Significance of Birth and death
Synonyms: Beginning and end, Life cycle
In Dutch: Geboorte en dood; In Finnish: Syntymä ja kuolema; In Spanish: Nacimiento y muerte
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Birth and death'
In Buddhism, birth and death represent the cyclical nature of existence (samsara), involving reincarnation influenced by karma, intertwined concepts essential to understanding suffering, and the pursuit of liberation through enlightenment and transcending this cycle.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The cyclical existence that living beings undergo in the mundane world, tied to their actions and thoughts.[1] (2) The cyclical existence of living beings characterized by the cycle of reincarnation.[2] (3) The cyclical nature of human existence, where one experiences life through various stages, concluding with death and potential rebirth.[3] (4) The natural cycle of human existence, including the physical life span and the fluctuating thoughts and emotions throughout it.[4] (5) The cyclical process of living and dying in the mundane world, which can be escaped through proper understanding and practice.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The cyclical nature of existence that beings experience, marked by the notions of suffering, impermanence, and the pursuit of liberation.[6] (2) The cycle of reincarnation representing the states of existence that beings traverse until achieving liberation.[7] (3) The cycle of samsara in Buddhism, encompassing the various forms of birth and reincarnation that beings undergo.[8] (4) The cyclical nature of existence in samsara, which the Buddha teaches must be transcended.[9] (5) The cycle of rebirth that individuals undergo due to ignorance and misperception.[10]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The continuous cycle of existence that beings undergo, marked by suffering, aging, and eventual death.[11] (2) The cycle of existence in Buddhism, characterized by suffering and the need for liberation through enlightenment.[12] (3) The cyclical nature of existence, reflecting the ongoing cycle of suffering that beings endure, emphasized in the context of the Buddha's teachings.[13] (4) Refers to the continuous cycle of existence, encompassing life, death, and rebirth.[14]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Fundamental human experiences that the Buddha shares with all beings, prompting Ratnakara's inquiry.[15] (2) The cyclical nature of existence in Buddhism, referring to the process of being born and passing away.[16] (3) The cyclical process of existence where birth (jati) denotes coming into being and death (marana) signifies the end of existence.[17]
From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)
(1) The dual concepts often intertwined in discussion regarding existence, wherein one cannot exist without the other.[18] (2) Associated with the concepts of rising (birth) and passing (death), emphasizing their interdependence in existence.[19] (3) The cycles of life that encapsulate the process of becoming and the associated suffering.[20]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The cycle of rebirth that a bodhisattva experiences while committed to pursuing enlightenment.[21] (2) A cycle of existence (Samsara) in which beings are trapped due to their attachments and desires.[22]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A duality representing life cycles, yet understood to be a continuous process with nothing truly created or destroyed.[23] (2) The cycle of existence through reincarnation, which is associated with suffering.[24]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Concepts central to Buddhist teachings, underscoring the cycle of existence that the Buddha's teachings aim to transcend.[25]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) The process that all sentient beings go through, which is influenced by karma and may be guided by entities such as the Master of Life.[26]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The cycle of existence that one must cross to reach Nirvana, addressed metaphorically in the narrative.[27]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) The phases of existence that the Life Administering Ghost King oversees to help beings attain tranquility.[28]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The fundamental problem addressed in Buddhism, highlighting the cycle of existence and its challenges.[29] (2) The fundamental problem of existence that the future Buddha aimed to resolve through his spiritual journey.[30] (3) The central riddle that Prince Siddartha sought to solve, leading him to renounce his kingdom.[31]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) The cyclical process of existence represented by the arising and falling away of nama and rupa.[32] (2) The cycle of existence that all beings undergo, marked by the continuous arising and falling away of cittas.[33]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The cycle of existence where beings experience rebirth into different planes based on their kamma.[34]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Phases of existence that encompass constant changes, contributing to the understanding of suffering.[35]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The cycle of existence characterized by continual rebirth and the inevitable end, associated with suffering.[36] (2) The cyclical existence of life and the challenges associated with it, often viewed negatively in Buddhist thought.[37] (3) The cyclical nature of life existence that brings suffering, a central theme in Buddha's teachings.[38]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The fundamental cycle of existence experienced by all living beings, likened to a dance.[39]
Hindu concept of 'Birth and death'
In Hinduism, birth and death symbolize the cyclical nature of existence, representing reincarnation, the transience of life, and the distinction between the impermanent physical body and the eternal jiva, emphasizing the quest for liberation from this cycle.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The cycle of existence that living beings are entangled in, characterized by suffering and rebirth.[40] (2) The natural progression of life that people go through, which is a key aspect of material existence.[41] (3) The constant cycle of existence that living entities endure, described as a path filled with torment and suffering.[42] (4) The cyclical process of life that conditioned souls undergo, which does not affect the transcendental beings like the Vaishnavas.[43] (5) The two fundamental processes that characterize the material existence of living entities, marked by suffering and attachment.[44]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The fundamental cycle of existence, marking the beginning of life and its inevitable conclusion.[45] (2) The events marking the beginning and end of life; fundamental aspects of existence.[46] (3) The cycle of existence that individuals seek to liberate themselves from, representing the miseries associated with living and dying.[47] (4) The cyclical existence that individuals aim to escape through spiritual practices for ultimate liberation.[48] (5) The cyclical existence of life, encompassing the phases of being born and subsequently dying.[49]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The cycle of coming into existence (janma) and the cessation of life (marana), fundamental concepts in the understanding of material miseries.[50] (2) The cyclical nature of life and existence, which Hanuman did not desire to escape, focusing instead on devotional service.[51] (3) The cycle that living beings are liberated from by entering Purushottama-kshetra.[52] (4) The cycle of samsara that devotees strive to transcend through devotion to God, as emphasized in Prahlada's remarks.[53]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The cycle of existence and suffering that individuals navigate, highlighting the urgency of spiritual practice.[54] (2) The cycle of existence that Sanatana Pandita expresses a desire to transcend by marrying his daughter to Lord Krishna.[55] (3) The cycle of existence that characters experience, often emphasizing the material struggles of life.[56] (4) The cyclical existence in the material world that is characterized by the processes of being born and dying.[57]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the cycle of repeated existence that one aims to cross in spiritual practice.[58] (2) cycle of life; refers to the process of reincarnation and the transient nature of material existence.[59]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The cycle of suffering that devotees seek to transcend, often referenced in spiritual literature.[60]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The cycle of life that Shri Krishna is believed to release Vasudeva and Devaki from.[61]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Concepts that represent the beginning and end of existence in the empirical world, which are deemed illusory from the viewpoint of Ultimate Reality.[62] (2) The cyclical nature of existence that individuals experience as a result of their attachment to the belief in causality.[63] (3) The cycle experienced by Jivas, perceived in ignorance but deemed non-existent when Truth is realized.[64] (4) Two of the six changes which Jivas mistakenly believe they are subject to, revealing the nature of human existence and misunderstanding.[65] (5) Concepts that are generally applied to entities that exist but are deemed inapplicable to Jivas from the perspective of Ultimate Reality.[66]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Refers to the cyclical nature of existence where life leads to death and death leads to rebirth, governed by karma.[67] (2) Concepts typically associated with the physical body, which in this text are shown to pertain to the body rather than to jiva, highlighting jiva's eternal nature.[68]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The fundamental events in the material existence that signify the beginning and end of life, experienced through sense perception.[69] (2) The perceived cycle of existence that individuals experience, marked by beginning and end.[70]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Refers to the cycle of life, including the experiences of living and dying.[71] (2) The cyclical process that individuals undergo due to their attachments and actions, leading to the assumption of various forms.[72]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The cyclical process of life that the ignorant are subject to, contrasting the quest for spiritual enlightenment.[73] (2) The cyclical nature of life experienced by beings in samsara, which is viewed as a source of misery that is ultimately external to the untainted atman.[74]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The terms primarily refer to the body rather than the individual soul, indicating the connection and disconnection of the soul with the body.[75] (2) The cyclical suffering individuals experience within the world (Samsara), which is rooted in ignorance and identity with the non-self.[76]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The cycle that individuals seek to transcend through the practice of devotion and the chanting of Holy names.[77]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The cycles of life that are inevitable and represent aspects of human existence.[78]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The cycles of existence that the body is subject to.[79]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The cyclical nature of existence as souls transition between different bodies and experiences.[80]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to the existential cycles of life that are viewed as manifestations of the Self.[81]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The cycle of life that one seeks to transcend through spiritual practice and understanding, as indicated by the aspirational path.[82]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The cycles of life that one experiences, which are influenced by their Karma.[83] (2) Refers to the cycle of existence, emphasizing the transient nature of life, understood by those who are wise.[84] (3) The cycle of life that individuals are encouraged to leave behind to attain liberation through worship.[85]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The cycle that every creature undergoes, underscoring the inevitability of mortality.[86] (2) The cyclical nature of existence, where life leads to birth and subsequently to death, creating a continuous cycle of desire and suffering.[87]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The continual cycle of existence that results in perpetual suffering due to one's own Karmas.[88] (2) Concepts related to the cycle of life, from which the holy places provide liberation.[89]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The cyclical processes of coming into existence and passing away, which the text explores concerning emancipation.[90] (2) The cyclical nature of existence where one's actions influence their continual rebirth and eventual meeting with death.[91]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The cycle of reincarnation and the struggles associated with physical existence.[92] (2) Concepts that are shown to be illusions within the framework of eternal existence; only Brahman is real and unchanging.[93]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The cycle of existence that the goat referred to, questioning the purpose of sacrifices that bind living beings to this cycle.[94] (2) The cycle of reincarnation and existence that devotees seek to transcend.[95]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Crucial life events associated with rituals and duties, causing impurity and requiring adherence to specific rules.[96]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Central themes discussed in the Markandeya Purana, particularly in relation to one's moral actions and consequences.[97]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The cyclical nature of existence that individuals experience due to their actions and identification with the material world.[98]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Fundamental concepts in the narrative that pertain to the cycle of life, underscoring philosophical discussions of existence and non-existence.[99]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Inevitably linked cycles of existence that a recluse contemplates upon, awaiting the Time that dictates these events.[100]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The two life events that lead to a state of impurity, wherein the counting for the impurity is based on the occurrence rather than the knowledge of the event.[101] (2) Events that are considered significant enough to prohibit study entirely.[102] (3) Events that necessitate the application of purity rules and the counting of Sapinda relationships.[103] (4) Events in life that have specified implications for purity and impurity in the cultural and ritual context outlined in the text.[104]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The cyclical existence that individual selves undergo before attaining liberation through divine grace.[105]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The cyclical phenomena of coming into existence and ceasing to exist, often considered part of the human experience.[106]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The cyclical existence in material form characterized by the experience of life and eventual physical demise.[107]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The specific temporal divisions that serve as the basis for all action within the context of the All-inclusive principle.[108] (2) Concepts represented as manifestations and the hiding of the true reality; they are not seen as distinct states.[109] (3) Birth and death are considered identical in that all action is seen as a cycle of origin or destruction within the flow of existence.[110]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The cyclical process of existence where beings come into life, die, and potentially are reborn.[111] (2) Birth and death frame the human experience, serving as the boundaries within which life is lived and actions are manifested, with each life experiencing a cycle of actions leading to resultant conditions.[112]
Jain concept of 'Birth and death'
In Jainism, birth and death denote the cyclical nature of existence influenced by karma, representing inevitable life events and significant external ailments intrinsic to worldly existence.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Concepts tied to karma, which is discussed in relation to existence and consciousness, suggesting a cyclical nature.[113]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Both are considered significant aspects of worldly existence, characterized as external ailments.[114]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The cyclical nature of life, emphasizing the inevitability of these life events.[115]
The concept of Birth and death in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Birth and death" encapsulates the human experience, highlighting the cycle of life marked by moments of joy and sorrow, as well as the pivotal events that signify the commencement and conclusion of life.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The fundamental stages of life that encompass existence and the human experience.[116] (2) The typical cycle of human existence characterized by a life lived with varying degrees of happiness or unhappiness.[117] (3) The contrasting events that mark the beginning and end of human life.[118]