Significance of Cosmos

The concept of Cosmos varies across different traditions. In Buddhism, the Cosmos is understood through faith and practice, going beyond astronomy. Jainism views the Cosmos as the entire universe. Vaishnavism sees the Cosmos as the system of existence, with individuals maintaining it. Purana describes the Cosmos as emerging from Brahma's activity. Jyotisha uses the Cosmos in astrology. Vedanta considers the Cosmos as interconnected and originating from the Self. Shaktism sees the Cosmos as an ordered whole. Indian history views the Cosmos as an ordered system, representing the broader context and interconnectedness of life.1
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Synonyms: Universe, World, Celestial body, Outer space, Totality, All, Creation, Space, Macrocosm

In Spanish: Cosmos; In Portugese: Cosmos; In Dutch: Kosmos; In German: Kosmos; In Finnish: Kosmos; In Polish: Kosmos; In Italian: Cosmo

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

Buddhist concept of 'Cosmos'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Cosmos transcends astronomy, as suggested by the Tatsunokuchi Persecution's significance. Understanding the Cosmos requires consistent faith and practice, going beyond a scientific view. It emphasizes a spiritual dimension within the Buddhist context.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies

(1) The text refers to the cosmos in the context of the dialogue between Ikeda Daisaku and others, and it concludes that the meaning of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution can only be understood 'on the basis of one’s consistent faith and practice', and that the occurrence of this phenomenon has a significance that goes beyond astronomy and enters the dimension of Buddhism.[1]

Hindu concept of 'Cosmos'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Cosmos signifies the entire universe, encompassing all its manifestations. It is a harmonious, ordered system emerging from Brahma's creation, sustained by the individual. The interconnected universe originates from the Self, underpinned by Dharma.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) This resembles a creeper, with the multitude of its budding worlds.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The entire system of existence, encompassing all aspects of the universe.[3]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The individual is the maintainer of the universe, and is therefore named Vishvambhara, representing his role as the preserver and sustainer of all existence within it.[4]

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 Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) The universe regarded as an ordered and harmonious whole, contrasted with chaos, and underpinned by principles of Dharma.[5]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) The universe as a whole, including all beings and elements, which is interconnected and originates from the Self.[6]

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 Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) Astrology's preoccupation with themes like man’s place in the cosmos is a primary reason for its classification within the modern category of 'religion'.[7]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Jain concept of 'Cosmos'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the Cosmos encompasses the entire universe and all of existence. It is the subject of philosophical and thematic exploration within Jain texts, representing the totality of reality as understood by Jain teachings.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The universe or the entirety of existence as considered in the philosophical or thematic discussions within the text.[8]

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 Cosmos in local and regional sources

History Books

Cosmos, as described, signifies the vast universe and its reflection in human experience. It highlights interconnectedness, shared life under love's influence, and the ordered system where fragments coalesce, emphasizing a holistic view.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) This term represents the universe, emphasizing the interconnectedness and the shared experience of life under the influence of Love.[9] (2) A representation of the wider universe that is echoed in the depths of human experience and aspiration discussed in the poem.[10] (3) The universe or an ordered system, representing the broader context into which fragments merge.[11]

The concept of Cosmos in scientific sources

Science Books

Based on the text, "Cosmos" is defined by regional sources as (1) Interns being perceived as a burden to senior medical officers and other professionals.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) Yhwh's uniqueness over this could be considered the formulaic usage to indicate, especially with the definite article.[12] (2) This unit would be incomplete without man, but also without the smallest transmicroscopic creature.[13] (3) The universe seen as a well-ordered whole.[14] (4) Used by naturalists as a contrast to a theological position, which can be argued as beginningless, even if it contains an initial segment.[15]

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

From: South African Family Practice

(1) Interns were seen as a burden to senior MOs and these professionals.[16]