Significance of Great austerities
Great austerities in Vaishnavism, Purana, Yoga, Dharmashastra, and Pancaratra encompass intense spiritual practices and self-discipline aimed at achieving spiritual growth and enlightenment. These austerities involve significant efforts in devotion, penance, and rigorous disciplines performed by various figures, including sages, devotees, and ascetics, to attain higher states of realization or divine favor. Such practices reflect a serious commitment to spirituality, highlighting the transformative nature of these efforts in the pursuit of a closer connection with the divine.
Synonyms: Rigorous asceticism, Severe hardships, Extreme asceticism, Intense austerities
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Great austerities'
Great austerities in Hinduism encompass severe self-discipline and intense spiritual practices aimed at spiritual growth, enlightenment, and higher states of consciousness, often portrayed through the dedication of various sages and ascetics.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Intense spiritual practices engaged in by Bhargava to attain power and wisdom.[1] (2) Intense religious practices performed by Sage Vamadeva who aimed to liberate King Viradhanva from his accumulated sins.[2] (3) Severe spiritual practices and renunciations undertaken by Jaigishavya to seek divine vision and grace.[3] (4) Severe self-discipline practices undertaken for spiritual growth and mastery over one's mind and desires.[4] (5) Stringent practices aimed at spiritual purification and attainment of higher states of consciousness.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) High levels of self-discipline and penance practiced by saints such as Markandeya.[6] (2) Intense self-discipline and practices aimed at spiritual development that Jamadagni is known for.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The rigorous spiritual practices performed by sages, highlighting that even those who practice can be affected by karma.[8] (2) Intense spiritual practices performed by Vishvamitra that led to his transformation into a rishi.[9]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Severe self-discipline practices undertaken by Narishyanta while in the forest.[10] (2) Severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, which Dama mentions should be practiced fearlessly.[11]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Severe self-discipline and renunciation practiced for spiritual growth, especially by Aditi.[12] (2) Intense spiritual practices performed by Prachinavarhis and Pracetas to achieve significant outcomes.[13]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Intense spiritual practices that Bhavasharma performed while chanting the half-shloka from the Eighth Chapter, indicating dedication to spiritual growth.[14]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) These rites were practiced by the Pracetases as they lived in the ocean for an extended time.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Significant spiritual practices and sacrifices that involve intense self-discipline and devotion.[16] (2) Significant spiritual practices or hardships undertaken to achieve a higher state of realization or divine favor.[17] (3) Special practices or efforts undertaken with great intensity, aimed at spiritual advancement or purification.[18] (4) Refers to the significant spiritual practices and penances performed by Nanda and Yashoda.[19] (5) significant efforts or practices of self-discipline and spiritual practice[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A significant effort in spiritual practice that leads to the devotion experienced by the gopas and gopis.[21]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The severe spiritual practices that Dhruva undertook, leading him to potential exalted positions.[22]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Significant spiritual practices or disciplines undertaken to achieve a higher state of consciousness or enlightenment.[23]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Intense spiritual practices performed by Vrikasura to gain a boon from Shri Shiva, demonstrating the serious nature of his intentions.[24]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to significant self-discipline practices, including the collection of food solely on a daily basis.[25] (2) Refers to the severe self-discipline and fasts practiced by Bharadvaja.[26] (3) Intense practices of self-discipline and penance that enhance the spiritual stature of Brahmanas, paralleling their learning.[27]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Very intense forms of self-discipline or rigorous practice aimed at achieving spiritual goals.[28]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A term for universal practices that must be observed without exception, implying ethical restrictions that extend beyond mere ritual or belief.[29]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) Intense spiritual practices aimed at achieving higher states of consciousness and devotion.[30]