Significance of Left hand
Synonyms: Left, Sinister, Port, Left side, Non-dominant hand, Weaker hand
In Dutch: Linkerhand; In Finnish: Vasen käsi; In Spanish: Mano izquierda; In German: Linke Hand; In Malay: Tangan kiri; In Swedish: Vänster hand; In French: Main gauche; In Portugese: Mão esquerda; In Italian: Mano sinistra; In Polish: Lewa ręka
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Left hand'
In Buddhism, the left hand is significant in Chinese Buddha statues, often depicted holding attributes. This contrasts with the right hand, suggesting a unique symbolism and potentially different emphasis in these representations.
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The left hand is considered more honourable than the right, and the importance of a seat diminishes from the altar on the north to the entrance of the temple on the south.[1] (2) A hand that is resting on the throne, holds the stem of a lotus, from which rises a sword.[2]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) The left hand is where quite a few examples of Chinese Buddha statues holding an attribute can be found, instead of the right hand.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) It is the hand the Prince used to seize the hair-knot and diadem after cutting his hair.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Left hand'
In Hinduism, the left hand symbolizes various cultural and ritualistic significances, such as being associated with specific gestures, auspiciousness, initiation rituals, and roles in purification practices, contrasting customary uses linked to the right hand.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The specific hand noted as being used to hold up Govardhana Hill, emphasizing the gesture's significance.[5] (2) The non-dominant hand of the subject, which is carrying the waterpot.[6] (3) The hand used by the speaker to lift Govardhana Hill, signifying a particular action associated with divine strength.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) It is a hand that requires a massage due to fatigue, highlighting the physical strain and the need for supportive action from others.[8] (2) Referring to Radha's left hand, which she placed on her left cheek in the context of sorrow.[9] (3) Refers to the specific positioning of the child's hand, suggesting playfulness and ease in holding the mountain.[10]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The left hand was the specific part of Lord Balarama's body that was used to kill Kanka, as detailed in the provided information.[11] (2) The side of the body opposite to the right, referred to as the side where a morsel of food is held.[12] (3) The hand on the left side of the body, referred to as vama-haste in the text.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Indicates the specific hand used to lift Giriraja Govardhana, possibly signifying grace or ability.[14]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Referring to the prohibition of touching the japa-mala with the left hand, signifying a rule within the chanting methodology.[15]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) It indicates the opposite hand, noting that a conch is held in that hand, further defining the deity's attributes.[16]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The hand that should be used to hold the dish while taking food and offering it to the Life-breath.[17] (2) The left hand is used to touch the left foot, according to the text, and is a crucial component of the prescribed action when interacting with the teacher.[18] (3) One of the hands that requires multiple applications of earth, specifically noted for cleansing.[19]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that takes up the Kusha blades, while the right hand arranges them on the ground.[20] (2) The hand on the left side of the body, often associated with receiving or gentleness.[21]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand mentioned in the context of offering the Arghya water to the Fathers.[22] (2) The side of the body where another spoon called Upabhrit is placed.[23]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The hand traditionally considered less auspicious in many cultures, including Hindu customs in this text.[24]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The teacher touches the boy with his left hand during the initiation ritual.[25]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A particular hand direction used for performing some of the ceremonial actions in the rituals.[26]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The left hand is used while husking the grain with the right hand lying over it, and the sacrificial food is stirred from left to right while cooking.[27]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The hand used for cleansing below the navel and during certain rituals, as prescribed in the text.[28]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The chieftain took Lakshman's left hand, and then began speaking, indicating a moment of emotional connection and beginning to speak.[29]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) It is a part of the body that dances, presaging some calamity, highlighting the ominous signs.[30]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) The hand used in various gestures to denote roles within the different castes, such as in the Kshattriya and Shudra castes.[31] (2) Referring to the two hands on the left side of the Nataraja figure, one holding a flame and the other exhibiting a specific pose.[32]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) This hand is described as holding the right arm above the elbow, while the right hand touches the left arm with a clenched fist to create a specific hand gesture.[33]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) In females, the left hand is preferred, whereas in males, the right hand is preferred, which is related to the anatomical locations of the autonomic nervous system and its functions.[34]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This refers to the specific body part where the patient's condition was observed, specifically the ring finger.[35]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The palms of these are turned downwards when begging pardon upon the prastara, a specific gesture in the ritual.[36]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A specific hand that is mentioned as the second to have its nails cut during a particular practice, in contrast to the typical human method.[37]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The hand opposite the right, often associated with various superstitions and interpretations.[38]
Jain concept of 'Left hand'
In Jainism, the left hand symbolizes strength, defense, and various attributes through the items held by deities. It represents balance and specific divine roles, highlighting the importance of these hands in religious iconography.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Left hands are the hands in which the messenger-deities hold specific items, such as an ichneumon and spear or a pitcher and a goad, as mentioned in the provided text.[39] (2) One of Mahayaksha's left hands held a citron, and Ajitabala was adorned with two left hands holding a citron and a goad, respectively.[40] (3) The hands of Sanmukha that carry an ichneumon, cakra, bow, shield, and cloth, indicating additional attributes and roles of strength and defense.[41] (4) Refers to the characteristics of both Kusuma and Acyuta, hinting at attunement and balance in their divine representation.[42] (5) Describes the hands of the deities that hold various items; Yaksheshvara's left hands hold an ichneumon and a goad, while Kalika's left hands hold a snake and a goad.[43]
The concept of Left hand in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Left hand" symbolizes misunderstanding in ritual practices, indicates negative intent in Indian culture, and highlights physical characteristics, as seen through the actions of Murar and a beggar, emphasizing its multifaceted significance.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Murar took the letter in this and read it, demonstrating his respect for his sadguru's command.[44] (2) In Indian culture, an indication of an evil heart or negative intent.[45] (3) In the narrative, the use of the left hand becomes a symbol of misunderstanding or anomaly in ritual practice.[46]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A part of Ramaiah's body that he uses to feel the pulse on his right wrist, self-assuringly.[47] (2) This is a physical characteristic of one of the beggars, who had lost this appendage.[48]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This refers to the left hand side, and it is important for understanding the arguments.[49]
The concept of Left hand in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Left hand" relates to its anatomical significance, independent movement capabilities, involvement in medical examinations, implications for patient care, potential injury during surgery, and specific medical concerns following trauma or surgical procedures.
From: South African Journal of Physiotherapy
(1) This is the healthy hand of the patient, and the text discusses whether immobilizing it could improve speech, which is a consideration.[50] (2) Place your left hand over the back of your right hand and clasp your fingers so that they do not touch the patient's chest wall.[51] (3) This refers to the hand on the left side of the body, and is discussed in relation to its ability to move independently from the right hand, and its potential for mirroring movements.[52] (4) The left hand had been severely maimed, and the patient experienced a partial skin breakdown, which required medical attention.[53]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is the hand of the patient that is placed in the doctor's right hand to begin the physical examination, leading to the examining couch.[54]
From: South African Journal of HIV Medicine
(1) This refers to the hand on the left side of the body, which may be more prone to injury during certain surgical procedures.[55]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) The greater self-bias of the left hand’s response was observed when the hand image was presented by the egocentric view.[56] (2) It refers to the non-dominant hand for most individuals, which may be used for supporting tasks.[57] (3) the hand for which grip strength is measured and analyzed, and can show higher strength in left-handed individuals.[58]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) The text mentions that the right hand usually tends to be slightly bigger than the left hand, highlighting a common anatomical difference.[59]
Classical concept of 'Left hand'
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) The left hand of the deceased was mummified and bandaged according to the instructions given in the Ritual of Embalmment, and filled with substances used in embalming.[60]
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) This is the hand that Sethos I holds his now useless bow while battling the Libyans in the middle row.[61]
From: The Book of Gates
(1) A god, who holds a sceptre in his right, and in this.[62]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) During the mourning rituals of the Royal Scythians, they pass arrows through their left hand.[63]