Daṇḍī
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Daṇḍī literally means ‘one who holds a staff’.
Literally, the word means anyone who holds a daṇḍa or a staff in his hand. Technically this term is used to indicate the saiṅyāsins or monks. The daṇḍa or the staff is a part and parcel of the monastic apparel. It constantly reminds that the sanyāsin has to be ever vigilant to practice dama or self-control in all its aspects.
The daṇḍīs are of two types:
- The Ekadaṇḍis - In this the person holds only one staff. The person holding this staff has to remind that he has to keep his mind always under control.
- The tridaṇḍis - In this the person holds the staff made of three sticks tied into one unit. The person holding this staff has to remind that he has to have control over the body, the speech and the mind.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore