Significance of Sanctity

In Theravada, the concept of sanctity is defined as the quality of being holy or virtuous. This is exemplified in the claim made by the King of the Rats, who suggests that the jackal is devoid of this essential quality. The emphasis on sanctity highlights the moral and ethical dimensions valued in Theravada teachings, illustrating the importance of holiness in character and behavior.

Synonyms: Holiness, Sacredness, Purity, Reverence, Sanctity of life, Respect, Worthiness

In Dutch: Heiligheid

In Finnish: Pyhyys

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

Buddhist concept of 'Sanctity'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Sanctity embodies holiness and virtue. The King of the Rats asserts that the jackal lacks this essential quality, suggesting a moral and spiritual deficiency within the jackal's character.

Significance of Sanctity in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):

Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The quality of being holy or virtuous, which the King of the Rats claims the jackal lacks.^[1]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The quality of being holy or sacred, which monks attain through adherence to moral and spiritual practices.^[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance of Sanctity in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) The sacredness designated to the abbot's chair, indicating its significance and the difficulty others had in occupying it after the individual's passing.^[3]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Sanctity'

Hinduism Books

Sanctity in Hinduism denotes a quality of holiness linked to Tirthas, which amplifies their spiritual significance and influence, drawing devotees to these sacred sites for spiritual enrichment and connection.

Significance of Sanctity in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Skanda Purana

(1) The state of being holy or sacred, which Jabali sought through devotions and pilgrimages.^[4] (2) A quality of holiness attributed to the Tirthas, enhancing their spiritual appeal and authority.^[5]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Sanctity'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Sanctity signifies the state of holiness or purity, notably attributed to Keshi, emphasizing his profound spiritual importance within the belief system. This illustrates the reverence for purity as a vital aspect of spiritual existence.

Significance of Sanctity in Jainism (general):

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) The quality of holiness or purity that is particularly ascribed to Keshi, highlighting his spiritual significance.^[6]

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.

Last Updated: 07 October, 2024