Significance of Two hands
Synonyms: Pair of hands
In Dutch: Twee handen; In Finnish: Kaksi kättä; In Spanish: Dos manos; In German: Zwei Hände
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Two hands'
In Buddhism, "Two hands" symbolize Samantabhadra's active spiritual engagement and represent the emanation of blessings and creativity, highlighting the importance of action and intention in spiritual practice.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The end parts of the arms from which rays are emitted, illustrating their capability to create and bless.[1]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Two hands meeting is used as an analogy to illustrate the relationship between body-and-mind, showing their interconnectedness without any separation.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Two hands'
In Hinduism, "Two hands" symbolizes various aspects including ritual practices, physical presence in devotion, emotional expression, and actions in prayer or offering, embodying the significance of touch and engagement in spiritual and daily rituals.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the physical action of using both hands in a gesture of prayer or offering.[3] (2) The pair of hands that extended downward to the knees.[4] (3) Refers to the way Nimai was holding a stick, indicating he was using both of his hands.[5] (4) The use of both hands to perform an action, emphasizing the physicality of the act.[6] (5) The physical way Murari received the remnants, indicating careful acceptance.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to Yashoda using both of her hands to strike her chest, emphasizing the intensity of her feelings.[8] (2) Indicates Krishna's physical form, emphasizing His ability to play the flute while exhibiting grace.[9] (3) Refers to Krishna's physical form in which He holds significant items, specifically the cakra and conch.[10]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to Krishna's action of seizing Dhenukasura firmly to exert control.[11] (2) Reference to Krishna's physical form, emphasizing his human-like characteristics.[12]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Indicates that both hands should be used for the act of bringing and serving the food, ensuring careful handling.[13] (2) Refers to both hands of the pupil which are used simultaneously to perform the clasping ritual.[14]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The hands of the deceased, where the kidneys of the animal are placed, as part of the described ritual practices.[15] (2) Refers to the specific body parts that should be anointed with ointment during the ritual.[16]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) These are turned downwards to touch the sacrificial grass, showing a ritualistic practice.[17] (2) Refers to the manner in which the father embraces the child, symbolizing care and connection.[18]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to the physical actions performed by the practitioner during the ritual, emphasizing connection and intent.[19]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) These were used to uproot the tusks of an elephant after placing a foot on the elephant's lower lip.[20]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) They are indicated by Hasta.[21]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The hands of the Stainless Lord, which perform gestures that grant blessings and alleviate fears.[22]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) This phrase exemplifies counting and measurement in a physical sense, using hands as units.[23]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) This phrase describes a physical characteristic common to many figures, indicating they possess two upper limbs, and is used to detail their appearance.[24]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) In all these cases involving the Caris, these should according to the circumstances, either precede, go simultaneously with or follow the feet.[25]
The concept of Two hands in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Two hands" signifies the idea that mastery and skill, rather than external symbols of power, are essential for leadership, emphasizing that true capability transcends traditional kingship attributes.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) These are not necessary to be a king, as one should be skillful, according to the text.[26]
Classical concept of 'Two hands'
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) Two hands are raised in adoration of Right and Truth, showing reverence and devotion upon entering the hall.[27] (2) With two hands, Osiris Ani raises them in adoration, demonstrating reverence and worship towards the divine, signifying a gesture of humility and devotion.[28]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) Khnemu states that his two hands were about thee and knitted together thy body, and made healthy thy members.[29] (2) Shu stretcheth these out to the deity, indicating support and reverence, emphasizing the interconnectedness of divine beings.[30]
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) Two hands are sought to gain mastery over, along with the heart and legs, granting the power to do whatsoever the ka (double) pleases, enabling the deceased to act freely in the afterlife.[31]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) Two hands en of Aker Aker, ȧn not un may be aaui - f his two hands, ȧn not un may be retui-f his two feet, satet - f may he be chained en to ȧst ua one place mȧ even as hu inflicteth Ra Ra setchebu-f his blows utu-nef decreed for him.[32]