Significance of Sacrificial gifts
The term "Sacrificial gift" encompasses various offerings made across different traditions, notably in Buddhism, Hinduism, Vaishnavism, and Purana. In Buddhism, it refers to misguided offerings to buddhas, while in Hinduism it includes items given to gods, priests, and during rituals, aimed at achieving spiritual connection and purification. Vaishnavism highlights the importance of generosity in sacrifices, whereas Purana emphasizes items of devotion for spiritual benefits. Dharmashastra further elaborates on sacrificial gifts as acts of reverence, aimed at pleasing deities and securing blessings.
Synonyms: Offering, Tribute, Donation, Sacrifice, Oblation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacrificial gifts'
In Buddhism, the concept of a sacrificial gift involves offerings made to silent Buddhas. This underscores a misunderstanding by the king, who believed such sacrifices were necessary, highlighting the importance of the intention behind offerings rather than their material value.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Offerings made to the silent buddhas, which the king incorrectly assumed would be required.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Sacrificial gifts'
In Hinduism, the sacrificial gift encompasses offerings made during rituals to honor deities, support spiritual practices, and invoke blessings. These items, such as gold and food, highlight devotion, generosity, and the pursuit of merit and spiritual benefits.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Offerings made to deities or sages, often involving food, animals, and precious items, as a form of devotion.[2] (2) Offerings made during religious ceremonies, usually to seek blessings from deities.[3] (3) Items offered during rituals, believed to improve karma and spiritual rewards.[4] (4) Items offered during rituals which are essential for attaining purity and spiritual benefits.[5] (5) The offerings made during the Yajna, which are intended to appease the deities and secure their blessings.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Items offered during rituals, particularly in honor of deities and ancestors, as part of spiritual practices.[7] (2) Donations made during sacrifices, showcasing one's generosity and piety, which Mandhatri was noted for.[8] (3) Offerings made to the gods and Brahmanas during the ritual, which included clarified butter, food, and other valuable items.[9] (4) Offerings made during rituals, emphasizing the significance of generosity in spiritual practices.[10] (5) The offerings made by royal sages, which Yudhishthira seeks to understand in terms of their measure and the deeds of those who made them.[11]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) Offerings made during rituals intended to please the deities, viewed as pathways to spiritual attainment.[12] (2) Items or offerings presented during rituals, which hold significant spiritual value and are essential in the context of Vedic ceremonies.[13] (3) The numerous gold pieces offered during the Rajasuya sacrifice, highlighting the opulence of Soma's offerings.[14] (4) Offerings made in honor of deities, signifying devotion and spiritual practice.[15]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) Offerings made during sacrificial rituals that hold additional significance in the worship process.[16] (2) Offerings made during religious sacrifices that hold significance in achieving merit.[17]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Offerings made to deities and sages deemed essential for attaining blessings and fulfilling desires.[18] (2) Donations and offerings made as part of religious rites aimed at gaining spiritual benefits.[19]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Items offered during Vedic rituals that correlate with the number of months in a year, reflecting the cyclical nature of sacrificial offerings and their connection to time.[20] (2) Items given to officiating priests and participants as part of the completion of the ritual, including gold plates and cows.[21] (3) Offerings provided during rituals intended to honor the gods and priests, including items like gold, cows, cloth, and horses.[22] (4) Items given in the oblation resulting from the pressing of Soma that are meant for the deities.[23] (5) Items and offerings given during sacrifices, designated for various priests and participants, sustaining the ritual's sanctity and purpose.[24]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of giving up something in a ritual context, which must include a special reference to the recipient to be completed.[25] (2) Offerings made during a sacrifice that serve to honor deities or the deceased and demonstrate the performer's commitment to the rituals.[26]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Offerings made to deities during the marriage rituals, invoking blessings and prosperity for the couple.[27]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) An offering made during the rituals, such as the remains of sacrificial food or a bull presented to a Brahmana.[28]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Items of value offered as part of the sacrificial ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of generosity in rituals.[29]