Significance of Animate and inanimate beings

The phrase "Animate and inanimate beings" encompasses all forms of existence, both living creatures and non-living entities, according to various philosophical perspectives. In Vaishnavism, it highlights Haridasa Thakura's inclusive nature. Vedanta views these beings as arising from the Sun, while Mahayana emphasizes that they develop from water. This classification underscores the interconnectedness of life and non-life, reflecting a holistic understanding of existence across different spiritual traditions.

In Dutch: Levende en levenloze wezens; In Finnish: Eläviä ja elottomia olentoja

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

Buddhist concept of 'Animate and inanimate beings'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, animate and inanimate beings are categorized to encompass all entities arising from water, illustrating a fundamental connection between life and non-life, emphasizing the interdependence and shared origin of all forms of existence.

Significance of Animate and inanimate beings in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) This dual classification highlights all forms of life and non-life that arise and develop from water.^[1]

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 'Animate and inanimate beings'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Animate and inanimate beings" encompass all forms of existence, highlighting the inclusive essence of Gaurasundara, where both living creatures and non-living entities arise from the Sun, unified by Haridasa Thakura's influence.

Significance of Animate and inanimate beings in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) This phrase encapsulates all forms of life and existence, highlighting the inclusive nature of Gaurasundara's essence.^[2] (2) Refers to both living creatures (animate) and non-living entities (inanimate) that Haridasa Thakura helps.^[3]

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 of Animate and inanimate beings in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki

(1) All creatures affected by the miraculous events surrounding Sita’s defense and descent.^[4] (2) The totality of existence that includes all living creatures as well as non-living entities that occupy the universe.^[5]

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.

Significance of Animate and inanimate beings in Vedanta (school of philosophy):

Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) Refers to all forms of existence that arise from the Sun, encompassing both living creatures and non-living entities.^[6]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Last Updated: 01 November, 2024