Significance of Calamity
In various philosophical and cultural contexts, calamity is defined as a disastrous event or misfortune that leads to significant distress. Jainism highlights calamity as arising from reliance on power without wisdom or specific adversities faced by characters such as Sugriva and Lakshmana. Arthashastra views calamity as a condition that may weaken adversaries in warfare. Other traditions, including Vaishnavism and Mahayana Buddhism, focus on calamity's impact on spiritual well-being and its role in shaping narratives of misfortune. Overall, calamity encapsulates a wide spectrum of unfortunate events across different texts.
Synonyms: Disaster, Catastrophe, Misfortune, Tragedy, Adversity, Mishap, Distress
In Dutch: Calamiteit; In Finnish: Onnettomuus; In Spanish: Calamidad
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Calamity'
In Buddhism, calamity encompasses disastrous events that lead to suffering and misfortune, stemming from neglect of guidance or spiritual challenges, and can be addressed through teachings like the paritta suttas.
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) Refers to significant difficulties or challenges that arise in one's spiritual practice.[1]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A disastrous event; as people's lifespan decreases further, significant disasters such as fire and water floods will occur.[2]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) A disastrous event that brings great suffering or destruction.[3]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A disastrous event or situation that brings significant suffering or misfortune.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The unfortunate outcome that occurs as a result of disregarding advice, specifically the master impaling himself.[5]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) A significant event of misfortune or disaster that paritta suttas aim to address and overcome.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Calamity'
In Hinduism, "Calamity" embodies disastrous events inducing great distress and moral dilemmas, manifesting in personal misfortunes and societal chaos, influenced by divine and human actions, exemplified through various mythological narratives and characters.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A significant disaster that has befallen Yudhishthira and his kin due to their actions in war.[7] (2) A term used to describe the extreme distress and misfortune that befell Drona's son due to his decisions.[8] (3) A term used by Markandeya to describe the misfortune experienced by Yudhishthira and the Pandavas.[9] (4) A great misfortune or disaster affecting people, specifically in this context, the characters.[10] (5) A significant misfortune or disaster that has befallen the king due to his own faults.[11]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to the disastrous events that have befallen Sita due to Raghava's death.[12] (2) A disastrous occurrence or situation, especially as it relates to cohabitation with the spirit of brahmanicide.[13] (3) The consequence of believing in an error related to the boons granted to Kaikeyi, as expressed by Lakshmana.[14] (4) The disastrous consequence of all sons attempting to occupy the throne, which Manthara warns against.[15] (5) A disaster or misfortune, underscoring the severity of Rama's separation from Lakshmana.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The widespread destruction caused by Sudarshana, which was felt across the entire city of Varanasi.[17] (2) A great misfortune or disaster, which those who wear the mark of gopicandana are believed to avoid.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The unfortunate situation where the King finds himself without resources and facing moral dilemmas.[19]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A significant event resulting in great misfortune, particularly relating to Kamsa's demise.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A disaster or unfortunate event leading to significant distress or hardship.[21] (2) A disastrous event or situation that threatens the well-being of an individual.[22]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Any misfortune that Shaci-devi implored Goddess Sashthi to protect her son from.[23] (2) A looming disaster threatening the world, prompting divine intervention and communication among celestial beings.[24]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A disastrous event that causes great distress, as seen when Yashoda became insane due to Krishna's entry into the lake of Kaliya.[25] (2) A disastrous event or situation that can lead to confusion of the mind, categorized as one of the causes of 'avega'.[26]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A state of suffering or distress from which Shri Vrindavana dasa Thakura aims to deliver deluded individuals.[27]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Calamity is a term used to refer to the potential disasters or threats that may occur next.[28]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Krishna's exaggerated expression of taking food at that moment, showcasing his dramatic nature.[29]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The unfortunate event of the young Brahman's death, causing sorrow among his family and friends.[30] (2) Unfavorable events such as illness or death of kin that indicate guilt during the test of innocence.[31] (3) The misfortune experienced by Pururavas when Urvashi is taken away from him, which he attributes to the curse he received.[32]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) A terrible event or misfortunate situation from which characters were rescued by Saudamini.[33]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A disastrous event causing great damage or distress.[34]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) A major disaster or misfortune that can weaken an enemy's capabilities.[35] (2) A state of disaster or misfortune, one of the circumstances under which military action is considered by kings.[36]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An unfortunate event impacting the debtor's ability to repay the debt.[37]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Disastrous events that the student is instructed to avoid causing through any actions.[38]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) The outcome of improper application of the shadgunas, leading to adverse situations for the state.[39]
Jain concept of 'Calamity'
In Jainism, Calamity embodies significant misfortunes arising from actions like deception, misuse of power, or failure to heed divine commandments, reflecting the broader themes of adversity and the consequences of unwise decisions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A great misfortune that Kanakavati is warned of if she violates the command of a god.[40] (2) Refers to the disastrous event surrounding Lakshmana's state, which remains unknown to Rama at first.[41] (3) A distressing event referred to by the step-mother in her argument before the King.[42] (4) The dire situation Sugriva faces concerning the false Sugriva’s actions towards Tara.[43] (5) A significant misfortune or disaster, referenced within the context of vocabulary relating to adversity.[44]
The concept of Calamity in local and regional sources
Calamity encompasses a range of meanings, from themes in Indian drama highlighting tragic events to personal misfortunes affecting characters. It illustrates both societal issues and individual crises, emphasizing the profound impact of disasters on lives and narratives.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A disastrous event that could have befallen the grocer if he had not been protected.[45] (2) A disastrous event or situation that poses a threat to the peace of the characters involved.[46] (3) A significant misfortune experienced by Tuka when his manuscripts were sunk, impacting his devotion and purpose.[47]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A theme in Indian drama, referenced in Kalidasa’s choice for a happier ending in Sakuntalam.[48] (2) A significant and unfortunate event or situation, referring to the lack of cooperation from the cultured classes.[49] (3) Phoolwati's perspective on Devkinath's impending remarriage, seeing it as a disaster that she must confront.[50]
The concept of Calamity in scientific sources
Calamity denotes a disastrous event that triggers significant harm or distress, particularly affecting health and safety, as highlighted by regional sources defining its impact.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) A catastrophic event causing great damage or distress, often impacting health or safety.[51]