Significance of Fear of separation

Fear of separation is a profound emotional distress experienced across various philosophies and texts. In Jainism, it relates to the anxiety linked to distancing from a beloved mentor. In Arthashastra, it involves the anguish of being apart from a loved one. Vaishnavism illustrates this through Devaki's fears for her son and Radha's emotional turmoil over Krishna. The Purana highlights Rukmini's intense anxiety due to a curse. Similarly, Kavya and Kavyashastra depict characters like Damayanti and others grappling with the dread of separation from cherished ones.

Synonyms: Emotional distress, Fear of abandonment

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

Hindu concept of 'Fear of separation'

Hinduism Books

Fear of separation in Hinduism encapsulates the anxiety and emotional turmoil felt by characters like Radha, Devaki, Rukmini, and Damayanti due to their profound attachments, reflecting the deep emotional connections and apprehensions about losing loved ones.

Significance of Fear of separation in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) The emotion experienced by Radha and Krishna as they dread the end of their time together and the necessity of separating.^[1] (2) The apprehension that arises in Shri Radha due to her distance from Krishna, intensified by her emotional turmoil.^[2]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The anxiety experienced by a mother, in this case, Devaki, regarding being apart from her son.^[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Fear of separation in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):

Kavyashastra Books

From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana

(1) An emotional response characterized by anxiety and dread regarding being distanced from someone cherished.^[4] (2) The apprehension about losing sight of a loved one, showcasing the intensity of attachment.^[5]

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Significance of Fear of separation in Kavya (poetry):

Kavya Books

From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha

(1) An emotional state experienced by Damayanti, reflecting her dread when contemplating being apart from Nala.^[6]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance of Fear of separation in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Skanda Purana

(1) The intense anxiety experienced by Rukmini due to the curse, illustrating emotional turmoil linked to relationships and attachment.^[7]

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.

Significance of Fear of separation in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):

Arthashastra Books

From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)

(1) The anxiety that arises from the thought of being apart from a loved one.^[8]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Fear of separation'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Fear of separation encapsulates the emotional distress felt when anticipating separation from a cherished mentor or teacher, highlighting the deep emotional bonds and attachment formed within these spiritual relationships.

Significance of Fear of separation in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The emotional distress experienced when anticipating being distanced from a beloved mentor or teacher.^[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.

Last Updated: 27 October, 2024