Significance of Lion's-roars
Lion's roar holds various significances across different belief systems. In Buddhism, it symbolizes the powerful and authoritative proclamation of the Dharma by the Buddha, reflecting his strength and impact. It represents bold teachings that command respect and attention, akin to a lion's majestic presence. Jainism uses Lion's roar to express victory and communication among warriors, while it also signifies Bala's might in epics. The term illustrates authenticity and power in South Asian folklore, reinforcing the concept of fierce authority inherent in teachings and proclamations across traditions.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Lion's-roars'
In Buddhism, Lion's roar symbolizes the authoritative and powerful proclamation of the Buddha's teachings, reflecting strength and transformation, and signifies profound and impactful declarations that command respect and attention.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A powerful proclamation made by the Bodhisattva signifying his determination to end rebirths and save all beings.[1] (2) A metaphorical expression representing the authoritative and profound teaching of the Buddha, referred to as mahaparshadi simhanadam.[2] (3) A metaphor for the Buddha’s powerful and fearless proclamation of truth during teachings that awakens wisdom and humility in listeners.[3] (4) A metaphor illustrating the profound, impactful teachings of Buddha's disciples, notably attributed to Pin-t’ou-lo P’o-lo-to-che.[4] (5) A metaphor for the authoritative and powerful proclamation made by the Tathagata when he shares his enlightened teachings.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A metaphor for the powerful and authoritative teaching of the Buddha which commands attention and respect.[6] (2) The speaker or dialogue initiator in the text who addresses the Buddha with questions and reflections.[7] (3) A powerful declaration by the Buddha that signifies the authoritative and transformative nature of his teachings.[8] (4) A powerful declaration or teaching signifying the truth of Buddha-Nature and the teachings of Buddhism, often associated with awakening and insight.[9] (5) A character who poses questions and expresses insights in the text, often addressing the Buddha.[10]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) A powerful proclamation or teaching of the Buddha that conveys the truth with authority and profound impact.[11] (2) A metaphorical expression that signifies the authoritative and powerful nature of certain Buddhist teachings.[12] (3) An important term in Buddhism often associated with powerful teachings or declarations made by enlightened beings, in this case related to the Sutra.[13] (4) Refers to the title of the Sutra, symbolizing the power and eloquence of the Buddha as demonstrated by Queen Shrimala.[14] (5) A metaphor for the eloquence and authoritative expression of a buddha, exemplified by Queen Shrimala in her teachings.[15]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) A metaphor for great eloquence in teaching the Dharma.[16] (2) The powerful proclamation of the Buddha's teachings, symbolizing strength and authority.[17] (3) A metaphorical phrase representing the powerful and fearless proclamation of the Dharma by the Buddha.[18]
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A metaphor for a powerful and authoritative proclamation of the Dharma that commands respect and attention.[19] (2) A metaphor for the Buddha's powerful and confident proclamation of his teachings, emphasizing their authority.[20]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) A metaphor for the powerful and authoritative way in which Purnamaitreyaniputra speaks, likened to the roar of a lion that commands respect and attention.[21] (2) An analogy used in some sutra titles that symbolizes the profound teachings delivered by the Buddha.[22]
From: The Lotus Sutra
(1) A strong declaration made by the bodhisattvas in front of the Buddha, showing their commitment to teaching the sutra.[23]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A metaphor for the bold and undisputed declaration of the buddha's enlightenment and dharma teachings.[24]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A metaphor indicating the profound and impactful teachings of the Dharma as echoed by the Bodhisattvas.[25]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A powerful proclamation of the Dharma, symbolizing fearlessness and authority.[26]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) A metaphorical expression of confidence and strength shown by the Bodhisattvas in their fearlessness to spread the teachings.[27]
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The powerful sound used by the Lion to overcome the Jackal, leading to the latter's demise.[28] (2) An element of the Jackal's intimidation strategy, which the Bodhisatta sought to negate by the citizens blocking their ears.[29] (3) Symbolizes the true nature and identity of a lion, contrasting with the false appearance of the cub due to its different vocal quality.[30] (4) A metaphorical expression indicating a significant or authoritative presence in storytelling.[31] (5) A powerful and commanding sound, likened to the fierce vocalization of a lion, indicating strength and authority.[32]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A metaphor for the fearless and bold expression of Dhamma by Pindola, symbolizing confidence and authority in spiritual teaching.[33]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A symbol of strength and authority, used in the teachings of the Buddha to illustrate the powerful impact of his Dhamma.[34]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The powerful sound emitted by the lion, indicating its awareness of an enemy.[35]
Hindu concept of 'Lion's-roars'
In Hinduism, the Lion's roar symbolizes Krishna's formidable presence, evoking fear in elephants. It metaphorically represents his strength and intense character, highlighting his power and dominance in the spiritual realm.
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Symbolizes Krishna's powerful and frightening presence, particularly to elephants, serving as a metaphor for his strength and the intensity of his character.[36]
From: The Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The powerful sound made by Keshava (Krishna) to attract the attention of the bull-demon.[37]
Jain concept of 'Lion's-roars'
In Jainism, Lion's roar symbolizes both a call for help and expressions of victory, representing Bala's distress signal, followers' reverence, and Bali's army's celebration, reflecting themes of courage, power, and devotion.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A signal of distress which alerted Rama to his brother's predicament, symbolizing a call for help.[38] (2) A signal used by Lakshmana and Rama to communicate when there is trouble during the battle.[39] (3) Sounds made by Bali’s army to celebrate their victory and announce the power of their master, Bali.[40] (4) A joyful expression of victory and reverence from the followers of the Lord.[41] (5) After recovering consciousness, Bala gave a lion’s roar that terrified wild animals and shook the forest.[42]
The concept of 'Lion's-roars' in local and regional sources
Lion's roar symbolizes strength and dominance in the narrative, leading to the downfall of both the Lion and Bull. Additionally, the Jackal's need to mimic this roar highlights the themes of authenticity and the pursuit of power.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A sound the Jackal must replicate to be seen as a true lion, emphasizing the requirement of authenticity and power in his pose.[43] (2) A symbol of the Lion's power and might in the story, which ultimately leads to the demise of both the Lion and the Bull.[44]