Significance of Chaos
Chaos, across various philosophical and religious traditions, signifies a state of disorder and confusion. In Buddhism, it reflects personal turmoil and lack of self-control. Vaishnavism uses 'kolahale' to describe disorder, while Purana refers to chaos as the disruption faced by beings in response to divine actions. Shaivism views chaos as the original disorder before creation, and Mahayana presents it as a challenge that can inspire courage. Additionally, Indian history exemplifies chaos in literary tragedies and situations of distress faced by individuals.
Synonyms: Confusion, Turmoil, Anarchy, Disarray, Catastrophe, Pandemonium
In Dutch: Chaos; In German: Chaos; In Finnish: Kaaos; In Spanish: Caos
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Chaos'
In Buddhism, Chaos represents both a challenging disorder that encourages courageous actions and a state of confusion revealing a lack of self-control, as highlighted by Nanda's reflections on his past experiences.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A state of disorder that challenges individuals, presenting opportunities for courageous acts and achievements.[1]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The state of confusion and lack of self-control that Nanda recognized in his past experiences.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Chaos'
In Hinduism, Chaos signifies a primordial state of confusion and disorder ('kolahale'), representing the initial conditions from which the Divine manifests the world, illustrating the transformative power of divinity amidst disruption experienced across the three worlds.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A state characterized by disorder and the absence of structure, representing primordial conditions.[3]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the confusion and disruption experienced by all beings in the three worlds in response to divine activity.[4]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A state of confusion and disorder indicated by the term 'kolahale.'[5]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The initial state of disorder or confusion from which the Divine creates the world, underscoring the transformative power of divinity.[6]
The concept of Chaos in local and regional sources
Chaos represents turmoil faced by maidens in perilous situations, symbolizing distress. Additionally, it reflects the disorder in Shakespeare's tragedies, illustrating a world devoid of recognizable divine order, highlighting the inherent unpredictability of life.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The disordered and tumultuous situations depicted in Shakespeare's tragedies, reflective of a world lacking understood divine order.[7] (2) A situation of turmoil and distress experienced by the maidens as they confront danger in the river.[8]