Significance of Dirgha

Dirgha has various interpretations across different traditions. In Jainism, Dirgha is one of the four friends who support Brahmadatta, aiding him despite his diminishing intelligence and reckless spending. In Vaishnavism, the term signifies a sense of length or vastness. Furthermore, according to Vyakarana, Dirgha refers to objects characterized by a long shape, emphasizing a broader context rather than specific parts of that shape. Each perspective highlights distinct attributes associated with the concept of Dirgha.1
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Synonyms: Long, Extended, Protracted

In Finnish: Dirgha; In Spanish: Dirgha; In Dutch: Dirgh

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

Buddhist concept of 'Dirgha'

Buddhism Books

Dirgha in Buddhism is interpreted as one of the four canonical Agamas, significant for its references to the Dvadashanga, highlighting its importance within Buddhist scriptures and teachings.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) This is one of the four canonical Agamas, which is listed as a text that mentions the Dvadashanga, according to the provided text.[1]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Dirgha'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Dirgha signifies length and vastness, representing long shapes or forms rather than their parts. This concept encompasses the essence of expansiveness in both physical and metaphysical contexts.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) 'Dirgha' means long, describing the limbs of the fighters, emphasizing their reach and agility, highlighting their physical attributes.[2] (2) Long; indicates a sense of length or vastness.[3]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) This adjective describes a desire that has persisted over a significant period of time, indicating its long duration.[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 Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A term that denotes things having a long shape and not the part of that shape.[5]

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.

Jain concept of 'Dirgha'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Dirgha signifies one of Brahmadatta's four protective friends, symbolizing support against his diminishing wisdom and irresponsible wealth consumption. Dirgha embodies companionship aimed at fostering responsible behavior and guiding Brahmadatta on his path.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Dirgha is one of the four friends chosen to protect Brahmadatta, whose intelligence diminishes his capability and leads him to consume wealth irresponsibly.[6]

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.