Significance of Shati
Shati is a term that varies in meaning across different religious and cultural contexts. In Buddhism, it refers to mindfulness, an essential quality for achieving enlightenment. Meanwhile, in Hinduism, particularly within Vaishnavism and other traditions, Shati signifies both a mythological figure tied to loyalty and sacrifice, as well as the act of widow self-immolation on a husband’s pyre, highlighting themes of devotion. This practice has historical roots in India and has been critiqued for its implications on women's status in society.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Shati'
Shati in Buddhism signifies mindfulness, fostering ethical thoughts, enhancing understanding of reality, and supporting responsible actions. It is essential for developing insight, awareness of present moments, and is fundamental for attaining enlightenment.
From: Cetasikas
(1) The Pali term for mindfulness, particularly in the context of the development of insight and non-forgetful awareness of nama and rupa.[1] (2) Mindfulness, the mental factor that allows awareness of current realities, crucial for the development of understanding.[2] (3) Mindfulness, which can help one recognize attachments and clinging in one's behavior.[3] (4) Sati refers to mindfulness, a crucial aspect of mental development in Buddhism that can be accompanied by kusala chanda.[4] (5) Mindfulness or awareness, a wholesome cetasika that focuses on the present reality and aids in developing right understanding.[5]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Mindfulness, a practice emphasized for cultivating a greedless and generous nature among individuals.[6] (2) Mindfulness, the awareness of the present moment that enhances insight.[7]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Mindfulness; a universal cetasika promoting awareness.[8] (2) Mindfulness that aids citta in remembering to act responsibly and effectively.[9]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) A monk who mistakenly held the view that consciousness was permanent while only the body changed.[10]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Mindfulness, regarded as one of the 7 bojjhangas fundamental to Buddhist practice.[11]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Mindfulness, the mental faculty of maintaining awareness of the present moment.[12]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Mindfulness or awareness that is cultivated to enhance understanding and insight into the nature of reality.[13]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Mindfulness, awareness and retention of good and ethical thoughts.[14]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Mindfulness, one of the essential qualities for the practice and attainment of enlightenment.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Shati'
Shati, in Hinduism, embodies devotion and sacrifice as Shiva's consort, known for her tragic immolation due to familial insult, symbolizing purity and profound consequences for divine dynamics. She represents themes of virtue and rebirth.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The daughter of Daksha who was initially married to Ishvara and faced circumstances leading to her demise.[16] (2) The greatest and eternal Shakti, regarded as devoid of Gunas, who plays a crucial role in the creation of the universe.[17] (3) Another name for Parvati, symbolizing her blend of purity and strength.[18]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The previous incarnation of Parvati, who renounced her body due to the insult towards her husband, Shiva, by her father.[19] (2) Shiva's beloved, referenced as having rejoined with him joyously, representing love and devotion.[20] (3) The daughter of Daksha, intended to be offered in marriage to Lord Shiva.[21]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The daughter of Prajapati Daksha, of the nature of Para Brahma and known for her devotion to Mahadeva.[22] (2) The act of a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice.[23]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The daughter who was born from the essence of good fortune, known for her charm.[24]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A goddess linked with rebirth and water, who metaphorically transforms into earth in the narrative.[25]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Purity in the expression of poetry.[26]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The daughter of Daksha who marries Rudra and is described as the mother of all worlds, embodying virtue and sacrifice.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The consort of Shiva, whose sacrifice leads to profound consequences on the dynamics amongst the gods.[28]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) An honorary title referring to Sita, connoting her devotion and virtue in the context of marriage.[29]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Daksha’s daughter, whose relationship with her husband Shiva becomes a focal point of the narrative and leads to her tragic end.[30]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Daksha's daughter, who, after being insulted, immolated herself, leading to divine retribution against her father.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) saintly[32] (2) Sati describes a character as saintly.[33]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The consort of Mahadeva who gave up her body due to the blasphemy of her husband at a sacrificial arena.[34]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A Hindi term describing the practice of widow self-immolation, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning 'good' or 'devout'; initially denoted a virtuous woman.[35] (2) Refers to the tradition of a woman self-immolating upon her husband's death, which is pivotal in the girl's narrative arc.[36]
Jain concept of 'Shati'
In Jainism, Shati represents the concept of a widow self-immolating on her husband's pyre, reflecting deep loyalty and commitment within marriage, akin to aspects found in Hindu traditions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A reference to the Hindu practice of a widow self-immolating on her husband's pyre, symbolizing loyalty and marital commitment.[37]
The concept of Shati in local and regional sources
Shati encompasses various cultural notions of women's loyalty, particularly through self-immolation practices associated with widows and the tragic sacrifices of women like Shiva's first wife, reflecting deep cultural reverence yet moral complexities surrounding these traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A historical practice in India where a widow self-immolated on her husband's funeral pyre, which has been outlawed due to its ethical implications.[38] (2) A historical practice where widows self-immolated on their husbands' funeral pyres, viewed by Coomaraswamy as a complex cultural issue rather than a symbol of women's subjugation.[39] (3) A practice historically associated with the Rajputs, where a widow is expected to self-immolate on her husband's pyre, symbolizing loyalty.[40] (4) The Hindu concept of a woman's loyalty to her husband, emphasizing the depth of commitment expected of women.[41] (5) A term referring to a woman who self-immolates or is associated with loyalty to her husband, indicating cultural reverence and tragedy.[42]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) The first wife of Lord Shiva, whose actions led to her transformation into Dhumavati, reflecting themes of sacrifice and adversity.[43] (2) The goddess associated with marital relations, originally the consort of Shiva.[44]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A practice where a widow self-immolates on her husband’s funeral pyre; the bonga girl performs this act for the herd boy.[45]