Significance of Right hand
Synonyms: Right side, Dexter, Dominant hand, Stronger hand, Writing hand
In Italian: Deshtra; In Dutch: Rechterhand; In Finnish: Oikea käsi; In Spanish: Derecha; In German: Rechte Hand; In Malay: Tangan kanan; In Swedish: Höger hand; In French: Main droite; In Portugese: Mão direita; In Polish: Prawa ręka
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Right hand'
In Buddhism, the "Right hand" symbolizes the Bodhisattva's actions and gestures. It is linked to pronouncements made after taking seven steps and holding a priceless jewel. This concept is particularly emphasized in Faxian's text, as highlighted by Korean scholar Kim Choon sil.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The Bodhisattva greets the devas by raising his right hand, a gesture of acknowledgment and blessing, without causing any harm or discomfort to his mother.[1] (2) Raised by Bodhisattvas to greet the enquiring devas.[2] (3) This phrase describes the hand of the Bodhisattva, emphasizing its physical characteristics and the significance of its actions.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The 'right hand' of the Buddha is raised in abhayamudra in the bas-relief of the Sikri stupa, representing the Sermon to the Trayastrimsha gods.[4] (2) The Bodhisattva raises his right hand, and this is a gesture associated with the pronouncements made after taking seven steps.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) It is the hand the Prince used to hold the sword when cutting off his hair.[6] (2) The Buddha stretched out His right hand and called out: “Ehi bhikkhu.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The Bodhisatta smote the ogre with his right hand, but the hand stuck fast upon the hair.[8] (2) The Master stretched forth his right hand and coaxed the elephant’s forehead and taught the Law to him.[9]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) The right hand is where the priceless jewel was held, and is a particular portion of Faxian’s text, noted by a Korean scholar Kim Choon sil.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Right hand'
In Hinduism, the right hand symbolizes ritual purity, auspiciousness, and power. It's used in sacred gestures, rituals, and blessings. The right hand also represents the dominant hand, offering assistance, protection, and connection.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The hand that should be used to take the morsel from the dish and offer it to the Life-breath in the mouth.[11] (2) The right hand is employed to touch the right foot, according to the provided text, forming a part of the described actions.[12] (3) Symbolic of power and auspiciousness, representing action and intention in rituals.[13] (4) Denotes that all washings and religious acts should be performed with the right hand, emphasizing the importance of this practice in the context of ritual purity.[14] (5) The hand referenced in the context of performing specific rituals, particularly in the act of touching heads.[15]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that arranges the Kusha blades on the ground, while the left hand takes them up.[16] (2) A piece of gold, attached to a hempen string, is bound to this body part of the child, until the mother rises from childbed.[17] (3) Indicates the hand used for performing rituals or gestures, significant in spiritual contexts.[18] (4) The hand to which the bridegroom gives the quill of a porcupine, symbolizing the transfer of protection.[19] (5) Traditionally symbolizes power and authority; in this context, it signifies the action of providing guidance or blessings.[20]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The father seizes the son's right hand with his right hand, together with the thumb, using the five sections, which is part of a ritual.[21] (2) The gesture made by the groom as he touches the bride, reinforcing physical and emotional connection.[22] (3) The hand that should be seized after a person has eaten.[23] (4) The teacher touches the boy with his right hand during the initiation ritual.[24]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The individual begins to husk the grain with the face turned eastward, with this hand lying over the left.[25] (2) The hand that is used to perform specific rituals, particularly touching during the verses.[26] (3) The hand used by both the bride and groom in various ceremonial acts, including touch and sacrifice.[27]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Sprinkling water on the right hand is part of a ritual that gladdens trees, herbs, and deities, leading to freedom from sin, and is a gesture of purification.[28] (2) The hand designated for specific actions, particularly the voiding of urine and excrements when holding the waterpot.[29]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The side of the body where the spoon called Juhu is placed.[30] (2) The dominant hand, which is held uppermost while holding purifiers in ritual practice.[31]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that the teacher holds to guide the boy through the initiation process.[32] (2) The hand that the groom takes from the bride, symbolizing their union.[33]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The hand that is seized by the bridegroom during the marriage ceremony, symbolizing unity and togetherness.[34] (2) The preferred hand used in performing certain rituals unless specified otherwise.[35]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The place where a single pupil must sit, signifying the honor and proximity to the teacher.[36] (2) A reference to the positioning of the palm of the right hand during rituals, which carries specific meanings in offering practices.[37]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A significant part of the wedding ritual where her hand is seized as a symbol of happiness and the intention for a long life together as husband and wife.[38]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The mothers caught hold of Jantu by his right hand, and wept in a piteous way.[39] (2) While reading the Vedas or employed in eating, one should use one’s right hand, as this is considered the proper and respectful way to perform these actions.[40] (3) Drona asked Ekalavya for the thumb of his right hand as tuition-fee, a request that Ekalavya fulfilled to uphold his promise and devotion.[41] (4) A physical gesture by Duryodhana indicating trust and a serious conversation with Purocana.[42] (5) Symbolically gestures involving the right hand during religious practices, representing purity or auspiciousness.[43]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The 'right hand' is the hand of Sthulaksha, which was targeted with arrows, implying a specific action taken against the giant in the narrative.[44] (2) Prahasta expressed his willingness, with his right hand, to eliminate the Vanars, ensuring their complete destruction across the land.[45]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The hand designated for cleansing above the navel during purification rituals.[46]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) This phrase describes the action of touching Satyaki, indicating a healing or supportive gesture, and highlighting the use of touch.[47]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) It describes a specific hand, noting that a discus is wielded in that hand by the deity, signifying power and authority.[48] (2) The hand that holds the discus, signifying strength and power.[49]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The hand on the right side of the body, referred to as dakshina-hastena in the text.[50] (2) The hand that is traditionally associated with strength and dexterity, noted in the text for holding the mountain.[51]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The term savya-hate translates to 'right hand,' indicating the hand used to perform an action.[52]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the dominant hand, emphasizing a gesture of assistance and control in the act being described.[53]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) In males, the right hand is preferred, whereas in females, the left hand is preferred, which is related to the anatomical locations of the autonomic nervous system and its functions.[54] (2) The patient experienced pain in the nape radiating to the right hand, as stated in the provided text.[55] (3) Right hand refers to the patient's right upper limb, its functionality, and its use in daily activities, which are observed and assessed during treatment.[56] (4) This is the hand in which physicians should perform Nadi Pariksha of patients, with the Nadi felt at the wrist region signifying the patient's life and helping to diagnose diseases.[57]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This refers to the limb which the child started using to hold objects, indicating an improvement after treatment.[58]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) The hand used for specific gestures in the indication of caste roles, such as in the Kshattriya and Vaishya castes.[59] (2) One of the arms of the Nataraja figure, specifically the first right hand that is described as holding a drum.[60]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) This hand is described as touching the left arm with a clenched fist, while the left hand holds the right arm above the elbow to create a specific hand gesture.[61]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The right hand is placed on the pupil during the initiation, symbolizing the teacher becoming pregnant with the student, leading to the student's rebirth as a Brahmana.[62] (2) The initial hand where the nails are cut first, as the process follows a different sequence compared to human practices, according to the provided text.[63]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The palms of these are turned upwards when begging pardon upon the prastara, a specific gesture in the ritual.[64]
Jain concept of 'Right hand'
In Jainism, the "Right hand" signifies power, protection, and blessings. It's the hand of messenger deities and figures like Yaksheshvara, Kalika, Ajitabala, and Sanmukha, often depicted holding symbolic items like citrons, rosaries, and weapons, or in a boon-granting gesture.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) After making the circumambulation, it remained at Saumitri’s right hand, like the sun on the peak of the eastern mountain.[65] (2) Right hands are the hands in which the messenger-deities hold specific items, such as a citron, a rosary, or in a boon-granting position, as mentioned in the provided text.[66] (3) Ajitabala was shining with two right hands, one in varada-position and one holding a noose, offering a visual detail of her appearance.[67] (4) The dominant hand utilized for various activities, referenced in the work.[68] (5) The specific hands of Sanmukha that hold significant items such as fruit, cakra, arrow, sword, noose, and rosary, symbolizing power and protection.[69]
The concept of Right hand in local and regional sources
Right hand in this text encompasses various meanings. It can be a physical body part, a tool for creating connection and illuminating, a reference to physical conditions, or a directional term crucial for understanding arguments.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Right hand is what the narrator extended towards Shibli Sahib, but instead of a handshake, Shibli Sahib held him tight within the ambit of his two sinewy arms.[70] (2) The individual raised one of their upper limbs, possibly in a gesture of pain, desperation, or an attempt to communicate.[71] (3) The right hand is described as being reserved for one's proper work in life, distinct from the left hand used to acquire wealth, emphasizing a balance of purpose.[72] (4) The maternal figure should raise the light with this so that it illumines her forehead.[73] (5) This signifies the physical condition of two of the beggars who had lost these body parts.[74]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This refers to the right hand side, and it is important for understanding the arguments.[75]
The concept of Right hand in scientific sources
The "right hand" is referenced in various contexts. It identifies the hand involved in carrying a hot water bucket, a hand affected by burns and amputation, and a hand used by the doctor. It's also a point of reference for gripping, observing pain, and chest compressions.
From: South African Journal of Physiotherapy
(1) This is the hand that was half clenched, and is a reference point for observing gripping, and is one of the affected areas.[76] (2) Place the heel of your right hand over the lower half of the patient's breast bone, to perform chest compressions.[77] (3) The text describes a case where a patient, Mrs. F., complained of pain in her right hand, detailing the onset, cause, and location of the discomfort she experienced, which was crucial for diagnosis.[78] (4) This refers to the hand on the right side of the body, and is discussed in relation to its ability to move independently from the left hand, and its potential for mirroring movements.[79] (5) The right hand had been amputated 5 cm. above the wrist-joint, a consequence of the severe burns suffered by the patient.[80]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is the hand that was likely used to carry the bucket of hot water, which was closer to the right side of the patient's face when the accident occurred.[81]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is the hand of the doctor used to shake the patient's hand, and also used to guide the patient into the outside world at the end of the consultation.[82]
From: South African Journal of HIV Medicine
(1) This refers to the hand on the right side of the body, which may be more prone to injury during certain surgical procedures.[83]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Slower responses to the allocentric view of the hand image emerged only when responding with the right hand, and this needs clarification.[84] (2) It refers to the dominant hand for most individuals, often used for tasks requiring precision and control.[85] (3) the hand for which grip strength is measured and analyzed, often showing higher strength in right-handed individuals.[86]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) This was measured because all the volunteers were right-handed, and it usually tends to be slightly bigger than the left hand.[87]
Classical concept of 'Right hand'
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) A part of the body that Neptune took in his own, showing support and promising victory.[88] (2) The body part where Helenus was wounded.[89] (3) Favorable signs flashing lightning on their right hands was a promise from the son of Saturn, which is an indication of success, reinforcing the need for perseverance in the war.[90]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) Polydeuces strikes Mimas with his right hand above the left eyebrow, tearing away his eyelid and leaving the eyeball bare, showcasing his brutal and effective fighting techniques against the Bebrycians.[91] (2) The right hand is touched by a character before turning to go back, as young maids dance around him in countless numbers in their joy.[92] (3) An aged priestess of Artemis kisses a character's appendage. This action occurs as the character passes through a crowd.[93]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) The right hand is where Menelaus holds a golden goblet of wine, with which he makes a drink-offering before Telemachus and Pisistratus depart.[94]
From: The Authoress of the Odyssey
(1) As they were on the point of starting, an eagle flew upon their right hand, with a goose in its talons which it had carried off from the farm yard, an omen that delighted everyone.[95]
From: The Book of Gates
(1) A god, who holds a sceptre in this, and in his left.[96] (2) The hand that the god Tem grasps a stick with, as he is depicted in the form of an aged man.[97]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) It is referenced in the text in relation to saving and answering, specifically, 'That thy beloved may be delivered, save with thy right hand and answer us.'[98] (2) There are to be only two classes of people in the world to come, and only two totems, the sheep and the goat, to distinguish those who are still described in gesture-language as being the one on the "right hand," the other on the left.[99]
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) This is the hand that Sethos I grasps the heavy bronze sword, with which he is beating down the Libyan chief.[100] (2) The right-hand row of sphinxes or rams is in an unusually good state of preservation, allowing observers to appreciate their intricate details.[101]
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) The right hand was treated in a similar way, only the figures drawn upon the bandages were those of Râ and Amsu; and when the appropriate words had been recited over both hands divine protection was assured them.[102]