Significance of Joined hands
Synonyms: Clasped hands, Held hands, Unified, United, Associated
In Dutch: Samengevoegde handen; In Finnish: Yhdistetyt kädet; In Spanish: Manos unidas; In German: Geschlossene Hände; In German: Gefasste Hände
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Joined hands'
In Buddhism, "Joined hands" represents multiple gestures of respect and devotion, symbolizing humility and reverence during prayers, offerings, confessions, and interactions with the Buddha, reflecting a deep commitment to spiritual practice and principles.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The posture of raising the hands, and it is a part of the process for someone who desires to receive the upasampada ordination, and they also have to squat down.[1] (2) A gesture made by the individual receiving the ordination, typically as a sign of respect and devotion.[2] (3) A sign of reverence and humility, often displayed during prayers or requests in the Buddhist tradition.[3] (4) A gesture of reverence indicating respect, commonly used in religious or formal contexts.[4] (5) A gesture made by the Bhikkhu while sitting, indicating respect and the act of declaring their Pavarana.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The gesture of adoration that King Suddhodana performed during court meetings, following tradition.[6]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A gesture made by Bhikkhunis during their confession of faults, symbolizing humility and supplication.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Joined hands is a gesture of respect made by individuals like Kala and Mucilinda when they approached the Exalted One, signifying reverence and a request.[8] (2) A gesture of respect and reverence, seen when Ashvakin approaches the Exalted One to inquire about his smiling.[9] (3) The gesture made by the king of Kashi as he affectionately spoke to the young elephant, showing his care.[10] (4) The gesture made by both the goatherd and the deva Nyagrodha when expressing their respect and devotion to the Exalted One.[11]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) This is a gesture of respect and reverence that the venerable ones do before the Lord, looking up to him with their bodies bent and inclined.[12] (2) A gesture of respect and humility often employed in Buddhist ritual and practice.[13] (3) A traditional gesture of respect and devotion used by the Bodhisattvas when expressing their willingness to follow the Buddha’s commands.[14] (4) A gesture of respect and devotion exhibited by the Bodhisattvas towards the Lord in homage.[15]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A traditional gesture of respect and sincerity during offerings and prayers.[16]
Hindu concept of 'Joined hands'
"Joined hands" in Hinduism signifies gestures of respect, humility, and devotion across various contexts, including worship, rituals, and interactions, symbolizing reverence, submission, and the plea for blessings and guidance from divine or respected figures.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This is a gesture of respect that Vidura uses when speaking to Dhritarashtra, showing deference.[17] (2) The Brahmana then approached with joined hands the god of a thousand rays and introduced himself cheerfully unto him, saying, 'I am Vasishtha', as described in the text.[18] (3) This phrase describes a gesture of respect or supplication, often indicating humility or deference.[19] (4) A gesture indicating respect or supplication, often associated with devotion or prayer.[20] (5) A gesture of respect and reverence used by the characters in their interactions.[21]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The physical gesture of the individual, signifying a suppliant posture, demonstrating respect or pleading, as described within the provided text.[22] (2) With joined hands in reverence raised, Sumantra gazed upon the beauteous prince, demonstrating respect and humility during their encounter.[23] (3) The phrase 'joined hands' refers to the gesture of respect that Rama makes when he greets his father.[24] (4) A gesture of respect and greeting made by Rama to honor his friend.[25]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) A gesture of respect and surrender, symbolizing reverence towards the divine.[26]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A gesture of respect and prayer, representing submission before the divine will.[27]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) This refers to a gesture of prayer or offering during the sacrifice, indicating reverence and humility.[28] (2) The position of the student's hands during certain rituals, symbolizing respect and readiness to receive teachings.[29] (3) A gesture of worship and reverence, indicating the offering of one's devotion and respect to deities, particularly when praying or during rituals.[30] (4) A physical gesture of unity and connection, significant in ceremonial practices.[31] (5) The hands of the woman that are brought together or clasped, significant in the context of a ritual where she receives grain from her brother and during the sacrificial rites.[32]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the act of bringing palms together; specifically mentioned in the context of drinking water.[33] (2) A physical gesture made during prayers, symbolizing devotion and respect, as instructed in the morning Twilight Prayer.[34] (3) Similar to 'joined palms', this phrase signifies a position of supplication or appeal for mercy.[35] (4) A posture of reverence or prayer that signifies humility and respect during the act of begging.[36] (5) The manner in which the man is instructed to carry his severed body parts while proceeding towards the designated region.[37]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to the bride's position while receiving the roasted grain during the rites.[38] (2) The position of hands brought together, typically indicating a gesture of prayer or offering in the ceremony.[39] (3) A gesture made by the guest when partaking of the ceremony, often to signify respect or devotion.[40] (4) A ceremonial gesture where water is poured into the boy's joined hands by the teacher during the initiation.[41]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) An indication of the posture the student assumes while pouring water.[42] (2) A gesture performed by both the student and the teacher, signifying reverence and the connection during the initiation process.[43] (3) A sign of unity and partnership between the bride and groom, represented through various rituals including the sacrifice without opening the hands.[44] (4) The gesture of placing the hands together, often used during supplication in rituals.[45]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Gesture of offering sacrifice using both hands filled with water.[46] (2) A gesture that represents unity and intention during the ritual, particularly when filled with water by the student and teacher.[47] (3) The position of the bride's hands as her father or brother pours fried grain into them during the ceremony, symbolizing blessings.[48]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A gesture used during the initiation process when the teacher and student come together to perform certain rites.[49] (2) The posture used during the sacrifice, indicating reverence and focus in the ritual.[50] (3) The act of bringing two hands together, symbolizing unity and partnership, as seen when the girl and her brother pour fried grain mixed with Shami leaves.[51]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A gesture made during the ritual that signifies respect and devotion while performing the sacrifice.[52] (2) A gesture performed during the sacrifice, often signifying respect and a plea for blessings.[53] (3) A symbolic gesture representing unity and agreement during a ceremony.[54]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A gesture used in worship and prayer, symbolizing devotion and respect.[55] (2) A gesture made by the boy towards the teacher, symbolizing respect, devotion, and the request for teachings.[56]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A gesture symbolizing a promise or prayer made by an ascetic, particularly in regards to their non-harmful intentions.[57]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A position of hands that is considered inappropriate for drinking; thus, one must avoid this while drinking.[58]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The women of Vraja performed poojah with hands joined, showing reverence and a gesture of supplication when they beseeched Parvutee for a boon.[59] (2) A gesture of respect or prayer, often signifying supplication or humility.[60] (3) A gesture of respect and submission shown by Vasudeva when addressing Narada Ji.[61] (4) A gesture of submission and respect shown by the worshippers towards Krishna.[62] (5) A gesture of respect and reverence shown by Vasudeva Jee when addressing Shri Krishna, symbolizing humility.[63]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A gesture of reverence and devotion, often representing prayer or meditation.[64]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The act of placing the hands together, known as anjali, performed by the Adhvaryu as part of the sacrificial ritual.[65]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The gesture performed by sages while reciting the hymn, symbolizing unity and participation.[66]
Jain concept of 'Joined hands'
In Jainism, "Joined hands" symbolize a gesture of offering, representing the act of presenting flowers and fruit, which signifies sharing one’s dreams and intentions with others.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A gesture of offering or presenting something, in this case, flowers and fruit, symbolizing the sharing of dreams.[67]
The concept of Joined hands in local and regional sources
"Joined hands" symbolizes respect and humility, as exemplified by a farmer's gesture when seeking Tuka's presence, reflecting cultural values and the importance of showing reverence in interpersonal interactions.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A gesture of respect and humility used by the farmer when requesting Tuka's presence.[68]