Significance of Eternity
Synonyms: Forever, Infinity, Perpetuity, Timelessness, Everlastingness, Endlessness, Immortality, Continuance
In Dutch: Eeuwigheid; In Finnish: Ikuisuus; In Spanish: Eternidad; In German: Ewigkeit; In Malay: Keabadian; In Swedish: Evighet; In French: Éternité; In Portugese: Eternidade; In Italian: Eternità; In Polish: Wieczność
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eternity'
In Buddhism, Eternity denotes an unbeginning, unending existence linked to the Tathagata's ultimate nature, contrasting with the transient five aggregates, and signifies the everlasting quality absent in conditioned dharmas.
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Eternity is a concept about which individuals may have doubts, according to the text, implying that its true nature is a subject of deep inquiry and understanding.[1] (2) The aspect of existence that is without beginning or end, often associated with the ultimate nature of the Tathagata.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Referred to as shashvata, of the dharmas is unnecessary, similar to their cessation, which is why the Buddha did not answer certain questions.[3] (2) The quality of being everlasting; in this context, it refers to the absence in conditioned dharmas.[4]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) This is a topic of doctrinal discussion within the Khandha Vagga, and is contrasted with the impermanent nature of the five aggregates, as mentioned in the text.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Eternity'
In Hinduism, Eternity signifies a timeless, unbound existence associated with the Absolute, exemplifying infinite duration, transcendent states of being, and the essential quality of Om, which symbolizes infinity and absence of beginning or end.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The quality or state of being timeless, understood as 'being present in all time'.[6]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The state of existence that is timeless and unbound, associated with the Absolute.[7]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The state of being eternal or enduring forever, which is negated by the belief in duality and origination.[8]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The state of existing outside of time; infinite or unending duration.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A quality of Shri Bhagavan, who is also characterized by knowledge and bliss, making it impossible to interact with Him in a material body.[10]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) An "eternity" represents a vast and immeasurable expanse of time, during which all things were lost in a state of virtual naught before the Lord's restorative actions.[11]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Characterizes Om as eternal, representing infinity and having no beginning or end, symbolized by its circular form.[12]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The state of being that Bhishma united himself with after his life-breaths rose to heaven, highlighting the transcendence of his soul.[13]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) It cannot exist with variety and modifiability, as that which is modifiable cannot also be eternal or spiritual.[14] (2) This refers to the state of existing forever, without a beginning or end; the text uses this in connection with desire, which is the reason for the lack of a beginning.[15]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Concept implying a state of timelessness, where offering-material provides long-standing satisfaction.[16]
Jain concept of 'Eternity'
In Jainism, Eternity signifies the persistent existence and naming of regions such as Bharata, which are considered to be eternal and causeless, reflecting the philosophy of unchanging existence within the Jain belief system.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The concept that the names and existence of the regions like Bharata have been perpetually prevalent and without cause.[17]
The concept of Eternity in local and regional sources
Eternity encompasses infinite duration, timeless existence, and a transcendence beyond mortality. It relates to concepts in poetry, divine existence, and creates lasting legacies, as reflected in the works of Dickinson and the legacy of Ramakotiswara Rau.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) "Eternity" suggests a seemingly endless period, which "had ended", implying a sense of resolution and the fulfillment of a prolonged hope or desire.[18] (2) It is associated with the temporal realm, indicating a boundless duration, representing a concept of unending extension within the dimensions of existence.[19] (3) It represents a timeless quality, suggesting that artistry and existence are not bound by temporal constraints, stretching from the beginning to the potential end.[20] (4) Eternity is given place as time stands still in the poet's eyes, as love spreads its wings, embracing the Universe in its entirety.[21] (5) It is the nature and goal of the soul, as indicated in the text.[22]
The concept of Eternity in scientific sources
Eternity, in classical theism, defines God's existence outside of time, contrasting with everlasting existence within time. God transcends temporal limitations.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) God’s eternity is both immanent in and transcendent of the created time and space, as the Trinitarian history of creation and salvation reflects the freedom and love of God.[23] (2) The highest virtue of dao is softness, which implicitly indicates the inner grounds of its characteristic.[24] (3) It is a feature of classical theism, in the sense not of God existing everlastingly throughout all of time, but rather of God existing outside of time altogether.[25]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) It is a main trait of the soul, and the soul is eternal and immortal; the soul is free from evolutionary changes because it is eternal.[26]
Classical concept of 'Eternity'
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) A concept associated with Osiris, who traverses it, and whose existence endures for ever, suggesting a timeless and unending quality.[27] (2) Eternity is connected to the speaker's soul, which is also described as god, indicating a divine and timeless essence within the speaker.[28] (3) The text mentions a lord of eternity whose forms are hidden and dwelling-places are unknown, and speaks of millions of years, untold ages, and living forever.[29] (4) Eternity is attributed to the maker, emphasizing the everlasting and timeless nature of the deity's power and influence.[30] (5) Eternity is mentioned as the realm of Osiris's lord, and Ani desires to come into the land of eternity, the everlasting land.[31]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) The state of existence of the Deity, which is considered blessed due to the universal knowledge that accompanies it, as explained in the provided material.[32] (2) Eternity is a domain of Osiris, who is the Lord of eternity, with his domain reaching far into Ta-tchesert.[33]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) The period of the god's life is referred to as eternity, representing a state of existence that is without end or beginning, as the god abides on the horizon.[34]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) Eternity is referenced in the text in the context of cries to Ra to open the earth and traverse Amenta and sky, highlighting a longing for deliverance from darkness.[35]
From: The Book of Gates
(1) It is a concept linked to the eastern mountain of the sky, which is described as the eater of this concept. The great god emerges at the location.[36]