Significance of Exertion

Exertion in Jainism refers to the efforts or actions taken by individuals to achieve a desired status. In Mahayana, Exertion encompasses various meanings: it signifies effort directed towards spiritual practices for enlightenment, represents a key concept of sustained practice, and is inherent in all good dharmas, leading to the realization of Prajnaparamita. Additionally, it embodies the bodhisattva's effort necessary to overcome laziness and progress on the spiritual path, symbolized by actively paddling toward one's goals.

Synonyms: Effort, Strain, Struggle, Toil, Work, Performance, Application

In Dutch: Inspanning; In Finnish: Rasitus; In Spanish: Esfuerzo

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

Buddhist concept of 'Exertion'

Buddhism Books

Exertion in Buddhism encompasses the necessary effort to overcome laziness, cultivate good dharmas, and achieve enlightenment. It represents sustained practice, highlighted by the metaphor of paddling, symbolizing the dedication required for spiritual progress.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

(1) Exertion is a dharma that has effort as its characteristic.[1] (2) The effort put forth by individuals, which is portrayed as ineffective in evading the inevitability of death.[2] (3) A member of enlightenment that emphasizes active engagement in practices that cultivate virtue.[3] (4) Symbolized by the act of paddling with hands and feet, highlighting the effort required to achieve spiritual progress.[4] (5) A quality that exists within all good dharmas and contributes to the realization of them; when truly understood, it leads to the attainment of Prajnaparamita.[5]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

(1) The physical or mental effort put into an activity or task.[6]

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

(1) The effort and energy put forth in spiritual practice and the pursuit of enlightenment.[7]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Exertion'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Exertion encompasses the efforts of warriors in battle, highlighting the interplay between human actions and Fate, as well as the challenges faced despite their endeavors and the unfolding dynamics of the conflict.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) The exertions of the warriors are mentioned in the context of the battle, and the actions of Fate, and the frustration of these exertions, and the overall events of the battle.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Exertion'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Exertion signifies the efforts exerted by individuals to attain specific aspirations or states, emphasizing the importance of personal actions and commitment in one’s spiritual journey and development.

Significance in Jainism (general):

(1) Efforts or actions taken by an individual to achieve a certain status or condition.[9]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Exertions.