Significance of Agitation

Agitation, as described across various contexts, denotes a state of mental unrest or disturbance. In Vaishnavism, it reflects devotees' responses to Krishna's teachings and inner turmoil, while in Purana, it emphasizes emotional turmoil during battles or due to fear, like that of Sugriva. Mahayana links agitation to desires, and Theravada acknowledges it as interference in meditation practices. Historical references to agitation illustrate protests and advocacy for marginalized communities, highlighting its significance in social and political movements.1
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Synonyms: Disturbance, Turmoil, Anxiety, Turbulence, Commotion, Excitement, Disquiet, Nervousness

In German: Agitation; In Swedish: Agitation; In Dutch: Agitatie; In Finnish: Agitaatio; In Spanish: Agitación; In Malay: Pergolakan

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Agitation'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Agitation signifies restlessness stemming from emotional turbulence and desires, disrupting mental peace and meditation, and highlighting the disturbances linked to worldly attachments and distractions.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) A state of restlessness or disturbance characterized by emotional or mental turbulence.[1] (2) A mental state characterized by unrest and distraction, which can interfere with meditation practices.[2]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The state of being troubled or disturbed, particularly referenced in those tied to worldly existence.[3]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The state of turmoil brought on by desires, as raised by King Brahmadatta's inquiries.[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Agitation'

Hinduism Books

Agitation in Hinduism signifies inner turmoil and emotional disturbance, characterized by unrest and excitement. It manifests in various forms, from personal conflicts to responses towards divine actions, reflecting a complex interplay of emotions and spiritual experiences.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The disturbance or excitement resulting from King Raivata's powerful actions towards Mount Sumeru.[5]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) A state of mental unrest or disturbance, particularly evident in the devotees' response to Krishna's words.[6]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) Udvega refers to a state of inner turmoil and unrest, leading to feelings of unease.[7]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) Refers to the state of emotional turmoil experienced by Sugriva due to fear and uncertainty.[8]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The turmoil experienced during the battle, akin to the disturbance in an ocean when rivers mix.[9]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Agitation in local and regional sources

History Books

Agitation involves active campaigning and protests to sway public opinion, particularly for linguistic minorities' rights. It also includes Sivaprakasa Mudaliar's proposed actions addressing government neglect of fisher-folk interests and advocating for urgent change.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Sivaprakasa Mudaliar's proposed action in response to the government's disregard for the fisher-folk's interests, emphasizing the need for urgent advocacy.[10] (2) Active campaigning or protests aimed at influencing public opinion or political decisions, particularly regarding rights and recognition of linguistic minorities.[11]