Significance of Eternal law
Eternal law represents the unchanging and fundamental principles governing moral and ethical behavior across various philosophies, including Jainism and Hinduism. It emphasizes righteousness, the duties of individuals, and the universal moral framework that ensures societal harmony. Recognized in religious texts like the Vedas and Purana, these everlasting principles guide individuals in their spiritual practices and day-to-day conduct. Sanatana Dharma, often associated with eternal law, encapsulates these immutable rules, outlining responsibilities that contribute to cosmic order and human well-being.
Synonyms: Divine law, Natural law, Universal law, Fundamental law, Everlasting law, Cosmic law, Absolute law
In Dutch: Eeuwige wet; In Finnish: Ikuinen laki; In Spanish: Ley eterna; In German: Ewiges Gesetz; In Malay: Undang-undang yang kekal; In Swedish: Evig lag; In French: Loi éternelle; In Portugese: Lei eterna; In Italian: Legge eterna; In Polish: Prawo wieczne
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 law'
Eternal law in Buddhism encompasses universal natural laws that govern existence and enlightenment, guiding Bodhisattvas towards supreme understanding. It emphasizes truths like the inevitability of death and the need for compassion to overcome hatred.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A truth that applies universally to all beings, particularly the inevitability of death.[1]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A fundamental principle stating that hatred cannot be dissolved by hatred, but rather by its opposite, developing an understanding of love or compassion.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Universal laws of nature and existence as described by the Buddha, which govern life and enlightenment.[3]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The eternal law is something that the Bodhisattvas produce enlightened thought by the acquirement of acquiescence in, and it awakens us to supreme, perfect enlightenment, as mentioned in the text.[4]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) A perception that the Buddhist values, along with submission to it, gentleness, and pity.[5] (2) Hatred is appeased by non-hatred; this is the eternal law, as stated in the provided text, which is a key concept.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Eternal law'
Eternal law in Hinduism represents unchanging, universal principles governing morality and duties, influencing conduct across society, guiding spiritual practices, and ensuring righteousness in actions, as emphasized through teachings in the Vedas and cosmic order.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Principles that govern dharma and morality, emphasized as critical for the King’s decisions.[7] (2) The rule established by the Gods regarding the relationships of Apsaras, implying permanence and universal application.[8] (3) A principle that dictates that to a wife, her husband is revered as a deity regardless of his virtues or flaws.[9]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The unchanging decrees set forth by the divine will that apply to all forms of creation.[10] (2) Universal principles governing actions and consequences beyond individual control.[11]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The enduring principles that guide the moral and ethical conduct of beings across the universe.[12] (2) The unchanging principles that govern cosmic order and behavior.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Refers to the moral and ethical principles that govern behavior and duty throughout time.[14]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The foundational and unchanging laws that govern the responsibilities and behaviors expected from different social classes, particularly the Duties of the King.[15] (2) The law laid down in the Veda, which is considered unchanging and everlasting.[16] (3) The overarching principles derived from the Vedas that dictate the proper conduct regarding eating and sacrifices.[17] (4) The concept that certain actions, even if performed by some, do not align with universal truths or principles.[18] (5) Fundamental principles or rules believed to be universal and unchanging within the context of religious doctrine.[19]
Jain concept of 'Eternal law'
In Jainism, Eternal law represents unchanging principles that steer ethical behavior and moral conduct, serving as timeless guidelines for individuals in their spiritual and worldly interactions.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The fundamental principles that do not change over time and guide ethical behavior.[20]
The concept of Eternal law in local and regional sources
Eternal law, synonymous with Sanatana Dharma, embodies immutable ethical principles guiding moral conduct and spiritual practices, emphasizing self-sacrifice over self-assertion and the universal truths of existence, as explored in Vedic texts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Eternal law states that suffering is the mark of the human tribe, an indispensable condition of our being, with progress measured by the amount of suffering undergone.[21] (2) The eternal law of morality, or dharma, is a concept unknown in Christianity, while karma constrains freedom of will in Hinduism, based on past actions.[22] (3) Western musical theory offers no solution to the sruti problem, it is only from Nature and from the ancients who alone understood her that India can once more discover the truth of music–the eternal law of modes.[23] (4) This concept is the same as Sanatana Dharma, and it is what Buddha spoke about, as well as the previous Buddhas, who had the illumination.[24] (5) This book by Sri R. Krishnaswamy Aiyar explains the principles of Sanatana Dharma, which provides the means to realize the objectives of life, knowledge, and enjoyment as described in the Vedas.[25]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are described as existing within every soul and expressing themselves, as the text indicates, and are not external to the individual.[26] (2) The text states that the eternal law is self-sacrifice, not self-assertion, suggesting that giving of oneself is a fundamental principle.[27] (3) This law suggests that one must earn everything they obtain, as the accumulation of wealth through unfair means will eventually lead to trouble.[28] (4) This refers to a constant principle that the children of light never do so, unlike the ordinary man.[29] (5) Eternal law is the guiding principle that shapes and directs eternal life, offering chances for everyone.[30]
The concept of Eternal law in scientific sources
Eternal law, in regional contexts, encompasses God's natural law. Irrational beings engage with eternal law through the law of nature, also known as physical law, demonstrating its pervasive influence.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Eternal law of God, which is called natural law, the irrational creatures participate in the eternal law, and that participation is called the law of nature or the physical law.[31]
Classical concept of 'Eternal law'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) The gods of the seven polestars were figured as 'the seven arms of the balance' in the maat of eternal law and justice.[32] (2) Eternal law is associated with working with the goddess Ma, who represents Egyptian Wisdom, and it denotes that creation happens according to an undeviating rule.[33]