Significance of Obligation

Obligation, as defined in various contexts, carries distinct meanings. In Purana, it signifies Karna's commitments to defeat enemies. Yoga views obligation as essential practices like purification and devotion. Vedanta sees it as a concept tied to self-perception, vanishing with perfect knowledge. Dharmashastra associates obligation with Vedic rituals, while Indian history highlights Gomai's gratitude. Finally, psychiatry recognizes obligation as a set of values within its practice.1
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Synonyms: Duty, Responsibility, Commitment, Requirement, Assignment, Pledge, Promise, Necessity

In Finnish: Velvollisuus; In Dutch: Verplichting; In Spanish: Obligación

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Obligation'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, obligation encompasses multiple facets. It involves avoiding or pursuing things based on self-perception, ceasing with enlightenment. It includes practices like purification and devotion, vital for well-being, and encompasses Vedic rituals and duties, as well as personal responsibilities.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Refers to the promises and responsibilities Karna made to slay many enemy warriors.[1]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) A duty to perform specific rites and rituals as part of Vedic traditions, especially regarding offerings.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) This is imposed with reference to things to be avoided or desired, and it depends on a person's imagining their Self to be connected with the body, but ceases to exist for one who has obtained perfect knowledge.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)

(1) The obligations, also known as niyama, are a set of practices including purification, contentment, penance, study, and devotion to the Lord, which are essential for well-being.[4]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

The concept of Obligation in local and regional sources

History Books

Obligation, in this context, signifies Gomai's feeling toward the Lord of Pandhari. This feeling arises from the Lord's assistance, suggesting a sense of indebtedness or a moral duty to reciprocate due to the help received.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The feeling Gomai expresses towards the Lord of Pandhari after receiving his assistance.[5]

The concept of Obligation in scientific sources

Science Books

Obligation, in psychiatric practice, encompasses a set of values crucial for recognition. These values are part of the broader scope of principles that guide the field. Regional sources highlight their significance within this context.

Significance in Psychiatry:
Psychiatry Books

From: South African Journal of Psychiatry

(1) These are a type of values that pertain in psychiatric practice, and they are a part of the scope of values that need to be recognized.[6]

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Plural form: Obligationer.