Significance of Burden of the earth
The Burden of the earth, as understood in Jainism and Vaishnavism, symbolizes the responsibilities, evils, and challenges impacting the world. In Jainism, it reflects the duties and reluctance of leadership, while in Vaishnavism, it addresses the collective issues and suffering created by negative forces and wicked rulers. This burden prompts divine interventions, as seen in the actions of Krishna, who incarnates to alleviate the weight of sin and moral decay, restoring balance and addressing humanity's troubles.
Synonyms: Weight of the earth, Load of the earth, Earth's burden
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Burden of the earth'
In Hinduism, "Burden of the Earth" symbolizes the collective suffering, evil, and moral decay that necessitate divine intervention, particularly by Krishna, who seeks to alleviate these afflictions through his incarnations and righteous actions.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the oppressive weight of evil in the world, leading to the need for divine intervention by Lord Vishnu.[1] (2) Refers to the accumulated evil and wickedness which Krishna aims to eliminate through his interventions on earth.[2] (3) The collective struggles and evils faced by the earth's inhabitants that the Lord intends to alleviate through His incarnation.[3] (4) Refers to the suffering caused by wicked rulers and the need for divine intervention to alleviate such suffering, which Krishna seeks to address.[4] (5) The collective sin and moral decay in the world that Krishna aims to reduce through the actions of his devotees.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The moral and physical weight of the evil represented by Jarasandha's army.[6] (2) The suffering and evil presence that Krishna endeavored to relieve by his actions.[7] (3) The metaphorical weight of sin and moral decline that Rama was destined to address through his future incarnation.[8] (4) The collective sins and troubles faced by the earthly realm that Krishna aims to alleviate through divine intervention.[9] (5) The weight of ill deeds and unrighteousness that Krishna is foretold to alleviate.[10]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The issues and suffering on Earth that the lord has incarnated himself to remove, showcasing his role as a protector.[11] (2) The oppressive force represented by Kamsa and his followers that Krishna is prophesied to remove.[12] (3) The disturbances caused by the Yadavas, prompting Krishna's decision to act against them.[13] (4) Refers to the troubles and evils that Krishna, as an incarnation, came to resolve.[14] (5) The excessive weight of evil and the suffering inflicted upon the Earth, prompting divine intervention for protection and restoration of virtue.[15]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A reference to the troubles caused by powerful Asuras that compel deities to seek Krishna’s incarnation to relieve these burdens.[16] (2) The evil and troubles caused by demons that Krishna reduced through his actions.[17] (3) Represents the troubles faced by the earth, prompting the divine intervention of Lord Hari.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The weight of negative influences and evil actions responsible for the Earth’s suffering.[19] (2) The collective troubles and afflictions that must be addressed, leading to the events of divine interventions.[20]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The troubles and evils that need to be alleviated on Earth, which Krishna is destined to address through his actions.[21] (2) Earth's turmoil due to the evil actions of the demons that call for divine intervention.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The weight and challenges faced by the earth due to the Asuras and the need for divine intervention.[23]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refers to the weight of the overwhelming forces or beings (Daityas) that the Earth must bear, indicating a need for intervention by the gods.[24]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The weight of the world's challenges and struggles that requires divine assistance.[25]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This metaphorical phrase refers to the weight or difficulties faced by the world that Shri Radha wishes to alleviate.[26] (2) Refers to the problems or difficulties facing the earth that need to be alleviated or removed, which is a central theme in the verse.[27] (3) Refers to the troubles and moral challenges faced by humanity, which necessitated Shri Krishna's intervention.[28] (4) The negative effects and suffering caused by the actions of immoral beings, necessitating divine intervention.[29] (5) The challenges and adversities present on the earth due to the presence of harmful forces.[30]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A metaphorical expression describing the spiritual and moral weight caused by evil or negative forces on the Earth.[31] (2) The negative influences or evils that disturb the balance of the world, which the Lord addresses through His incarnations.[32] (3) The collective challenges or responsibilities faced by the planet and its inhabitants.[33] (4) A phrase referring to the suffering and disruption caused by demonic entities, prompting the Lord’s intervention through incarnations.[34]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The affliction caused by wickedness that requires a divine intervention for resolution.[35] (2) The suffering and sins that need to be removed and addressed through righteous actions.[36]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The suffering and challenges faced by the earth, which prompts Vishnu to take on a humanlike form.[37]
Jain concept of 'Burden of the earth'
In Jainism, the "Burden of the Earth" symbolizes the weight of responsibilities, as illustrated by King Megharatha's reluctance for rulership and the metaphorical duties assumed by the Lord fulfilling his father's desires.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Refers to the responsibility of ruling that King Megharatha decides to pass on to his son, symbolizing the transition of duty.[38] (2) Metaphorically describes the responsibilities and duties the Lord took on at his father's request.[39]