Significance of Plank

The term "Plank" has varied meanings across different traditions. In Jainism, it denotes a flat piece of wood utilized for flotation and survival in water. Tibetan Buddhism characterizes "Plank" as junior disciples who are less renowned than their senior counterparts. Meanwhile, in Purana, "Plank" refers to wooden boards that serve to cover the entrance of escape passages. These interpretations highlight the diverse cultural significance of the term within different religious contexts.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Board, Timber, Slab, Panel, Piece., Beam

In Dutch: Plank; In Finnish: Lankku; In Spanish: Tablón; In German: Planke

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

Buddhist concept of 'Plank'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Plank" may represent junior disciples who are less recognized than notable figures, symbolizing a foundational role in the spiritual community, contributing to the overall development and support of the teachings.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A term assigned to junior members in the hierarchy of disciples of klu and sum.[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Plank'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Plank" may symbolize the barriers or obstacles one must overcome, represented by wooden boards at escape passages, emphasizing the journey's challenges toward spiritual liberation or enlightenment.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Wooden boards used to cover the entrance of the escape passage.[2]

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.

Jain concept of 'Plank'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Plank" symbolizes a flat surface aiding flotation and survival, representing the importance of sustainability and support in overcoming life's challenges, reflecting the broader philosophical principles of preservation and resilience in the faith.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A flat piece of wood that serves as a means of flotation and survival in water.[3]

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 Plank in scientific sources

Science Books

Plank, in specific Bulgarian regions, denotes traditional house-covering materials. Historical accounts suggest its use as a traditional building practice in those areas.

Significance in Environmental Sciences:
Environmental Sciences Books

From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)

(1) The text describes plank as a determinant variable measured by piece, with more nesting planks encouraging higher quality nests by providing more places for swiftlets to build.[4] (2) are materials used to cover houses in certain Bulgarian regions, according to historical accounts, indicating a traditional building practice in those areas.[5]

From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)

(1) The plank is a fitness testing event that is part of the annual fitness testing, and the results of this event may be influenced by the time of day the test occurs.[6]

Plural form: Planks.