Significance of Piece of gold
The keyphrase "Piece of gold" holds significant importance across various philosophical and religious traditions. In Jainism, it symbolizes beauty and value, while in Tibetan Buddhism, it represents devotion through offerings. For Vaishnavism, it is tied to wealth and achievement in rituals. The Purana emphasizes its spiritual benefits when offered to Brahmanas after a holy bath. Similarly, Dharmashastra describes it as an essential part of ritual practices, signifying purity and wealth. In Theravada, it exemplifies value that invites appreciation.
Synonyms: Gold ingot, Gold coin, Gold piece
In Dutch: Stuk goud; In Finnish: Pala kultaa; In Spanish: Pedazo de oro
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Piece of gold'
In Buddhism, "Piece of gold" symbolizes both a profound offering of devotion to the bla ma and a valuable item that invites others to recognize and share in its inherent worth.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An example of something valuable that can be used to invite others to experience its worth.[1]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) An offering made by the protagonist to the bla ma, symbolizing devotion and respect.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Piece of gold'
In Hinduism, a "piece of gold" symbolizes purity, value, and divinity, serving as a ceremonial object in various rituals, including offerings, blessings, and gifts to Brahmanas, marking its importance in spiritual practice and auspiciousness.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Added to the mixture with a formula to symbolize purity during the sacrifice.[3] (2) An item included in the oblation process; its presence signifies value and importance in the ritual.[4] (3) An object held by the priests during the ritual that symbolizes auspiciousness and is thought to aid in the growth and flourishing of offerings.[5] (4) An item that the Adhvaryu should throw down as part of the ritual, symbolizing wealth and stability.[6] (5) An item used in rituals, tied with a darbha-blade and included in the offerings during the sacrifice.[7]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A symbolic item used in the rituals, tied with a noose to a Darbha blade and dipped into honey and ghee.[8] (2) A ceremonial object placed in conjunction with the yoke-hole, involved in the washing ritual.[9]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) An item tied to the child's right hand as part of the rituals conducted after birth.[10]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) An object of value placed ceremonially on the axe, representing something precious in the rites.[11]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Symbolizes immortal life, laid on the victim during the sacrifice to signify its resurrection.[12] (2) An item placed in the right wheel-track of the Soma-cart during the sacrificial offering.[13] (3) An item tied to the ring-finger by the Adhvaryu, symbolizing truth and the divine connection to the gods during the sacrifice.[14] (4) An offering placed on the altar, symbolizing wealth and purity as attributes of the divine.[15] (5) Symbolizes immortal life, which the Sacrificer integrates into his own self through the performance of the sacrifice.[16]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) An offering given to a quiescent Brahmana, believed to bring great happiness and eradicate past sins.[17] (2) One of the valuable gifts encouraged to be given to a Brahmana as part of the meritorious act after bathing in the Tirtha.[18] (3) A physical offering that, when given to a Brahmana after a holy bath, is said to have significant spiritual benefits.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An object included among the ingredients for the Adhivasa ceremony, representing wealth and prosperity.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) represents more difficult achievements, here compared to liberation.[21]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A valuable and highly regarded form of matter, used here to illustrate perception differences in matter.[22]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) Illustrates how a singular substance can take on a different form, such as turning into an ear ring (kundali).[23]
Jain concept of 'Piece of gold'
In Jainism, "Piece of gold" symbolizes a child's physical beauty and value, serving as a metaphor that evokes delight in those who witness them, reflecting the inherent appreciation for aesthetics within the philosophy.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A simile used to describe the brilliance of Bhaimi’s tilaka after being blessed by the queen.[24] (2) A metaphor describing the child's fair body, indicating beauty and value that delight those who see him.[25]
The concept of Piece of gold in local and regional sources
The term "Piece of gold" symbolizes a reward for poets, representing acknowledgment and appreciation for their artistic contributions and efforts in the realm of poetry, highlighting the value placed on their creative work.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The reward given to poets as a prize, symbolizing recognition of their contributions and efforts in poetry.[26]