Significance of Sacred ritual
Sacred ritual encompasses a variety of spiritual practices and ceremonies across different traditions, emphasizing their importance in connecting with the divine. In Hinduism, it includes acts aimed at spiritual purification, protection, and blessings. Jainism views sacred rituals as essential for honoring divine beings and maintaining spiritual ties. Tibetan Buddhism highlights formal practices that deepen philosophical connections. Other traditions, such as Vaishnavism, Purana, and Shaktism, also prescribe specific actions and offerings, demonstrating the significant role sacred rituals play in diverse spiritual contexts.
Synonyms: Holy ceremony, Religious rite, Spiritual practice, Divine ritual, Ceremony, Rite, Observance, Sacrament, Devotion, Worship, Tradition
In Dutch: Heilig ritueel
In Finnish: Pyhä rituaali
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred ritual'
Sacred ritual in Buddhism encompasses established ceremonial acts rich in spiritual meaning, including prayers and offerings, that deepen practitioners' connections to Buddhist philosophy, express reverence, convey teachings, and enhance spiritual connections.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) An established ceremonial act that carries significance in spiritual or religious contexts.[1] (2) Formal practices involving prayers, offerings, and meditations that aim to connect the practitioner deeper to Buddhist philosophy.[2]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Ceremonial practices performed to express reverence, convey teachings, and facilitate spiritual connections.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred ritual'
Sacred rituals in Hinduism involve ceremonial acts of spiritual significance intended to honor deities, invoke blessings, and facilitate purification. These practices connect practitioners with the divine through offerings, prayers, and specific procedures to attain spiritual goals.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Traditional practices intended to honor deities and promote spiritual well-being, notably through the specified observance of night worship.[4] (2) Formalized actions performed in religious contexts, such as holy baths and offerings at Pushkara, aimed at attaining spiritual goals and cleansing sins.[5] (3) Practices carried out with reverence that connect the practitioner to divine beings or principles.[6] (4) Religious practices performed by purified Brahmanas, which continue without hindrance in the Hatakeshvara Kshetra.[7] (5) Religious practices performed with the intention of connecting with divine forces and seeking blessings.[8]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Vedic ceremonies performed by sages aimed at invoking divine blessings and rectifying life's deficits.[9] (2) Ceremonial acts that are performed to honor deities and seek blessings in Hindu tradition.[10] (3) Religious practices and ceremonies prescribed in the Vedic tradition that must be observed at specific times.[11] (4) Spiritual practices outlined in the text that are performed for devotion and to appease deities.[12] (5) Religious acts that are performed to invoke divine presence and favor, often involving sacrifices and offerings.[13]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The various prescribed actions, prayers, and offerings that make up the spiritual practices of Brahma Yajna and Sandhya.[14] (2) Ritualistic practices performed with devotion, including worship, meditation, and sacrifices, that are traditionally conducted to honor the deities.[15] (3) A ceremony that holds spiritual significance, often involving specific procedures and materials.[16]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The ceremonial acts performed by Vishvamitra, including the offering of food and the performing of Homa, which reconnect people with the divine.[17] (2) The various sacred practices and ceremonies completed by the characters to honor deities and ancestors.[18] (3) The actions performed, such as holy baths and offerings, that are meant to honor the Devas.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The specific ceremonial practices derived from the three Vedas aimed at worshiping the Atman, the Sun, and the divine order.[20] (2) Ceremonies performed in honor of deities, involving offerings, chants, and sacred acts to garner divine favor.[21]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The various religious practices surrounding shraddha, which include invoking deities, making offerings, and ensuring the purity of the participants.[22] (2) Religious practices performed with intent to honor gods and seek their blessings over various aspects of life.[23]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Spiritual practices performed to connect with the divine and to align oneself with cosmic laws and understandings.[24]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Ceremonial acts performed within religious contexts to convey respect and seek divine favor.[25]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Ceremonial acts performed to honor deities and invoke blessings in spiritual practices.[26]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The series of ceremonial acts that must be followed during the performance of each dana to ensure the proper offering is made.[27]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Spiritual practices aimed at honoring deities, which may include offerings and meditations.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The traditional ceremonies performed to bless Karna upon his installation as commander.[29]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) After duly performing the rites of installation in the palace, the most excellent abode.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A formal ceremony or act that holds spiritual significance within Hindu tradition, such as the Tonsure.[31] (2) Religious ceremonies that involve worship and offerings, explicitly requiring respect for certain objects during the process.[32]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Structured acts performed in accordance with religious or spiritual guidelines in Hinduism, often involving offerings and prayers.[33]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Formal acts of worship that are performed with dedication and adherence to religious traditions, crucial for spiritual growth.[34]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) Any sequence of ceremonial acts performed for spiritual purposes, characterized by its connection to the divine.[35]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A set of religious practices involving specific actions and recitations, primarily aimed at pleasing deities.[36]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The various prescribed ceremonies and acts performed during mourning and post-death to honor the deceased and maintain religious practices.[37]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Ceremonies performed for religious significance, often involving offerings.[38]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) Traditional practices performed to honor the divine, significant to the cultural fabric of Dvarika.[39] (2) Religious practices performed daily in Hastinapur, believed to have divine or temporal benefits.[40] (3) The traditional ceremonies performed by Brahmins and others, emphasizing the importance of dharma and spirituality.[41]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Cultural practices that involve objects or ceremonies meant to indicate or preserve notions of fidelity in relationships.[42] (2) The complete set of religious ceremonies and practices that accompanied the ashvamedha.[43]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) Spiritual practices and ceremonies that are performed with reverence and devotion, often illustrated within the narratives of Dvisahasri.[44]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Ceremonies conducted for ensuring auspicious beginnings and favorable outcomes in house-building.[45] (2) Religious ceremonies performed with specific intentions, including those for horses and other animals.[46] (3) Ceremonies performed in honor of celestial bodies, knowledge of which is vital for a Jyotishaka.[47]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Ritualistic acts performed as part of spiritual practices aimed at honoring and connecting with the Divine.[48]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Sacred rituals encompass the various liturgical practices performed to honor deities, often manifesting in diverse forms across religious traditions.[49]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) Ceremonial acts that include the presented nyasas and fire sacrifices, aimed at spiritual or religious significance.[50]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Religious practices that were closely linked with healing arts in ancient times, where the lines between spirituality and medicine often blurred.[51]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to the broader context within which the acts of shaving, bathing, and garbing take place, deemed important for spiritual purification.[52]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Ceremonial practices that hold religious significance, aimed at invoking protection and blessings for the child.[53]
Jain concept of 'Sacred ritual'
Sacred ritual in Jainism encompasses ceremonies honoring divine beings, essential for spiritual connections, and those performed by gods, highlighting the significance of Tirthakrit and collective devotion in Jain spiritual practice.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Ceremonies performed by the gods, signifying the spiritual importance of the Tirthakrit and their collective devotion.[54] (2) The series of ceremonies performed to honor divine beings, crucial for maintaining spiritual connections.[55]
The concept of Sacred ritual in local and regional sources
Sacred ritual encompasses acts and ceremonies that reflect spiritual journeys and cultural beliefs, illustrated by characters like Raju who perform significant acts of devotion, emphasizing their deeper connections to faith and the quest for absolution.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Acts performed by characters that symbolize a deeper connection to their spiritual journey, as seen in Narayan's portrayal of Raju.[56] (2) Religious ceremonies that hold significant meaning and are performed in accordance with spiritual beliefs.[57] (3) A ceremonial act imbued with spiritual significance, as seen in characters' expressions of devotion that contribute to their journey towards absolution.[58]
From: Folk Tales of Gujarat (and Jhaverchand Meghani)
(1) The ceremonies and traditions observed by the characters in the story, reflecting cultural beliefs.[59]
The concept of Sacred ritual in scientific sources
Sacred rituals encompass religious practices for pregnant women that promote happiness and spiritual well-being. These rituals are culturally significant, providing a sense of community and support during pregnancy, highlighting their importance in nurturing both the mother and child.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Religious and auspicious practices recommended for pregnant women, recognizing the importance of maintaining happiness and spiritual well-being.[60]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Religious practices recommended for women post-menstruation to enhance spiritual well-being and health.[61]