Significance of Preparation

Preparation in Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Mahayana encompasses various aspects of readiness and conditions for actions. In Jainism, it is referred to as samarambha, involving the gathering of materials for planned actions. In Vaishnavism, preparation signifies Kamsa's readiness as he engages with his bow, including the arrangements made for events. In Mahayana, it means setting the necessary conditions for dharmas to function effectively. Overall, preparation is a crucial concept across these traditions, emphasizing readiness and arrangement.1
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Synonyms: Arrangement, Planning, Organization

In Dutch: Voorbereiding; In Finnish: Valmistelu; In Spanish: Preparación; In German: Vorbereitung

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

Buddhist concept of 'Preparation'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Preparation signifies essential conditions enabling the effective operation of dharmas, highlighting the importance of establishing the right framework and mindset for spiritual growth and understanding in Buddhist practice.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The necessary arrangements or conditions that allow the functioning of dharmas.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Preparation'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Preparation encompasses the act of making arrangements, exemplified by stringing a bow, the readiness Kamsa exhibits in engaging with it, and the necessary actions or items for an event.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The actions or items needed to prepare for an event or occasion, synonymous with 'arrangements.'[2] (2) The offerings made to Gopinatha as part of a possibly religious or ceremonial act.[3] (3) Refers to the various food items or dishes that are made, highlighting their role in the context of devotion or service.[4]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The state of readiness that Kamsa is entering into as he engages with the bow.[5] (2) The act of getting ready or making arrangements, as reflected in the act of stringing the bow.[6]

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 Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Various types of food dishes being categorized as bhakshyam or bhojyam according to different commentaries.[7]

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.

Jain concept of 'Preparation'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Preparation, or samarambha, involves gathering essential materials and establishing favorable conditions to effectively carry out a planned action, emphasizing the importance of readiness in achieving one's goals responsibly.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Known as samarambha, it involves gathering necessary materials and creating conditions for executing a planned action.[8]

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.

Plural form: Preparations.