Significance of All things
Synonyms: Everything, All aspects, All entities, All elements
In Dutch: Alle dingen; In Finnish: Kaikki asiat; In Spanish: Todas las cosas; In German: Alle Dinge; In Malay: Semua perkara; In Swedish: Alla saker; In French: Toutes choses; In Italian: Tutte le cose; In Portugese: Todas as coisas; In Polish: Wszystkie rzeczy
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'All things'
In Buddhism, "All things" broadly signifies the totality of existence, encompassing every object, concept, and phenomenon. It includes everything knowable, from samsara to nirvana, and is often linked to perception, language, and the nature of reality.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The idea that 'all things' are in perpetual flux contradicts the notion of an 'eternal sentence', which is unchanging, therefore disproving the initial definition of verbal cognition.[1] (2) The term 'all things' are not equally affected by the absence of contact, because their capacity is restricted, preventing universal cognition.[2] (3) The text discusses a person knowing "all things", indicating a state of comprehensive knowledge that is being supported by proof.[3] (4) The concept of 'all things' is embraced by the invariable concomitance, which is a recognized character, making it impossible to form a counter-argument against the reason of being an aggregate.[4] (5) Knowing all things is the defining characteristic of an omniscient person, but the text argues against the possibility of achieving this through sense perception.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The concept of all things suggests that every aspect of existence is governed by cause and condition, influencing the appearance and disappearance of phenomena.[6] (2) The text states that all things are like phantoms, visions, or mirages, referring to their nature.[7] (3) This is a broad term encompassing everything, which the Buddha states is pure action, and the Bodhisattva Kasyapa seeks clarification on.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) This refers to every aspect of existence where the bodhisattva has obtained liberation.[9]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) These are described as empty, without self-nature, and unborn, likened to Maya and a dream, their being and non-being unobtainable.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The totality of everything that exists, which the question refers to, seeking a single word that encompasses their meaning, and what they represent.[11]
Hindu concept of 'All things'
In Hinduism, "All things" signifies the totality of existence, encompassing everything from material possessions and worldly events to the animate, inanimate, and immaterial. It is tied to time, the self, desires, knowledge, the intellect, the Atman, and ultimately, Brahman.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The foremost of all things is a description of Krishna, indicating his supreme importance and preeminence in the universe.[12] (2) Through Vedic study, a Brahmana obtains puissance competent to scorch all things, along with prosperity, intelligence, energy, and glory.[13] (3) This describes one that exists even when all things are dissolved, signifying permanence beyond destruction.[14] (4) All things are created and destroyed by Time, and Time is the only thing that remains awake when all things are asleep, and Time passes over all things without being retarded, emphasizing its power.[15] (5) This refers to every aspect or matter. A king who conducts himself in all things according to the injunctions of the scriptures attains to the object of the Garhasthya mode of life, and must be guided by the scriptures.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) All things appearing under different names and taken to be true by the ignorant eye, vanish into nothing in their spiritual light.[17] (2) All things are contained in the sole and self-existent intellect and are displayed in its clear and vacuous sphere. The intellect is the source of all things.[18] (3) This is what is shown in itself by the universal intelligence, reflecting them in all partial intelligences according to their capacities.[19] (4) All things are represented by Om, including everything that was, is, and will be, and everything beyond the three-fold time, signifying the totality of existence.[20] (5) Refers to the complete understanding and knowledge possessed by God, as perceived by Bhringi.[21]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) All things are considered to be forms of one eternal Vishnu, existing as detached from himself, and the world is to be regarded as identical with oneself, proceeding from Vishnu.[22] (2) All things are made by him of whom, the lord by whom all things exist, he who is inconceivable.[23] (3) All kinds of substances, with or without shape, here or elsewhere, are the body of Vishnu.[24] (4) The text references all things as being swallowed up by the divine, without distinction, as the gods praised.[25]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) encompasses both moving and unmoving entities that exist and are connected to the earth.[26] (2) Refers to all beings that we observe around us, which are indicated to be tied to prana.[27] (3) Encompasses every form of existence and creation within the context of the body and its experiences.[28]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This phrase is used to refer to everything in existence, and the text discusses how knowledge of one thing can lead to the knowledge of all things, especially through the Self.[29] (2) Everything that exists, including the earth, sky, fire, sun, moon, quarters, wind, and the universe, which originates from the source of all beings.[30] (3) These are described as being merely momentary, which is a principle that contradicts the simultaneousness of cause and effect, according to a certain belief.[31]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The phrase 'all things' denotes the comprehensive nature of what the Sama pertains to, including a broad array of entities and concepts.[32] (2) The totality of animate and inanimate entities in the world that originate from Akasha.[33]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Within Creation are created, having a beginning and an end, lacking lasting existence, and their apparent existence is temporary, dependent, and false, contrasting with eternal existence.[34] (2) A reference to the entirety of existence, which is interpreted as being part of the Atman by those who understand its true nature.[35]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) All things are illumined, demonstrating the pervasive influence in shedding light and providing understanding to every aspect of existence within the universe.[36] (2) The entirety of existence, including its hidden aspects, is completely known by a specific entity, indicating a comprehensive understanding of everything.[37]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The inner Self of 'all things' is identified as the highest Self, which is associated with a specific form described as having fire as its head, the sun and moon as its eyes, the regions as its ears, the Vedas as its speech, the wind as its breath, the universe as its heart, and the earth originating from its feet.[38] (2) According to the provided text, it is impossible that Brahman, whose essential nature is knowledge, should belong to Nescience, or that it should be the substrate of all those defects and afflictions which spring from Nescience.[39]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Refers to everything in existence other than Brahman, which is regarded as effects.[40]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) All things encompass the totality of entities that rely on the earth for stability and support.[41] (2) Refers to all the necessary materials or ingredients required for the yajna.[42]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A collective term encompassing every entity or object, regardless of its nature or classification.[43]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The entirety of events or items that are considered within the context.[44] (2) Refers to the entirety of the material and immaterial world, emphasizing the universality of change.[45]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to everything desired or needed, which can be obtained through the giving of food.[46]
Jain concept of 'All things'
In Jainism, "All things" implies universal transience, creating difficulties for concepts needing persistence, like remembering or returning a deposit, due to the impermanent nature of existence.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) If everything is transient, it presents challenges for ideas such as the return of a deposit, memory, and recognition, because these rely on persistence.[47]
The concept of All things in local and regional sources
"All things" encompasses all existence, originating from the Atman, driving towards a unified goal. It represents a longing for connection, reflecting truth when perceived with equanimity, and ultimately residing within a divine source.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The author states that these come to him that waits, offering a philosophical reflection on patience and expectation.[48] (2) Everything that exists, including living beings and inanimate objects, which are all progressing towards a common goal.[49] (3) This highlights that everything originates from the Atman, which is the source through which we perceive, experience, and think.[50] (4) This is what your own Self is pervading, and it is the truth that you will come to feel as your heart gets purified by work.[51] (5) These are to be loved through and for the self, highlighting a central theme, according to the provided text.[52]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) They are bright, beautiful, and gay, which are counterparts of greater things that are found elsewhere.[53] (2) The search for connection within the entirety of existence, signifying a deep longing.[54]
The concept of All things in scientific sources
"All things" in Ephesians 1:22 relates to the Greek word "panta." "Panta," meaning "all things," appears twice in the verse and carries specific significance within the context of Ephesians.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) According to Zhiyi, these are founded on the basis of the absence of a foundation.[55] (2) The Greek word “panta”, translated as “all things”, is used twice in Ephesians 1:22, with specific connotations.[56]
Classical concept of 'All things'
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) That which is under the shoulder of the divine figure which is under the left leg, and is behind it shall read, “He who sealeth all things,” suggesting a power of closure or completion.[57]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) These are what a specific deity is the establisher of, and what his Ka is, and what a specific deity is the maker of, and creator of.[58]
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) All things aim at the good, suggesting that the pursuit of good is a universal and fundamental aspect of existence and human endeavor.[59]
