Significance of Ritual
Ritual, as defined across various traditions like Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, and the Purana, refers to formalized actions performed during religious practices. These rituals are typically structured and involve specific ceremonies, prayers, or acts that facilitate spiritual engagement and transformation. Each perspective emphasizes the importance of customary practices, often detailing prescribed rituals that guide worshipers in their spiritual journeys. In historical contexts, rituals are also significant to specific communities, showcasing their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Synonyms: Ceremony, Rite, Observance, Custom, Tradition, Practice, Procedure, Formality
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ritual'
In Buddhism, ritual encompasses formalized actions and prayers that empower participants, structured practices aiding spiritual growth, and ceremonies guiding meditation with specific symbols and intentions, facilitating transformation and focus.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A formalized and structured set of actions performed as part of spiritual practice, often involving specific symbols and meanings.[1] (2) A formalized set of actions and prayers that facilitate the empowerment and transformation experienced by participants.[2] (3) The structured practices or ceremonies that guide the meditation process and invoke the necessary focus and intention.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Ritual'
In Hinduism, Ritual encompasses traditional practices like Krishna's marriage customs, prescribed ceremonial actions from texts, formal procedures with sacred hymns, and prescribed worship acts, highlighting both societal structure and spiritual engagement.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Formal actions performed as part of religious practices, which Taponishtha adhered to rigidly, detracting from spiritual engagement.[4]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Prescribed acts of worship that Sita is advised to perform during Rama's absence.[5]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The traditional practices followed by Krishna during his marriage to the maidens.[6]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The series of religious ceremonies, including the Agnihotra, that are to be performed correctly by qualified practitioners.[7]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) Ceremonial actions prescribed within texts like the Yajnavalkyasmriti that govern religious and societal practices.[8]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A formal procedure or set of actions often incorporated with sacred hymns that may invoke different meanings.[9]
Jain concept of 'Ritual'
In Jainism, Ritual denotes a series of customary ceremonial acts that embody spiritual discipline and devotion, serving as a means to express faith and reinforce community values within the religion.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A ceremonial act or series of acts performed in a customary way.[10]
The concept of Ritual in local and regional sources
Ritual encompasses ceremonial practices, particularly within the Bhatia community, focusing on worshiping the sea God. It also includes documented ceremonial acts related to worship and prayers in the book's second section.
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) Ceremonial practices performed by the Bhatia community, including worshiping the sea God.[11] (2) Ceremonial acts, especially related to worship and prayers, that are documented in the second part of the book.[12]