Significance of Jati
The term Jati has diverse meanings across different cultural and philosophical contexts. In Jainism and Dharmashastra, Jati signifies caste and social stratification, reflecting endogamous hereditary groups within Indian society. In Tibetan Buddhism, it denotes categories or species in relation to universality and individuality. The Natyashastra associates Jati with rhythmic patterns and classifications in music, while in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, it refers to birth, highlighting its significance in the cycles of life and suffering.
Synonyms: Caste, Tribe, Lineage, Community, Category, Clan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Jati'
In Buddhism, Jati signifies birth and is recognized as the root of suffering. It encompasses categories of existence, serving as a basis for understanding universal concepts and the factors leading to new life within the cycle of existence.
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Jati refers to birth or coming into existence, as it relates to the continuous cycle influenced by the previous factors of ignorance and craving.[1] (2) Refers to birth or rebirth, which is a crucial aspect of the suffering experienced in Samsara.[2] (3) Rebirth or the process of birth, a source of suffering according to Buddhist teachings.[3] (4) Birth or rebirth that arises from the preceding factors in the cycle of existence.[4]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The Pali word for birth or arising, which is intrinsically linked to suffering in Buddhism.[5] (2) Rebirth or birth, referring to the commencement of a new consciousness or existence.[6]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The Pali term for birth, which Siddhattha realizes is the root cause of suffering in his reflections.[7]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) Birth or origin, in the context of both Mahinda's royal lineage as a son of Ashoka and the significance of familial connections in Buddhist teaching.[8]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Jati literally means 'birth' or 'nature' and refers to the classification of citta based on its type.[9]
From: The Catusacca Dipani
(1) Rebirth, which follows bhava and signifies the emergence of new life.[10]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The act of rebirth, which introduces new life and suffering.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Birth, the result of the convergence of various factors leading to new existence within the cycles of life.[12]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Jati refers to the process of reincarnation, representing new births resulting from previous actions.[13]
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The genus or universal concept that serves as a basis for comprehensive categorizations and notions of entities.[14] (2) A term that implies a category or species, which is often discussed in relation to distinctions between the universal and individual.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Jati'
Jati in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations, notably as sub-castes from varna dynamics, a classification in music, and an endogamous social group sharing common traits, influencing societal structure and cultural practices.
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Rhythmic patterns or classifications of drum sounds that correspond to specific emotions or actions.[16] (2) The class of a Dhruva determined by the number of syllables in its metre, influencing its thematic and emotional expression.[17] (3) Musical forms or classifications that denote how different notes are applied based on the sentiment being expressed.[18] (4) Configurations of notes that are distinct and governed by rules, having various characteristics including their Amshas.[19] (5) Melody-types in Indian music, classified as pure and modified, indicating their complexity and relation to the structure of Indian music.[20]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) a classification of metre defined by the specific syllabic units in each quarter of a stanza.[21]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) A classification of poetry based on the quantity of matra or Mora.[22]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A term referenced in the context of distinguishing a category based on differences, particularly through the concept of apoha.[23] (2) A term that signifies 'kind' or 'category', used in discussing the broader interpretations of gender and classifications in the given context.[24] (3) A term referring to the universal as understood by the Vijnanavadins, linked to common features in consciousness.[25] (4) Jati refers to the universal category expressed through nouns in language, which becomes relevant in discussing gender and number.[26]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A variety of Plaksha characterized by thick stems that loop around as they grow.[27]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) The sub-categories or castes that arise from the interaction and social dynamics among the four varnas.[28]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term referring to one's caste or social group, associated with notions of purity and defectiveness for legal inheritance.[29]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A category or classification that encompasses entities with shared characteristics, serving as a basis for the meaning of words.[30]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) A grammatical division related to the category or class of subjects in poetic conventions.[31]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Categories or classifications of temples that reflect different styles and architectural variations as detailed in temple manuals.[32] (2) A term referring to the concept of type or classification, particularly in the context of esteemed temples associated with great deities.[33]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Jessamine, identified as a vegetable drug that acts against poison.[34]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) An endogamous hereditary social group in Indian society, where all members share a common status and expected behaviors tied to their group.[35]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Jati is related to Generality, indicating a class or genus that contains multiple entities sharing common properties.[36]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Refers to a combination of two gramas in music, with various types categorized in different texts.[37]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The birth or origin of the four social orders, indicating their divine creation from the different parts of the Supreme Lord.[38]
Jain concept of 'Jati'
In Jainism, Jati signifies caste representing social stratification, while it also conveys the concept of melody or raga, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the term in cultural and religious contexts.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) (जाति), signals melody or raga.[39] (2) Refers to caste, denoting social stratification within society.[40]