Significance of Good luck
Good luck is interpreted through various cultural and religious lenses, showcasing its multifaceted meanings across traditions. In Jainism, it signifies favorable conditions related to divine events, while in South Asian context, it reflects themes of fortune and deception. Vaishnavism associates good luck with sudden positive occurrences, and Puranic references indicate blessings linked to deities and virtuous actions. Within Ayurveda and Jyotisha, it is tied to auspicious signs from nature and rituals, highlighting a broader belief in divine favor influencing life's successes and outcomes.
Synonyms: Best wishes, Good fortune, Break a leg, Have fun, Take care
In Dutch: Succes; In Finnish: Onnea; In Spanish: Buena suerte
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Good luck'
In Buddhism, "Good luck" encompasses favorable outcomes from circumstances, auspicious names, divine support, positive experiences from friendships, ritual benefits, and desired results from ceremonial recitations, reflecting an overall pursuit of positive fortune.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The favorable outcome Anatha-pindika experienced due to the actions of his friend Curse.[1] (2) A fortunate outcome or favorable circumstances, which was central to the brahmin's quest in the story.[2]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The positive outcomes that rituals and chanting aim to foster for individuals and communities involved.[3] (2) One of the outcomes sought through the ceremonial recitation of the Catu-Bhanavara-Pali.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A favorable outcome that is believed to accompany those who are supported by devatas.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An additional name given to Subhuti, indicating his perceived positive fortune and auspiciousness as predicted at his birth.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Good luck'
In Hinduism, "Good luck" encompasses fortunate circumstances leading to positive outcomes, often influenced by divine forces, auspicious signs, and cultural beliefs, reflecting hope and blessings in various life situations and rituals.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The fortunate circumstance attributed to the Pandavas being devoted to noble qualities and conquering various adversities.[7] (2) A phrase indicating fortune favoring Bhimasena as he achieved significant victories in battle.[8] (3) A phrase used by Vidura to refer to the favorable circumstances surrounding the Pandavas.[9] (4) Used by Yudhishthira to acknowledge Duryodhana's strengths and heroic traits positively in the context of battle.[10] (5) An expression indicating a fortunate occurrence or favorable circumstances.[11]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A reference to the favorable circumstances surrounding Rama that lead to the slaying of wrestlers and the ascent of Ugrasena as king.[12] (2) The favorable circumstances that arise as a result of blessings, particularly related to Rukshmini’s fortune with the Parijata flower.[13] (3) This phrase denotes a favorable fortune or auspiciousness associated with the undertaking of sacrifices.[14]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The fortunate circumstances that enable happiness or success; in this context, the chance to be close to parents.[15] (2) The favorable fortune that Devaki experiences with the divine child entering her womb, symbolizing hope and protection from Kamsa.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A necessary condition for having devotion towards Vishnu, as noted by Shankara.[17] (2) Fortunate circumstances that enable one to experience positive outcomes, in this context allowing the speaker to meet Matali.[18]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A favorable outcome or fortune in life, often associated with blessings from divine entities.[19] (2) A belief that fortuitous events or circumstances arise, often associated with divine blessings.[20]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The auspicious properties attributed to the planet Purva-Phalguni, associated with favorable outcomes.[21] (2) A term referring to favorable circumstances or fortunes attributed to divine or magical influences.[22]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The fortunate circumstance of having divine presence in his life, enhancing his overall experience.[23]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The fortunate circumstances that allowed Diti's child to survive despite Indra's actions.[24]
From: Agni Purana
(1) An outcome associated with the positions of celestial bodies that are not Sun, Mars, Saturn, and Rahu.[25]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A greeting expressed by Vasudeva to Nanda, wishing him well for the birth of his son.[26]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A beneficial indication associated with pimples in the hands, suggesting fortune.[27] (2) A favorable outcome associated with a meteor that appears to have issued from the sun just before a battle.[28] (3) A positive omen indicated by the sighting of a crow on the right side in eastern countries.[29] (4) A favorable event indicated by specific cries of the jackal, particularly when made in the east or north.[30] (5) A fortuitous event or favorable outcome indicated by a dog carrying a raw bone.[31]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A general expression of wishing for favorable outcomes and success.[32] (2) A phrase expressed during the ritual, as the boy sits down to the west of the fire, facing the east.[33] (3) A positive sentiment expressed by the Brahmanas, wishing fortune upon the occasion.[34] (4) A positive wish expressed during a meal served to the Brahmanas, reflecting hope for auspiciousness.[35] (5) A phrase used among Brahmanas to signify a positive outcome and blessings at the conclusion of a food offering.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Fortunate circumstances or events that are mentioned as a benefit of the shraddha performed on the thirteenth day.[37]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A desirable fortune or favorable outcome, often invoked by saying 'Good luck brings this woman' during the journey.[38]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The desired outcome associated with various rituals, particularly those involving protective gestures like keeping a bamboo staff near one’s resting place.[39]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A favorable fortune, often associated with the involuntary twitching of specific body parts, especially in men, as stated in the text.[40] (2) Due to its auspiciousness, turmeric is in evidence wherever good luck is required, applicable to worship and personal events.[41]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A sudden favorable occurrence that leads to positive outcomes or fortune.[42]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) A content and roaming female elephant is associated with bringing good luck, showing the cultural significance ascribed to these animals.[43]
Jain concept of 'Good luck'
In Jainism, "Good luck" symbolizes blessings, as shown by highwaymen honoring a virtuous flower-gatherer, and signifies favorable circumstances, exemplified by Vasudeva's arrival at Vedasama.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The blessing offered by the highwaymen to the flower-gatherer as they honor her for her virtue.[44] (2) A phrase indicating favorable circumstances leading to Vasudeva's arrival at Vedasama.[45]
The concept of Good luck in local and regional sources
Good luck signifies both the deceptive advantage used by the Jackal to manipulate the tom-tom beater and the unequal fortune affecting the husband and wife, highlighting themes of deception, fortune, and disparity in circumstances.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The fortuitous circumstance claimed by the Jackal to persuade the tom-tom beater to assist it, reflecting themes of deception and fortune.[46]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The fortunate circumstances that seem to favor the husband while the wife suffers.[47]