being fortunate. The Purana highlights it as both a favorable condition and a divine element shared by figures like Sita and Earth. Furthermore, Jyotisha associates it with planetary positions, suggesting that true fortune is ultimately rooted in one's inner spiritual state. Overall, Fortune signifies an essential aspect of life that transcends mere wealth.1
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Synonyms: Luck, Fate, Destiny, Chance, Serendipity, Prosperity, Wealth, Success, Fortune-telling, Riches, Affluence, Abundance, Treasure

In French: Fortune; In Dutch: Fortuin; In Finnish: Onni; In Spanish: Fortuna; In Portugese: Fortuna; In Italian: Fortuna; In Polish: Fortuna; In German: Vermögen; In Malay: Rezeki; In Swedish: Förmögenhet

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

Buddhist concept of 'Fortune'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Fortune is interpreted as a predetermined state of well-being, shaped by deeper spiritual conditions rather than material possessions, as emphasized in teachings by a paternal figure within the tradition.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A quality that never abandons those who possess every gift, including being true, tender, and bountiful.[1]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) As a result of this episode, the power, the glory and the fortune of the Buddha were very much enhanced, highlighting the positive outcome.[2]

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).

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) It is the state of having wealth and resources, which influences the amount one can give, with the understanding that generosity is practiced according to one's means.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A concept discussed by the father, indicating that well-being is predetermined, independent of material possessions.[4]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Fortune'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Fortune encompasses a complex concept related to favorable conditions, prosperity, and blessings, as measured by sahama, influenced by planetary positions, and sought through devotion, reflecting positive outcomes in one's life.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Fortune is another name for the maiden known as Beauty’s Queen, and she is revered by Gods above and men below, indicating her divine status and association with prosperity.[5] (2) The text mentions 'Fortune' as a component of the glories that Sita, Earth, and Fortune share, indicating that this is a key element.[6]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The wise men are never elated with joy at the fluctuating favors of fond and fascinating fortune.[7]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) It is the state of being blessed, associated with having the Supreme Lord as a son and serving His lotus feet.[8] (2) Fortune, in this context, refers to the idea that being able to engage in studying and learning is a sign of good fortune, not the opposite.[9] (3) "Fortune" implies luck or chance, often associated with positive outcomes or beneficial circumstances, which in the provided text, leads to a significant encounter or event.[10] (4) This suggests luck or good circumstance, indicating that finding a suitable partner is considered a fortunate and positive event.[11] (5) This is one of the aspects of life associated with the twelve lagnas, derived from the rising sign or janma-lagna.[12]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A state of being fortunate, as expressed by the word dhanya used to describe Radha.[13]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) This is a lot that is used as a reference point in the calculation of other lots, often involved in subtraction and reversal processes.[14] (2) This concept is one of the listed sahamas, which are considered to assist with the results of all the houses, similar to how fate helps the exertions of people, according to the text provided.[15] (3) This is one of the sahamas listed, which is the first of the names provided within the text, indicating a specific aspect.[16] (4) A concept or aspect of an individual's life, calculated through the sahama, a method of assessing fortune using planetary positions.[17]

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.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) Nritya is desired by those seeking good fortune during auspicious occasions.[18]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances

(1) It brings to its user all sorts of fortune and beauty whether used as a drug or jewellery.[19]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra

(1) It is invoked when the fire flames up spontaneously, either through specific verses or formulas, such as 'May it reach me! May it come to me!'[20]

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.

Significance in Vedic Hinduism (also orthodox Brahmanism):
Vedic Hinduism Books

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) It is mentioned in a formula where someone expresses a desire to obtain something from another person who is believed to possess it.[21]

Vedic Hinduism refers to traditional Brahmanism adhering to the vast literature known as Shruti, including the four Vedas, the Brahmanas (interpretation and commentaries) and Upanishads (philosophical discourses) as well as a variety of appendices known as Sutras.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) The embodiment of the King Sudraka's prosperity, lamenting the king's impending death and revealing a way to prolong his life through a selfless sacrifice.[22]

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.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The favorable circumstances or blessings I seek to possess.[23]

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).

Jain concept of 'Fortune'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Fortune is a quality of Sakra and Ishana, deities whose greatness is measured by the magnitude and extent of this attribute.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A quality possessed by Sakra and Ishana, which is being compared in terms of its magnitude and extent.[24]

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.

The concept of Fortune in local and regional sources

History Books

Fortune, as described, emphasizes inner spiritual wealth over material possessions. It also pertains to Santoba's decision to share wealth and resources among Brahmans, highlighting the importance of generosity and community support in defining true fortune.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The text describes Bodhla exclaiming that it is a great comfort that his house is swept clean of fortune, suggesting a detachment from material wealth.[25] (2) Fortune is what the pedlars felt had played them false, leading them to perform a loathsome act against Bhanudas.[26] (3) A fortune is what King Shivaji initially considered offering to Tukoba, but he anticipated that it would be rejected by Tukoba.[27] (4) Wealth and resources that Santoba decided to distribute among the Brahmans.[28]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) "Fortune" on earth is inconstant, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the fleeting nature of prosperity and happiness.[29] (2) True fortune originates from within oneself, emphasizing spiritual rather than material wealth.[30]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) It is compared to a flirt, not caring for those who want her but being at the feet of those who do not.[31] (2) The recipient experienced favorable conditions during their journey, including calm seas and a ship with few undesirable passengers.[32]

The concept of Fortune in scientific sources

Science Books

Fortune, in this context, is understood as a force influenced by sacrifices. These acts are performed to gain favor, blessings, and protection from misfortune, suggesting a transactional relationship with destiny.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) Fortune, or τύχη, is a key element in Rhetoric and Philosophy, signifying its importance in the discussion of philosophical and rhetorical matters.[33] (2) The references to Fortune are many, and most often unpromising.[34] (3) Believed to be influenced by sacrifices, with the act of sacrifice exchanging favor for blessings and avoiding disasters.[35]

Significance in Environmental Sciences:
Environmental Sciences Books

From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)

(1) It is listed alongside other themes without any additional context or explanation regarding its role or symbolism within the broader subject being examined.[36] (2) Fortune is an online source.[37]

Classical concept of 'Fortune'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Fortune in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle

(1) According to the text, fortune is needed to avoid impediments and is considered by some to be the same as happiness, although it has a limit.[38] (2) Fortune is charged because those who deserve riches most get it least, as the liberal man does not value wealth for its own sake but as a means to giving.[39] (3) The fortunes of descendants and friends are discussed in relation to their potential impact on an individual's happiness, examining whether external circumstances should affect one's inner state.[40] (4) The passage explores the impact of fortunes, both good and bad, on a person's happiness, suggesting that while external events can influence happiness, virtuous activities and the way one deals with these fortunes are more crucial.[41]

From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)

(1) One of the Workman's companions resolves to try and secure the same good fortune for himself, motivated by the Workman's positive experience.[42] (2) Fortunes refer to the predictions or future outcomes that the wizard was professing to reveal to the passers-by in the marketplace, indicating a claim of precognitive abilities.[43]

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) Crœsus had accompanied Cambyses to Egypt, and he shed tears at the scene of Psammenitos' humiliation.[44] (2) The Egyptians have found out what fortunes a man will meet with who is born on any particular day, and how he will die, and what kind of a man he will be.[45]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.