Significance of Cut off
The keyphrase "Cut off" encompasses various interpretations across different philosophical and religious contexts. In Buddhism, it signifies a state of separation from Buddha's wisdom. Hinduism associates it with severing body parts as a punishment or during conflicts. Jainism emphasizes cutting off attachments for spiritual liberation. The ancient text Arthashastra details bodily mutilation as punishment, while many epics depict warriors severing weapons and limbs in combat. The term also refers to punitive measures in Dharmashastra and Mahayana traditions, illustrating severe consequences for transgressions.
Synonyms: Remove
In Dutch: Afsnijden
In Finnish: Leikkaa pois
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cut off'
In Buddhism, "Cut off" represents severing ties to cravings and sensual pleasure to escape dukkha. It also indicates separation from Buddha's wisdom, resulting from actions of individuals and kings, affecting bodily integrity and spiritual discipline.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The result of the son's determination to not allow his mother to harm his grandfather, leading to her temporary exclusion.[1] (2) Refers to the brutal physical mutilation of Dhammapala ordered by the king during his execution.[2] (3) Refers to the act of physically harming the Bodhisatta at the king's command, representing profound cruelty.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The act of severing attachments or desires, a necessary step towards achieving liberation.[4] (2) The act of severing ties to craving and sensual pleasure, performed by the wise to escape the entrapment of dukkha.[5] (3) To sever or eliminate the stream of cravings and desires in order to achieve spiritual liberation.[6]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Refers to various physical body parts being severed, leading to disqualification from the pabbajja ordination.[7]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) An action prohibited for Bhikkhus in specific contexts concerning their hair and nails, indicating strict guidelines in grooming.[8]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A metaphorical state of loss or separation from the wisdom and guidance provided by Buddha after his Parinirvana.[9]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A consequence of the wars fought by the asuras, resulting in physical injury during conflicts with the gods.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The violent act performed by the king as a test to determine if the rishi would remain undisturbed.[11] (2) An action performed by king Kali where he removed the ears, nose, hands, and feet of Kshanti as a test of his patience.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Cut off'
In Hinduism, "Cut off" signifies severing as punishment for defilement, the destruction of weapons in battle, and various forms of mutilation as retribution, illustrating both violent consequences and the complexity of divine interventions and justice.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) To sever or remove part of something, often in a violent manner.[13] (2) The action of severing parts of the enemy bodies, including heads and limbs, during battle.[14] (3) The act of ending the life of living creatures, which the lady is reluctant and afraid to perform.[15] (4) The act of severing or destroying part of an opponent’s equipment or ability to fight effectively.[16] (5) The action of severing or detaching parts, such as shields and weapons during the intense combat.[17]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The action taken by Vishnu where he severed the bows, lances, and heads of his enemies in battle.[18] (2) Refers to Skanda's action of severing arrows and may also denote his skillful handling of weapons during combat.[19] (3) Describes Lava's action of severing arrows or elements during combat, showcasing his skill.[20] (4) Referring to the significant act of severing Brahma's fifth head by Rudra, symbolizing both conflict and the need for renewal.[21] (5) A phrase used to describe the action of defeating or overcoming an enemy's attack or defenses.[22]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Refers to the severing of Sindhu's limbs during the intense combat, emphasizing violence.[23]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The action taken by Rama and Lakshmana to sever Kabandha’s arms in order to protect themselves.[24]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The action that Vishnu considers to remove Brahma's head while managing the danger it poses.[25]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the action of disabling or destroying opposing forces and weapons during the battle, signifying fierce combat.[26]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) To sever or remove, as part of the punishment for a man who defiles a maiden.[27] (2) A term signifying the punishment of severing a part of the body, specifically hands in this context.[28] (3) The tank is 'destroyed' by its source of supply being cut off through the construction of embankments.[29] (4) A form of mutilation as a punishment for women who commit adultery, emphasizing the severity of their actions.[30] (5) The punishment prescribed for the thief, where the king takes away the limb used for stealing.[31]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The action of dividing portions of boiled rice-grains as part of the ritual preparations.[32]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A ritual action directed at severing connections to the Rakshas during the uparavas.[33]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The punishment involving the removal of a body part as a consequence for a crime.[34] (2) A punishment for a Shudra who strikes a Brahman, leading to the loss of the striking limb.[35] (3) A form of punishment that involves the removal of body parts as a consequence of severe offences.[36]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Describes the action of severing the one wing from the great demon.[37]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Describes Krishna's action of removing the arms of Vanan, symbolizing defeat.[38]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) To sever or remove; in this context, it refers to the brahmana's threatened punishment against Haridasa Thakura.[39]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The action taken to sever or remove something, often performed with skill or practice.[40]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to the act of severing Vishnu's head, caused by the cutting of the bowstring by the ants.[41]
Jain concept of 'Cut off'
In Jainism, "Cut off" signifies severing emotional attachments, particularly love and hate, for spiritual liberation, and also denotes severe punishments prescribed for sinful actions, notably adultery. This dual interpretation emphasizes detachment and moral discipline.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A reference to severe punishments outlined in the text for sinful behavior, especially regarding adultery.[42]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) To sever attachments or emotional ties, especially relating to love and hate, as a means to achieve spiritual freedom.[43]
The concept of Cut off in local and regional sources
The term "Cut off" encompasses various irreversible actions, symbolizing severance in relationships and physical attributes, as illustrated through metaphorical beheading, mutilation, and punitive measures within the narrative's pivotal moments.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Refers to the act of beheading the father by the son, a pivotal moment in the story.[44] (2) The action taken by the elder brother as punishment to the younger brother, resulting in the loss of his hands and feet.[45]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) To sever or remove part of something, as Kora did to the Rakhas' ears, tongue, and claws.[46]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to the irreversible action of cutting off the nose or foreskin, used as a metaphor for the lasting impact of the actions taken against him which cannot be undone.[47]