Significance of Continuity

In Tibetan Buddhism, the keyphrase "Continuity" encompasses various interpretations across different schools. It suggests that the soul does not retain a complete identity over time, while still maintaining a consistent essence despite changes. Mahayana Buddhism likens Continuity to a developmental sequence, similar to plant growth. Meanwhile, Theravada presents Continuity as an ongoing series of experiences that persist and impact current conditions. These perspectives collectively emphasize the dynamic yet connective nature of identity and experience over time.1

Synonyms: Consistency, Permanence, Stability, Endurance, Persistence, Succession

In Dutch: Continuïteit; In Finnish: Jatkuvuus

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

Buddhist concept of 'Continuity'

Buddhism Books

Continuity in Buddhism encompasses the developmental sequence of experiences, the absence of a static soul identity, persistent identity amidst change, and the influence of sequential experiences on current conditions.

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

Theravada Books

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) The ongoing sequence of experiences or states that persist over time, influencing current conditions and contacts.^[1]

From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma

(1) A salient feature that signifies the persistence or constancy of material qualities over time.^[2]

From: Patthanuddesa Dipani

(1) The state of being continuous, without interruption, particularly in the prolongation and existence of entities.^[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).

Significance of Continuity in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The idea that there is no complete persistence of the soul's whole character over time.^[4] (2) The idea that things maintain a consistent identity despite changes, which is debated in relation to seeds and their transformations.^[5]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance of Continuity in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The idea that experiences or elements follow a developmental sequence, analogous to the growth of a plant.^[6]

From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)

(1) The established notion that connects existence across multiple states of being or conditions.^[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance of Continuity in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The principle denoted by the term 'tantra,' signifying an uninterrupted flow or connection in spiritual practice.^[8]

Hindu concept of 'Continuity'

Hinduism Books

Continuity in Hinduism signifies the unchanging essence of meaning in language, reflecting a consistent state that underscores the enduring nature of spiritual and philosophical concepts within the tradition.

Significance of Continuity in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):

Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The state of being continuous; in this context, it refers to the unchanging nature of meaning derived from words.^[9]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Last Updated: 24 October, 2024