Significance of Holy Writ

Holy Writ encompasses diverse religious texts across various traditions, signifying their importance in spiritual practices and teachings. In the context of Purana, it highlights the expertise required for recitation and adherence to principles defined within these texts. Rama's engagement with learned Brahmans exemplifies the value placed on such writings. The term also appears in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, referring specifically to sacred texts like the Shurangama Sutra and other significant scriptures. Overall, Holy Writ serves as a guideline for moral conduct and spiritual understanding.

Synonyms: Scripture, Sacred text, Holy scripture, Sacred scripture, Divine text, Bible

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

Buddhist concept of 'Holy Writ'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Holy Writ encompasses significant sacred texts, particularly the Shurangama Sutra, which are vital for spiritual understanding and respect, guiding practitioners in their spiritual journey and teachings.

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

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The sacred texts of Buddhism, particularly the Shurangama Sutra, that should be respected and understood.[1]

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 Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) Sacred texts or scriptures that are of significant spiritual importance.[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).

Hindu concept of 'Holy Writ'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Holy Writ encompasses sacred texts that guide righteous conduct, highlight the pursuit of truth, and serve as a source of virtue, emphasizing their significance in rituals and the esteemed knowledge of those who uphold them.

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

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Rama learned the lore fit for princes, including the Vedas and their Holy Writ, indicating his commitment to education and spiritual knowledge.[3] (2) This phrase is used to describe the religious texts that contain the instructions and regulations that are to be followed in order to conduct a rite.[4] (3) Holy Writ, on truth depend: so men must still that truth defend, suggesting that religious texts and practices rely on and necessitate the defense of truth.[5] (4) The twins were skilled in Holy Writ, signifying their expertise in religious texts and their suitability for the task of reciting the great Ramayan.[6] (5) Rama loves to sit by Brahmans skilled in Holy Writ, which brings him brightest glory and matchless fame.[7]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) Texts whose doctrines are disputed by those who should not be treated with civility.[8] (2) This is something that a Brahman should not instruct his servant in, nor be instructed in by his servant; such a Brahman is not proper to invite to an ancestral offering.[9] (3) This refers to the writings that the Daityas were taking care not to transgress, following the paths prescribed by them.[10]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Holy writ is what virtuous men are versed in, along with being learned in all departments of knowledge, as described in the text.[11]

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 Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) The source from which virtue should be learned or practiced, as well as from those who are conversant with it, as mentioned in the text.[12]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) According to the Brahmans, nothing is impossible by the means of sacred rites ordained by Holy Writ, indicating the authority and power attributed to religious texts. Holy Writ is the religious authority for the Brahmans.[13]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.