Significance of Calm

Calm, as understood across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, signifies a state of tranquility and composure. In Jainism, it is associated with true discrimination in seeking happiness, while Vaishnavism emphasizes composure and peace. Yoga defines Calm as a disturbance-free mental state, and Vedanta links it to the serene nature of Supreme Truth. Dharmashastra highlights the importance of tranquility for Renunciates, whereas Theravada regards it as essential for clarity during practice. Overall, Calm represents a sought-after state of peace and tranquility that aids individuals in navigating life’s challenges.1
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Synonyms: Peaceful, Serene, Tranquil, Quiet, Composed, Placid, Relaxed, Unruffled, Still, Restful, Unperturbed, Sedate

In Swedish: Lugna; In Dutch: Kalm; In Finnish: Rauhallinen; In Spanish: Calma; In Portugese: Calma; In Italian: Calma; In German: Ruhig; In Malay: Tenang; In French: Calme; In Polish: Spokój

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

Buddhist concept of 'Calm'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Calm represents a tranquil state achieved through samatha practices, understanding meaningful teachings, and is crucial for maintaining clarity and focus in one's actions and mental practices.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A state of peace and tranquility achieved through understanding or hearing a meaningful word.[1]

From: Cetasikas

(1) A mental state that is essential for effective practice, enabling clarity and focus during good deeds.[2]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life

(1) A state of tranquility developed through practices such as samatha, characterized by the absence of hindrances.[3]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Calm'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Calm embodies tranquility essential for Renunciates, reflects the serenity of Supreme Truth, denotes composure and peace, and signifies a mental state devoid of disturbances, promoting harmony and well-being for all beings.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) Signifies the serene and undisturbed state of the Supreme Truth.[4]

From: Mandukya Upanishad

(1) This describes a state of tranquility and peace, referring to a quality of consciousness, which is free from disturbance, and the absence of any agitation or conflict, representing the ultimate state.[5]

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).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A state of being composed and peaceful as described in the text.[6]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Calm is a state achieved by Shri Gaurasundara after some time, following a prior state.[7]

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 in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga

(1) Yoga empowers oneself with increased concentration, calm, peace and contentment at the mental level for individuals.[8]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A state of tranquility that the Renunciate must embody, contributing to his commitment to the well-being of all creatures.[9]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) A mental state free from disturbances and chaos, characterized by tranquility.[10]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Jain concept of 'Calm'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Calm signifies a state of tranquility achieved through true discrimination in seeking happiness, contrasting the emotional turbulence of the pious and highlighting the importance of inner peace in spiritual practice.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) Look! the pious and this become desponding; the rising, cast down.[11]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Calm in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Calm" represents a state of tranquility and composure, essential for navigating life's challenges, providing peace of mind, and contributing to personal satisfaction and well-being, often sought as a remedy for external pressures.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A state of tranquility and peace that is sought after by individuals, often as a remedy for their troubles.[12] (2) A state of tranquility and composure amidst difficulties, highlighted as important in navigating life's challenges.[13]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This describes the tranquility in the sender's life, revealing an absence of external pressures that provides peace of mind.[14] (2) This is a factor contributing to the writer's satisfaction, and describes a state of tranquility and peace within the current setting.[15]

The concept of Calm in scientific sources

Science Books

Calm, as mentioned in the text, is crucial for parents communicating with adolescents. It fosters a conducive environment for discussing sensitive topics, allowing open and effective dialogue between parents and their children.

Significance in Environmental Sciences:
Environmental Sciences Books

From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)

(1) This is a soundscape characteristic that contributed to greater emotional restoration and a reduction in perceived stress in urban open public spaces.[16] (2) It is an attribute of the park, the level of which was evaluated differently by two teams, as determined by the Mann-Whitney U test.[17]

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine

(1) The text mentions that parents build the skill of talking to the adolescent in an atmosphere of calm to facilitate communication on sensitive topics.[18]