Significance of Created things
The term "Created thing" is interpreted in various ways across different spiritual texts. In Tibetan Buddhism, it refers to entities in constant change, having momentary existence. Purana defines created things as entities that emerged through creation, emphasizing their non-divine nature and highlighting the strength of the Wind. Pancaratra extends this definition to include both material and spiritual forms born from creation. Mahayana views created things as arising from causes and conditions, inherently tied to suffering and impermanence.
Synonyms: Creature, Object, Product, Creation, Work, Result
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Created things'
In Buddhism, a "Created thing" signifies transient entities shaped by causes, marked by suffering and impermanence, and constantly evolving, reflecting the fundamental nature of existence as temporary and ever-changing.
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Things that are brought into existence, which are described as being in a state of constant change or 'perpetual flux'.[1] (2) Refers to entities that are produced or formed, indicating that they have a beginning and thus possess a momentary existence.[2] (3) Items or entities that have come into existence as a result of certain causes, which are independent in terms of their eventual destruction.[3]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) All things that arise from causes and conditions, leading to suffering and impermanence.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Created things'
In Hinduism, "Created thing" encompasses all entities not deemed divine, emphasizing their derived existence from divine creation while asserting that no living entity rivals the strength of the Wind. It includes both material and spiritual forms.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Referring to something that has come into existence through a process, which Brahman does not experience.[5] (2) Items or entities such as ether that can be explained in terms of their relation to food and the eater of food.[6] (3) Entities or phenomena that exist within the realm of avidya and are subject to the experiences of enjoyer and enjoyed.[7]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Items or experiences that are formed by the Supreme Person as perceived by the dreaming individual.[8] (2) The various entities that arise as a result of the cosmic processes described in the text, particularly in relation to the principles of mind, breath, and speech.[9] (3) Refers to the universe comprising all material and non-material entities that Brahman enters and constitutes as their Self.[10]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Entities or phenomena that come into existence through a process, stemming from the immortal.[11] (2) All entities that exist in the universe, which are manifestations of the internal atman.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) All entities that have a separateness about them and thus are considered not eternal but created; exemplified by objects like a pot and a piece of cloth.[13]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The entities or phenomena that have come into existence, as opposed to uncreated or eternal entities, which are essential for the process of embodiment.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) All entities that come into existence, believed to be the form of Brahman.[15] (2) All entities and beings that exist within the universe as a result of divine creation.[16] (3) Refers to any living entity in the world, emphasizing that none are equal to the Wind in strength.[17] (4) Refers to anything in existence that is not divine, which Sunda and Upasunda requested to be immune from, with the exception of each other.[18] (5) Refers to all forms of life and existence, emphasizing the interconnectedness and unity of all beings with the Supreme Soul.[19]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Entities or items that have come into existence through some form of creation.[20]
From: The Markandeya Purana
(1) Physical objects or experiences that take form in the material world, which can evoke pleasure and pain.[21]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) This term refers to entities that are formed or instantiated through the process of creation, which carry inherent qualities and assigned functions.[22] (2) Refers to 'the particular created things'; highlights the objects of knowledge resulting from the act of creation.[23] (3) The various entities that have come into existence as a result of the action of creation, including deities and other beings.[24] (4) Things that were brought into existence by the creator, highlighting the act of creation itself.[25] (5) Objects or entities that are manifested from the Supreme Brahman, representing variations of its essence.[26]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) All entities that come into existence through the processes of creation, including material and spiritual forms.[27]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to all living and non-living entities that exist in the material world.[28]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Refers to any entity or object in the universe from which Sunda and Upasunda sought to be free from fear of death, aside from each other.[29]