Significance of Being
In Mahayana Buddhism, the concept of Being encompasses sentient entities that exist within the cycle of life. It emphasizes how Buddhas possess the ability to understand the unique traits and karmas of all beings. Additionally, it highlights the notion that these living entities are affected by the ills of the world, thereby enriching the broader human experience. This understanding fosters compassion and insight into the interconnectedness of all sentient life.
Synonyms: Existence, Presence, Living, Entity, Essence, Reality, Nature, Life, Creature
In Dutch: Wezen
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Being'
In Buddhism, Being encompasses living entities affected by worldly suffering and sentient beings caught in the cycle of life, with Buddhas uniquely capable of perceiving their distinct characteristics and karmic realities.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to all sentient entities that always seek happiness yet remain trapped in the cycle of suffering.[1] (2) Living entities that are affected by the ills of the world, contributing to the broader human experience.[2]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Satva means 'being'.[3] (2) Sentient entities that exist within the cycle of life; Buddhas possess the ability to understand the unique traits and karmas of all beings.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Being'
In Hinduism, 'Being' signifies a universal concept encompassing all entities, reflecting the essence of existence. It emphasizes inclusivity, suggesting that no entity is excluded from the fundamental nature of existence.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate and absolute reality from which all life derives and to which all life ultimately returns.[5] (2) The fundamental source from which all creatures emerge and to which they return.[6] (3) Referring to 'Sat', or existence, particularly in the context of the ancient germ and its connection to the Universe.[7]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Concept referring to the state of existing, introduced in the context of the world emerging from an initial state, as articulated in classical texts.[8] (2) Contextual reference to entities or forms that are being discussed alongside Gayatri and its characteristics.[9]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The essence or existence that is foundational to all things.[10]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The state of existence or presence, particularly in a context that implies action or reverence towards the divine.[11] (2) Existence or presence, identified in the context as san.[12] (3) existing or living in a certain state[13] (4) Being indicates the existence or state of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, affirming His continuous presence in a specific form.[14] (5) Refers to the existence or state of all entities and the overarching reality governed by the Supreme Lords.[15]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The state of existence that is being transformed; it includes the dynamics of existing in potentiality and actuality.[16] (2) Refers to the concept of existence or the essence that is encompassed by the meanings of roots such as √pac, as discussed in the teaching.[17] (3) The general notion that is expressed differently by various words, encompassing the essence of existence.[18] (4) The fundamental essence that attains all forms and represents the characteristic of everything within the universe.[19]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to all entities, including deities and natural elements, recognized within the Vedic cosmology.[20]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) ‘Being’ is considered a Generality that serves the purpose of inclusion and cannot exclude any entities, as it constitutes the essence of existence.[21]