Significance of Honor

Honor is a multifaceted concept across various philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Jainism, it emphasizes the respect between a king and prince. Vaishnavism regards it as deep esteem, while the Purana links it to the demand for respectful treatment. Jyotisha connects honor to planetary influences, specifically the placement of mercury. In Mahayana, honor is viewed as an esteemed quality that commands respect and is demonstrated through reverence for the Buddha and his teachings.1
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Synonyms: Respect, Esteem, Integrity, Recognition, Distinction, Reverence, Dignity, Prestige, Admiration, Allegiance

In Dutch: Ir; In Spanish: Honor; In Finnish: Kunnia; In German: Ehre

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

Buddhist concept of 'Honor'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Honor encompasses respect for the Buddha and his teachings through worship and offerings, while also representing an esteemed quality that enhances social and spiritual values, demanding reverence and uplifting individuals within the community.

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

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The respect and reverence given to the Buddha and his teachings, often expressed through offerings and worship.[1] (2) An esteemed quality that uplifts and commands respect, pivotal to social and spiritual values.[2]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Honor'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Honor signifies a demand for respectful treatment, linked to mercury's placement and planetary configurations, while also embodying the concept of esteem and respect bestowed upon individuals.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) to regard with great respect or esteem[3]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) This is the act of showing respect and esteem, especially towards someone who has performed a significant service or act of kindness.[4]

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 Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Honor is a value that is suggested to be due to the dame, implying a demand for respectful treatment.[5]

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 Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) Honor, as mentioned in the text, is a result of the placement of mercury, and is considered in relation to planetary configurations that influence outcomes and events related to the eighth house.[6]

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.

Jain concept of 'Honor'

Jainism Books

Honor in Jainism signifies the respect and dignity exhibited by a King towards a Prince, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in relationships and social interactions within the framework of Jain ethical teachings.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The respect and dignity with which the King treats the Prince at the conclusion of their interaction.[7]

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 Honor in scientific sources

Science Books

In this text, Honor is contrasted with disgrace and linked to the ability to distinguish between "inner and outer" aspects, which grounds detachment ("Rongzi's detachment").

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) It is further explained that what grounds Rongzi’s detachment is his ability to distinguish between “the inner and the outer” and “honor and disgrace”.[8]

From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)

(1) It is mentioned that honor played a significant role in promoting the religious identity of early Muslims when they faced social humiliations.[9]

Classical concept of 'Honor'

Various literature Books

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

From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)

(1) Jupiter explained that the gods preferred trees not yielding fruit lest they should seem to covet the "honor" for the fruit, suggesting a focus on intrinsic value.[10] (2) A position envied by the Fox, which led to the discovery of a piece of meat in a device and a plot to ensnare the King.[11]

From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle

(1) It is what people of superior refinement and of active disposition identify happiness with and seems too superficial to be what is being sought.[12] (2) It is one of the plain and obvious things that some people consider to be happiness, along with pleasure or wealth, but opinions vary and can change depending on circumstances.[13]

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) Honor is a central motivation for Leonidas and the Spartans, driving their decision to remain at their post and fight to the death, ensuring their legacy and the glory of Sparta.[14] (2) This is given to nations based on their proximity, with those nearest being honored most and those furthest being honored least. They consider themselves the best of all the human race.[15]

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.