Significance of Penance

Penance in various philosophical and religious contexts is a crucial practice aimed at spiritual growth and purification. In Jainism, it is viewed as a means to destroy karma and reflect commitment through self-denial, fasting, and severe austerities. Similarly, Hindu traditions emphasize penance involving self-discipline and austerity for seeking divine favor, achieving emancipation, and expiating sins. Across all interpretations, penance is essential for attaining higher states of consciousness and achieving spiritual realization, serving as a path to purification and self-improvement.1
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Synonyms: Atonement, Remorse, Repentance, Recompense, Contrition, Expiation, Redemption

In Dutch: Boete; In Finnish: Katumus; In Spanish: Penitencia; In German: Buße; In Malay: Taubat

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

Buddhist concept of 'Penance'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Penance involves disciplinary actions for transgressions like consuming garlic, reflecting the moral standards set by the Master to guide behavior and uphold ethical conduct among practitioners.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The punishment imposed on Sisters who consume garlic, stemming from the moral teachings imparted by the Master.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Penance'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Penance encompasses spiritual practices, austerities, and self-discipline aimed at purification, devotion, and enlightenment. It involves renunciation, personal hardship, and rituals to connect with the divine, attain merits, and seek forgiveness.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Spiritual practices intended for purification and atonement that Dhritarashtra wishes to undertake as he seeks redemption for his past actions.[2] (2) Penance refers to the practice of self-discipline and austerity undertaken to achieve spiritual growth or atonement.[3] (3) Acts of discipline or self-restraint prescribed to atone for sins and restore one's purity.[4] (4) Severe spiritual practices undertaken by Arjuna in pursuit of divine favor and strength.[5] (5) A spiritual practice mentioned as a means to achieve higher states of being and to mitigate one's sins in the cycle of life and death.[6]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) Refers to the spiritual disciplines and rigorous practices undertaken by the ascetic to attain higher states of being.[7] (2) Spiritual practices that contribute to the demon's protected state, making him difficult to defeat by conventional means.[8] (3) Rituals and austerities undertaken by characters like Ahalya to seek purification and redemption.[9]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) Spiritual practices or acts of discipline carried out to atone for sins or to purify oneself from impurities.[10] (2) Disciplines or acts of self-control and sacrifice observed by a votary as a means to purify themselves and win divine favor.[11] (3) A spiritual discipline involving self-imposed hardship or austerities to attain a higher consciousness or divine favor.[12]

From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)

(1) The necessary spiritual discipline that King Sagara was instructed to perform in order to bring the sacred Ganga down from heaven.[13]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Penance is a practice by which the senses are taught to tame, and the heroes are taught this by high saints, in order to be true to duty.[14]

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: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Penance is a spiritual practice that the outcast must undergo to be readmitted to society and sacrificial rites after being punished for a social offense.[15] (2) Practices or rituals undertaken for the purpose of expiating offences.[16] (3) Spiritual disciplines or self-imposed hardships undertaken for purification or atonement in spiritual practice.[17] (4) A form of austerity associated with specific rites that contribute to the purification process required for successful offerings.[18] (5) Religious or spiritual practices involving self-discipline and austerity that include the Yati-Candrayana among other forms of rites.[19]

From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra

(1) The corrective actions or atonements that are to be described according to the context.[20] (2) Spiritual practices involving austerities and sacrifices aimed at purification or atonement for past sins.[21]

From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra

(1) The act of performing penance, which is implied as part of the sacrificial procedure.[22] (2) The religious duty performed by the student as a means of atonement for his transgressions.[23]

From: Vasistha Dharmasutra

(1) Refers to the rituals or acts of atonement a wife must undertake for infidelity.[24]

From: Gautama Dharmasutra

(1) Severe self-imposed punishments or spiritual penalties that may be required for failing to carry out a duty.[25]

From: Khadira-grihya-sutra

(1) A prescribed act of self-discipline or punishment for failing to perform a sacrifice.[26]

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 Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The act of Mahashveta as she awaits a reunion with her lover, emphasizing themes of love and sacrifice.[27] (2) The act performed by Pururavas to appease Vishnu and reverse the effects of the curse preventing his union with Urvashi.[28]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Prem Sagar (English translation)

(1) The form of austerity and self-discipline practiced by Ookha due to her longing for her husband after their separation.[29] (2) A severe form of meditation and austerity performed by Salub to gain strength and revenge.[30]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)

(1) The practice of enduring self-imposed suffering in order to achieve spiritual growth and avoid causing pain to others.[31]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Penance'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Penance encompasses severe self-discipline, fasting, and spiritual practices undertaken by ascetics to purify the soul, overcome karma, and attain higher spiritual realization, demonstrating commitment to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Various spiritual practices conducted by the Lord, demonstrating his dedication and effort in his pursuit of enlightenment.[32] (2) Spiritual austerities practiced by Meghakumara as part of his commitment to his vow.[33] (3) The severe ascetic practices undertaken by Citra and Sambhuta to purify themselves and achieve emancipation.[34] (4) Severe self-discipline or suffering practiced by Anandamalin as part of his spiritual journey.[35] (5) A form of spiritual discipline that involves fasting and moral rigor, which is vital for acquiring flying skills.[36]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) The practice of self-discipline and spiritual purification that the monk advises King Sanjaya to undertake.[37]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Penance in local and regional sources

History Books

Penance encompasses acts of purification, self-discipline, and spiritual practice. It symbolizes Brahmans' efforts to restore integrity, Chalam's critique of discipline for spiritual success, and Ganapati Sastri's journey toward self-realization and identity comprehension.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The spiritual practice that Ganapati Sastri undertook, aimed at realizing the self and understanding the essence of identity.[38] (2) The practice of self-discipline and sacrifice, which Chalam questions in relation to achieving spiritual goals.[39]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The act that the Brahmans decided upon to purify Bahirambhat and address his previous defilement.[40]

Plural form: Penances.