Significance of Distance

In Tibetan Buddhism, Distance is defined as the perspective from which an observer views a half-burnt wood piece. This concept emphasizes the importance of viewpoint in understanding reality and the nature of existence. By recognizing that our perceptions can significantly alter our understanding, practitioners are encouraged to cultivate awareness of their perspectives and the distances from which they interpret their experiences. This insight plays a crucial role in the practice of mindfulness and spiritual growth in Tibetan Buddhism.1

Synonyms: Length, Space, Gap, Interval, Range, Separation, Remoteness

In Dutch: Afstand

In Finnish: Etäisyys

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

Buddhist concept of 'Distance'

Buddhism Books

Distance in Buddhism can be interpreted as the viewpoint from which one observes a situation or experience, such as the half-burnt wood-piece, emphasizing the importance of perspective in understanding reality and existence.

Significance of Distance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The perspective from which the half-burnt wood-piece is observed.^[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Distance'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Distance denotes a quality indicating space between objects, influences cognition and recognition, and represents the overlapping extent of paths before divergence, reflecting a complex interplay of separation and connection in perception.

Significance of Distance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Refers to the physical space between the two groups of devotees before they interacted.^[2] (2) The space separating the Lord from His associates, emphasizing His solitude.^[3]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The space or extent one attempts to perceive, symbolizing the hope for a divine presence.^[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 of Distance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):

Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The physical space between the observer and the object, which can alter the perception of the object.^[5] (2) The spatial separation between the observer and the object, which can impact cognition and recognition.^[6]

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.

Significance of Distance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):

Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The extent to which the paths overlap before they eventually separate, according to the commentary.^[7]

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 of Distance in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):

Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) A quality that describes the space between objects, recognized as one of the seventeen qualities.^[8]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Last Updated: 24 October, 2024