Significance of Eternal dharmas
Eternal Dharma encompasses the unchanging principles of morality, righteousness, and duty found across various philosophical traditions. In Buddhism, it signifies enduring truths beyond temporal reality, while in Vaishnavism, it involves the soul's loving service to God, emphasizing devotion and intrinsic duty towards Krishna. Purana traditions focus on moral law and the ethical order that informs conduct and roles, including the duties within family structures. Across these philosophies, Eternal Dharma represents a universal framework guiding spiritual fulfillment and righteous living.
Synonyms: Timeless truth, Everlasting principle
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eternal dharmas'
Eternal Dharma in Buddhism encompasses the timeless principles and truths imparted by the Buddha, representing unchanging aspects like space and nirvana, while affirming the ultimate emptiness and transcendence of dharmas beyond existence and non-existence.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A concept denoting a true nature of dharmas that transcends both existence and non-existence, affirming their ultimate emptiness.[1] (2) The manner of being of the dharmas (dharmanam tathata), the dharma nature (dharmata), and the stability of dharmas (dharmasthitita) is eternal, irrespective of the existence of Buddhas.[2] (3) Aspects or categories that are viewed as unchanging and everlasting such as space and nirvana.[3] (4) An eternal dharma refers to a type of existence discussed by heretics and Buddhist disciples, where some of these eternal dharmas are the same, such as space (akasha) and nirvana.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The everlasting principles and truths taught by the Buddha that guide practitioners on their path.[5] (2) The everlasting essence of the Buddha's teachings that transcends time and place.[6]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The unchanging and fundamental teachings or truths that exist outside of temporal reality.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Eternal dharmas'
Eternal Dharma in Hinduism embodies unchanging moral laws and duties guiding individuals towards righteousness, devotion to God, and ethical conduct, transcending time and societal contexts, ultimately leading to spiritual fulfillment and the protection of the vulnerable.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) A personified representation of righteousness, remembered by the narrator in connection with their endeavor.[8] (2) The unchanging set of moral principles and duties that govern the right conduct in life, respected throughout the ages.[9] (3) Righteous conduct as laid out in ancient texts, which is to be followed according to one's caste and life stage.[10] (4) The moral law or duty that is everlasting and central to spiritual practices and observances.[11] (5) The moral and righteous conduct that is performed on Akshayatritiya, satisfying the Devas, sages, and Pitris.[12]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Represents the moral and ethical order that underpins Rama's role as king, highlighting the importance of fairness and righteousness.[13] (2) The moral law that guides actions, permitting ruthless deeds for those appointed to protect their subjects.[14] (3) An unwritten duty based on moral and ethical righteousness that guides the actions of individuals.[15] (4) The moral duty that Shri Rama urges his mother to follow, emphasizing the importance of service to her husband.[16]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) The unchanging moral and spiritual principles governing the behavior of individuals in society.[17] (2) The timeless principles and practices that guide spiritual life, including Jnana, Kriya, Carya, and Yoga.[18] (3) The principle that those seeking refuge should be protected, guiding the sage's decision to help Vrinda.[19]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The unchanging moral law or way of life that, according to the text, can be found where the figure of Jina is present.[20] (2) Timeless principles or duties associated with righteousness, emphasizing the significance of a wife’s devotion to her husband.[21]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) The unchanging principle of righteousness upheld by the Lord.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The everlasting principle of righteousness, embodied by Yudhishthira in the text.[23]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The unchanging moral order that dictates that women should serve their husbands regardless of their nature.[24]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The eternal duty or spiritual nature of living beings, which involves loving devotion to God (bhakti).[25] (2) The everlasting principle of devotion that guides individuals towards spiritual truth and their ultimate purpose.[26]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The intrinsic duty and loving service towards Krishna, which re-establishes living entities in their true nature.[27] (2) the fundamental duty of the soul to engage in loving service to the Supreme, which provides lasting fulfillment.[28]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The unchanging moral laws that govern the proper conduct and duties of individuals in pursuit of salvation.[29] (2) The immutable principles of righteousness that govern the spiritual practices worth adhering to across ages.[30]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The timeless principles that guide the actions of Brahmins and believers in adhering to spiritual practices to destroy sins.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The unchanging principles of morality and duty that guide human conduct across different times and contexts.[32]