Significance of Eternal form
Eternal form is a profound concept within various spiritual traditions, emphasizing an existence that transcends time and impermanence. In Tibetan Buddhism, it represents the unchanging essence of the soul and the persistent nature of divine forms, while in Vaishnavism, it refers to the everlasting, blissful identity of divine figures like Krishna and Vishnu. Additionally, other traditions such as Vedanta and Yoga highlight this notion through the timeless representations of the ultimate reality. Overall, Eternal form signifies a permanent spiritual state unaffected by the material world.
In Dutch: Eeuwige vorm
In Finnish: Ikuinen muoto
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 form'
Eternal form in Buddhism signifies a timeless essence beyond transient cognition, representing a constant substance and the ultimate state of Emancipation attained by transcending material impermanence, characterized by permanence and indestructibility.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A state of being characterized by permanence and the absence of destruction over time.[1] (2) An aspect that represents the enduring essence of the 'soul', separate from transient states of cognition.[2] (3) The concept that the form of the pramana exists constantly, despite not being perceivable at all times.[3] (4) The unending and constant nature represented in the form of substance.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The Eternal form of Emancipation is the state achieved after enduring the non-eternal aspects of material form.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Eternal form'
Eternal form in Hinduism signifies the divine, unchanging essence of Lord Vishnu and other deities, emphasizing their timeless nature and spiritual permanence, contrasting with transient material existence and highlighting the supreme, everlasting identity perceived by devotees.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The everlasting, unchanging essence of the Supreme Lord, in contrast to temporary material forms.[6] (2) The concept that living entities possess a permanent identity, which is countered by the Mayavadi belief in the illusory nature of material forms.[7] (3) The various incarnations and manifestations of the Supreme Lord in which He interacts with the material world.[8] (4) The divine form of the Supreme Lord, which is eternal and is contrasted against the impersonal understanding of God, emphasizing the uniqueness of the Lord's appearance.[9] (5) The unchanging and transcendental embodiment of the divine as perceived by devotees, which aligns with their thoughts of the Lord.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A form that exists outside of time, representing timelessness and permanence.[11] (2) A permanent and unchanging spiritual manifestation.[12] (3) Refers to the timeless and unchanging embodiment of the divine, specifically in the context of Sanatana.[13] (4) The perpetual and unchanging essence or shape of the divine being.[14] (5) The everlasting and unchanging physical representation of Krishna.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The eternal, unchanging representations of Krsna and Radha that exist beyond the temporal world.[16] (2) Describes the everlasting and divine shape or representation of Lord Hari as that of a child.[17] (3) Refers to the timeless and everlasting nature of Sri Yamuna.[18]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The two svarupas that a soul attains: one for serving in the pastimes of Mahaprabhu and the other with Shri Krishna.[19] (2) The unchanging and everlasting spiritual identity or manifestation of Gurudeva, described as a manjari.[20]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The unchangeable and everlasting essence of Shri Bhagavan, distinct from the temporary material forms.[21] (2) The concept that Shri Krishna's true form is uncreated and everlasting, contrary to material perceptions of creation.[22]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Inhabitants of Vaikuntha have forms that are everlasting and not subject to physical decay or illusion.[23]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to Narayana’s infinite aspects that appear in various species and forms across creation.[24] (2) Alludes to the everlasting nature of Krishna's divine presence as it appears in spiritual practices.[25] (3) Krishna’s divine and unchanging nature showcased to Bhishma due to his deep devotion.[26]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the unchanging and everlasting nature of the divine being described.[27]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The unchanging and infinite nature of the Lord, who encompasses the universe.[28]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The unchanging spiritual forms of Vishnu and Rudra, suggesting their timeless nature.[29]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The timeless and unchanging representation of the lord in the devotee’s meditation.[30]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The timeless essence of the goddess that transcends physical existence.[31]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The unchanging essence of the liberated self that continues to exist distinct from worldly identities.[32] (2) The ultimate essence of Parabrahman, indicating an everlasting and divine reality that devotees seek to unite with.[33] (3) The aspect of Parabrahman’s form that is unchanging and everlasting, demonstrating consistency in his divine presence across manifestations.[34] (4) The concept that Parabrahman has an eternal divine human form that transcends temporal limitations.[35] (5) The belief that Parabrahman possesses a divine form that exists permanently, unaffected by material limitations.[36]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The unchanging and timeless aspect of Brahman, which persists beyond practices and knowledge.[37]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Represents an unchanging state that preserves its nature across time.[38]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) These forms convey the sense of timelessness and unchanging reality, opposing impermanence.[39] (2) The everlasting essence or existence of something, as applied to 'rajoguna' which facilitates action in an enduring manner.[40]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Concepts in ancient philosophy reflecting the idea that all things have eternal and immaterial patterns from which they derive.[41]
The concept of Eternal form in local and regional sources
Eternal form embodies the pursuit of timeless truths in art, transcending fleeting appearances. In Indian art, it conveys universal ideals, encapsulating enduring concepts that resonate beyond temporal and spatial limits, reflecting a lasting essence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Eternal form in Indian art expresses concepts and ideas that transcend time and space, capturing an everlasting essence.[42] (2) The idea that art seeks to reveal timeless truths and universal ideals rather than transient appearances.[43]