Significance of Cosmic dissolution
Cosmic dissolution is a significant concept described in various philosophical texts. In the Purana, it involves the universe returning to its causal state, reflecting a cyclical nature of creation. Vedanta views it as Pralaya, where existence ends and all beings merge back into the source. Nyaya similarly describes it as the cyclical end of the world, where all composite entities decompose into atomic components, paving the way for a new creation.
Synonyms: Astral separation, Universal destruction
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Cosmic dissolution'
Cosmic dissolution in Hinduism involves the Pralaya process where the universe retracts into its causal state, marking the end of existence as all beings merge back into the source, followed by eventual rebirth in a cyclical nature of creation.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate dissolution of the cosmos where living beings continue to exist in different forms rather than being destroyed.[1] (2) The ultimate end of existence where all beings merge back into the source, Being.[2]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The process of Pralaya where the universe and its elements are withdrawn into their causal states.[3]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The end state of the universe, which is reached after full span of life is enjoyed.[4]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The end phase of material creation, indicating that liberation can be achieved in this lifetime or upon completion of existence in the material realm.[5]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The process by which the universe dissolves back into its causal state, according to the cyclical nature of creation described in the text.[6]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The phase where the universe returns to a formless state, tied to the concept of Pralaya, impacting all aspects of existence including the Earth.[7]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) The concept of pralaya, which Udayana argues is necessary for the logical defense of God’s existence.[8] (2) The cyclical end of the world, where all composite things are reduced to their atomic components before a new creation occurs.[9]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Referring to a time of universal chaos or destruction, emphasizing the moment's significance.[10] (2) A state or event described in the text that relates to destruction or the end of a cycle in the universe.[11]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A phase in the cyclical nature of the universe where everything is reabsorbed back into the cosmos.[12]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Pralaya signifies the state of cosmic dissolution, where all forms return to their source.[13]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The process of returning all created beings to their source at the end of a cosmic cycle.[14]