Significance of Permission

The concept of Permission is multifaceted across various philosophical and religious contexts. In Vaishnavism, it involves divine approval from Lord Hari and seeking consent from the vraja-vasis. Vyakarana defines it as the power of Time enabling visibility. Vedanta emphasizes authorization for activities aiming to elevate understanding and respecting protocol in interactions. Dharmashastra discusses the necessity of permission when abandoning one’s teacher. In Theravada, permission pertains to seeking consent before consuming food, and accountability regarding communal property, highlighting respect and adherence to guidelines.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Authorization, Consent, Approval, Sanction, Assent, Agreement

In Finnish: Lupa; In Dutch: Toestemming; In Spanish: Permiso; In German: Erlaubnis

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

Buddhist concept of 'Permission'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Permission encompasses seeking approval to prevent discomfort, obtaining consent from monks regarding communal property, and asking owners before consuming food, reflecting a deep respect for communal harmony and individual rights.

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

From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)

(1) Approval that should be sought to avoid causing discomfort, as per the guidelines outlined.[1] (2) Refers to asking the owner for consent before consuming food.[2]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)

(1) The act of seeking approval from a monk or novice before taking action concerning communal property.[3]

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 'Permission'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Permission encompasses granting approval, authorizing activities for elevation of understanding, seeking consent in communication, recognizing the power of Time (abhyanujna), and obtaining approval from higher powers or individuals, reflecting respect and protocol.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The approval given by Lord Hari to Brahma, signifying consent for an action or return.[4]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The approval sought by the speaker from the vraja-vasis, which was ultimately not obtained.[5]

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 Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The act of seeking consent before proceeding to visit King Ashvapati, showing respect and protocol in communication.[6]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The authorization of activities, specifically works, is given for the purpose of elevating the status of understanding or expertise, according to the provided material.[7]

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 Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra

(1) The act of granting approval; necessary to abandon one’s teacher.[8]

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 Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The power of Time that allows objects to be visible and exist in the present, referred to as abhyanujna.[9]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.