Significance of Hospitality

Hospitality is a multi-faceted concept defined across various traditions in Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Theravada, and Indian history. In Jainism, it emphasizes generous service to revered individuals. Vaishnavism highlights the welcoming nature of celestials and temporary goodwill shown by figures like Kamsa. Purana discusses the duty of householders to treat guests kindly, exemplified by King Janaka's reception of King Dasaratha. In Theravada, hospitality focuses on genuine friendships and providing comfort. Overall, hospitality signifies warmth, respect, and tradition in welcoming guests.1
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Synonyms: Friendliness, Warmth, Welcome, Kindness, Service, Accommodation, Generosity, Cordiality

In Dutch: Gastvrijheid; In Finnish: Vieraanvaraisuus; In Spanish: Hospitalidad; In German: Gastfreundschaft; In Malay: Keramahan; In Swedish: Gästfrihet

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

Buddhist concept of 'Hospitality'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Hospitality encompasses providing food, comfort, and kindness to guests, as exemplified by the Jetavana brother, while also highlighting the reciprocal warmth received from nurturing genuine friendships.

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

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

(1) The provision of food, comfort, and kindness to guests, as demonstrated by the brother from Jetavana.[1]

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 'Hospitality'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, hospitality encompasses a royal duty, a householder's obligation to welcome guests, and virtuous behavior towards others, highlighting respect, generosity, and the importance of proper treatment to uphold tradition and merit.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A character trait attributed to Yudhishthira, indicating his welcoming nature towards guests.[2] (2) The act of warmly welcoming and providing for a guest, as demonstrated by the Brahmana.[3]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The warm reception and generous welcome provided by King Janaka to King Dasaratha and his party during their visit.[4] (2) An important aspect of royal duty reflected in the concern of King Dasaratha to entertain strangers and vassals according to traditions.[5]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) The duty of a householder to welcome and care for guests, particularly those from outside the village.[6] (2) An essential duty of the householder, which ensures guests are welcomed, fed, and treated kindly.[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: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The warm and generous reception and entertainment of guests, especially in a spiritual context.[8]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The generous hosting and accommodating behavior shown by the Celestials towards the marchers.[9]

From: Prem Sagar (English translation)

(1) The act of Kamsa entertaining and honoring his guests, demonstrating a temporary semblance of goodwill.[10]

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’).

Jain concept of 'Hospitality'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Hospitality embodies the heartfelt welcome and service extended to revered figures, reflecting the community's deep affection and respect. It illustrates a commitment to generosity and reverence for spiritual leaders.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The generous welcome and service offered to the Blessed One by the citizens, indicative of their affection and reverence.[11]

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 Hospitality in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Hospitality" highlights the cultural significance of welcoming practices, such as offering tobacco among Indian tribes, and the personal warmth shown by Prof. Gidwani in inviting guests into his home, symbolizing friendship and acceptance.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The practice of offering tobacco to guests, signifying friendship and welcome among the tribes in India.[12] (2) The warm and welcoming nature of Prof. Gidwani, who invites Dr. Mehra and Tiwari into his home after their release.[13]