Significance of Good luck
Good luck, according to various traditions, encompasses a range of meanings and implications. In Jainism, it's linked to blessings for virtue, while in South Asia, it reflects themes of deception and fortune. Vaishnavism and Purana emphasize sudden favorable occurrences linked to divine influences and success in rituals. Other traditions, like Ayurveda, Jyotisha, and Dharmashastra, associate good luck with auspicious signs, rituals, and positive wishes. Overall, the concept signifies fortuitous outcomes, often influenced by blessings and positive circumstances.
Synonyms: Best wishes, Good fortune, Break a leg, Have fun, Take care
In Dutch: Succes; In Finnish: Onnea; In Spanish: Buena suerte; In German: Viel Glück; In Swedish: Lycka till; In Malay: Semoga berjaya; In French: Bonne chance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Good luck'
In Buddhism, "Good luck" signifies favorable outcomes, attributed to devata support, beneficial actions (like Anatha-pindika's experience), ritual recitations, community practices, auspicious individuals like Subhuti, and quests for fortune in narratives.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The favorable outcome Anatha-pindika experienced due to the actions of his friend Curse.[1] (2) A fortunate outcome or favorable circumstances, which was central to the brahmin's quest in the story.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A favorable outcome that is believed to accompany those who are supported by devatas.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An additional name given to Subhuti, indicating his perceived positive fortune and auspiciousness as predicted at his birth.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Good luck'
In Hinduism, "Good luck" signifies favorable circumstances often linked to divine blessings, seen in various contexts such as battles, rituals, and interpersonal relationships, reflecting both optimism and acknowledgment of auspicious outcomes throughout life events.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The fortunate circumstance attributed to the Pandavas being devoted to noble qualities and conquering various adversities.[5] (2) A phrase indicating fortune favoring Bhimasena as he achieved significant victories in battle.[6] (3) A phrase used by Vidura to refer to the favorable circumstances surrounding the Pandavas.[7] (4) Used by Yudhishthira to acknowledge Duryodhana's strengths and heroic traits positively in the context of battle.[8] (5) An expression indicating a fortunate occurrence or favorable circumstances.[9]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A reference to the favorable circumstances surrounding Rama that lead to the slaying of wrestlers and the ascent of Ugrasena as king.[10] (2) The favorable circumstances that arise as a result of blessings, particularly related to Rukshmini’s fortune with the Parijata flower.[11] (3) This phrase denotes a favorable fortune or auspiciousness associated with the undertaking of sacrifices.[12]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The auspicious properties attributed to the planet Purva-Phalguni, associated with favorable outcomes.[13] (2) A term referring to favorable circumstances or fortunes attributed to divine or magical influences.[14]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The fortunate circumstance of having divine presence in his life, enhancing his overall experience.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Good luck is what the royal Chief is encouraged to have, as the hermit advises him to not give his heart to needless grief.[16]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A beneficial indication associated with pimples in the hands, suggesting fortune.[17] (2) A favorable outcome associated with a meteor that appears to have issued from the sun just before a battle.[18] (3) A positive omen indicated by the sighting of a crow on the right side in eastern countries.[19] (4) A favorable event indicated by specific cries of the jackal, particularly when made in the east or north.[20] (5) A fortuitous event or favorable outcome indicated by a dog carrying a raw bone.[21]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A general expression of wishing for favorable outcomes and success.[22] (2) A phrase expressed during the ritual, as the boy sits down to the west of the fire, facing the east.[23] (3) A positive sentiment expressed by the Brahmanas, wishing fortune upon the occasion.[24] (4) A positive wish expressed during a meal served to the Brahmanas, reflecting hope for auspiciousness.[25] (5) A phrase used among Brahmanas to signify a positive outcome and blessings at the conclusion of a food offering.[26]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Fortunate circumstances or events that are mentioned as a benefit of the shraddha performed on the thirteenth day.[27]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A desirable fortune or favorable outcome, often invoked by saying 'Good luck brings this woman' during the journey.[28]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The desired outcome associated with various rituals, particularly those involving protective gestures like keeping a bamboo staff near one’s resting place.[29]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A favorable fortune, often associated with the involuntary twitching of specific body parts, especially in men, as stated in the text.[30] (2) Due to its auspiciousness, turmeric is in evidence wherever good luck is required, applicable to worship and personal events.[31]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A sudden favorable occurrence that leads to positive outcomes or fortune.[32]
Jain concept of 'Good luck'
In Jainism, "Good luck" symbolizes favorable circumstances, such as the arrival of Vasudeva at Vedasama, and reflects the blessings from highwaymen to a virtuous flower-gatherer, highlighting the connection between virtue and positive outcomes.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The blessing offered by the highwaymen to the flower-gatherer as they honor her for her virtue.[33] (2) A phrase indicating favorable circumstances leading to Vasudeva's arrival at Vedasama.[34]
The concept of Good luck in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Good luck" signifies fortunate situations favoring one party, often at the expense of another, as illustrated by the husband-wife dynamic and the Jackal's manipulative claims to gain assistance, highlighting themes of deception and fortune.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The fortunate circumstances that seem to favor the husband while the wife suffers.[35]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A positive aspect of life that the author is experiencing, similar to bad luck, and arrives in multiple instances, indicating his optimism.[36]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The fortuitous circumstance claimed by the Jackal to persuade the tom-tom beater to assist it, reflecting themes of deception and fortune.[37]