Significance of Monkey
Synonyms: Primate, Ape, Gorilla, Gibbon
In Dutch: Ap; In Finnish: Apina; In Spanish: Mono; In German: Affe
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Monkey'
In Buddhism, the Monkey symbolizes hypocrisy, depicted as a character masquerading as an ascetic while being a cold, shivering monkey, representing the contrast between external appearance and inner truth.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A character in the story who pretended to be an ascetic but was actually a cold, shivering monkey, symbolizing hypocrisy.[1]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) The monkeys are used as a simile to compare and contrast with the way of life and the use of possessions, to highlight extravagance and the lack of contentment, and also the characteristics of people.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Monkey'
In Hinduism, the Monkey represents various meanings: from mischievous creatures affecting devotion, to heroic allies like Hanuman, symbolizing strength and changeability, showcasing the multifaceted role of monkeys within spiritual narratives and battles.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Allies of Rama, including Hanuman and Sugriva, participating in the battle and supporting Rama.[3] (2) Creatures, led by Sugriva, who could change form at will and came to see Rama.[4] (3) The creatures who fought valiantly in support of Rama and are to be rewarded with gifts by Bibishana.[5] (4) The army led by Rama, characterized by their eagerness to battle and ability to change forms at will.[6] (5) A reference to Hanuman, the monkey deity who serves Rama and possesses strength and agility.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The text describes a creature of the forest, a being of a different kind that the king believes is sent to bring misfortune, a target of the king's forces.[8]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The characters represented by the boys during the bridge-building pastime.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the beings that snatched Shri Gopa-kumara's flute, indicating their role in the interaction and representation of devotional sentiments.[10]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The animals that are mocked by the weaver-birds for their inability to build nests, as they are seen shivering under the tree.[11]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to 'Plavangama', an example of an animal that takes shelter in trees.[12]
Jain concept of 'Monkey'
In Jainism, the term "Monkey" symbolizes creatures that are respected and protected by Shrikantha, emphasizing the religion's principle of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Creatures revered by Shrikantha who prohibited their killing and treated them well.[13]
The concept of Monkey in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Monkey" relates to the text as it describes the creatures involved in the storyline of Hanuman's son, who mated with monkeys after being abandoned in the Maja tsogs forest.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The hardships of life that fall back when we cease to flee before them, and if we are ever to gain freedom, it must be by conquering nature, never by running away.[14]