Significance of Intermediate direction
Intermediate direction in various spiritual traditions denotes specific compass points between cardinal directions. In Jainism, it encompasses cardinal and intercardinal points relevant to ceremonial movements and life paths. Tibetan Buddhism associates it with positions in a mandala and the orientations tied to the Great Incense Goddess. Dharmashastra focuses on directions like south and east in rituals honoring deities and performing rites. Mahayana identifies four intermediary directions—North-east, South-west, South-east, and North-west—highlighting their significance in both sacred and morally ambiguous contexts.
Synonyms: Midway, Median, Central point
In Dutch: Tussenrichting; In Finnish: Välisuunta; In Spanish: Dirección intermedia; In German: Zwischenrichtung; In Malay: Arah pertengahan; In Swedish: Mellanriktning; In French: Direction intermédiaire
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Intermediate direction'
In Buddhism, Intermediate direction encompasses the four directional points between the cardinal directions and is significant in various contexts, including geographical, spiritual, and ritualistic frameworks related to bodhisattvas and the Great Incense Goddess.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The four directions between the cardinal points, also referenced in relation to impure ways of earning.[1] (2) The four directions that lie between the cardinal points, namely North-east, South-west, South-east, and North-west.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Intermediate direction'
In Hinduism, "Intermediate direction" signifies the cardinal points between primary directions, crucial for ritual offerings and ceremonial space, especially between south and east, while honoring deities and ancestral rites.
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The space between the south and east directions used for setting up the ceremonial area.[3] (2) The cardinal points that lie between the four primary directions (north, south, east, west) for offering rituals.[4] (3) The direction that lies between two cardinal points, in this context, between south and west.[5]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Specific directions (southern and eastern) considered during the performance of the rites, particularly in relation to honoring the Manes and the gods.[6]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the directions that exist between the four cardinal points, such as northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.[7]
Jain concept of 'Intermediate direction'
In Jainism, "Intermediate direction" signifies both the eight compass points between cardinal directions and the paths of life and rebirth, particularly linked to ceremonial movements and the positioning of Dikkumaris in relation to celestial islands.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The cardinal and intercardinal points used to describe the positioning and movements of the Dikkumaris during the ceremony.[8] (2) Specific compass directions that are situated between cardinal points, mentioned in relation to the islands of the Moon and Sun.[9] (3) The term refers to the eight compass points that fall between the cardinal directions, where the various Antaradvipas are located.[10]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Directions that lie between the cardinal points, which may also represent paths taken in life or rebirth.[11]
The concept of Intermediate direction in local and regional sources
Intermediate direction, as described in the text, encompasses directional terms like east-south and west-north, which are depicted as linear and reminiscent of broken strings of pearls, illustrating their connection and function in navigation.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Intermediate directions, like east-south and west-north, are described as linear, and are similar to broken strings of pearls according to the text.[12]