Significance of Bow and arrow
Synonyms: Projectile weapon, Bow, Arrow
In Dutch: Pijl en boog; In Finnish: Jousi ja nuoli; In Spanish: Arco y flecha; In German: Pfeil und Bogen; In Swedish: Pil och b氓ge; In Malay: Busur dan anak panah; In French: Arc et fl猫ches
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Buddhism, the bow and arrow symbolize the duality of aggression and violence, represented by Kukkutamitta and his sons, yet also illustrate the transformative power of love and understanding to overcome these traits.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Weapons used by Kukkutamitta and his sons; symbolize aggression and the potential for violence that is overcome through love and understanding.[1]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An illustrative example used to convey the distinction between different roles and interpretations of an object and its use.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Hinduism, the bow and arrow symbolize martial prowess and readiness for combat, representing warriors' strength and valor. They also serve as metaphors for spiritual pursuits, highlighting the connection between personal aspirations and divine aims.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Weapons symbolizing Raghava鈥檚 warrior status and readiness for combat.[3] (2) Symbols of Lakshmana's readiness to defend Rama and act with valor.[4] (3) The weapons that symbolize Lakshmana's readiness to protect and defend, highlighting his warrior spirit.[5] (4) The weapons Guha possesses, symbolizing his readiness to defend Shri Rama against potential threats.[6] (5) Weapons that Shri Rama and Lakshmana arm themselves with, representing their readiness for battle and defense.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Weapons associated with archery, symbolic of skill, power, and martial prowess in ancient traditions.[8] (2) Weapons possessed by Meghasandhi, used during the confrontation with Arjuna.[9] (3) The equipment Arjuna is instructed to use for the task of hitting the bird.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The weapons used by King Harishcandra to confront and attempt to kill the boar.[11]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Weapons that Hara used, indicating readiness for confrontation.[12]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Weapons typically associated with combat or hunting, which the giant monarch has now laid aside.[13]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Weapons held by Ramacandra, symbolizing the destruction of the name and fame of materialists by combating their desires.[14] (2) A weapon carried by Him, used to annihilate miscreants.[15] (3) A metaphorical representation indicating the shape of the eyebrows resembling a bow, with the nose being an arrow positioned on it.[16] (4) Weapons held by the two hands of Rama, representing protection and righteousness.[17]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An ancient weapon referenced in the text that symbolizes strength and protection given to the speaker.[18] (2) A symbol of strength and valor, representing the weaponry associated with Lord Ramacandra.[19] (3) A weapon or tool carried by the young individual, symbolizing strength and readiness.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Traditional weapons used in archery, symbolizing skill and mastery in the art of dhanurvidya.[21] (2) Weapons held by the disguised figure, representing duplicity and the contrast to the aesthetic of non-violence.[22]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Weapons that Krishna carries with him during his hunting expedition.[23]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Weapons carried by Shakti Sakini, symbolizing the readiness to act and the precision in manifestation.[24]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) A metaphor used to describe the relationship between Pranava (bow), Atman (arrow), and Brahman (mark), illustrating how one must aim for the Brahman.[25]
Jain concept of 'Bow and arrow'
In Jainism, the bow and arrow symbolize Lakshmana's commitment to defense and protection, embodying the values of readiness and safeguarding moral principles within the context of spiritual duty.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The weapon used by Lakshmana, signifying his readiness to defend and protect.[26]
The concept of Bow and arrow in local and regional sources
Bow and arrow symbolize strength, protection, and righteousness in various contexts, representing characters' roles, skills, and readiness for action, while also reflecting traditional hunting practices and the legacy of Shri Ram.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Weapons used by the girl's family in their search for her after she was taken.[27] (2) A traditional weapon used for hunting, which Lakhan needed to pursue the buffaloes.[28] (3) The weapon the prince retrieved to confront the tigress after she killed the bullock.[29] (4) A traditional weapon used for hunting or defense, signifying the cowherd's preparedness despite his fear.[30] (5) A weapon used by Kara and Guja, which they skillfully employed to hunt.[31]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The symbolic weapons of Shri Ram, representing strength, protection, and righteousness.[32] (2) Symbolic weapons associated with Lord Rama, representing strength, valor, and readiness to protect devotees.[33] (3) Symbols of Shri Rama's power, which Ramdas inquires about in his vision.[34] (4) Weapons symbolizing power and readiness for action, held in the hands of the subject.[35]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Weapons that symbolize strength and the warrior spirit, reflective of Ramadas鈥檚 character and role in the narrative.[36] (2) The weapons that were previously used by others, now held by a character reflecting on their significance.[37] (3) The hunting tools traditionally used by Lingadu, representing his role and capabilities as a hunter.[38]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Weapons given by the King to the gardener as a means to defend the garden against thieves.[39] (2) The weapons the Princes took with them to the river when they went to wash their heads.[40] (3) A method used by the eldest Prince to hunt animals after he abandoned the stone-bow.[41] (4) Weapons that Ayiwanda seeks to use during a hunting expedition for his uncle's daughter's wedding.[42] (5) A traditional weapon used for hunting, indicating the Vaedi youth's skills as a hunter.[43]