Significance of Great forest
The Great forest, across various interpretations in Jainism, South Asia, Vastushastra, and other traditions, signifies a vast and dense wooded area rich in symbolism and narrative importance. It serves as the backdrop for significant events, representing challenges, spiritual growth, and the complexities of life. The forest embodies both a literal location filled with wildlife and metaphorical meanings, symbolizing obstacles in one's journey and the pursuit of enlightenment, showcasing its multifaceted significance in cultural and religious stories.
Synonyms: Extensive forest, Thick forest, Extensive jungle, Vast forest, Dense forest
In Dutch: Groot bos
In Finnish: Hieno metsä
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great forest'
The Great Forest in Buddhism symbolizes a multifaceted landscape of natural beauty, tranquility, and challenges. It serves as a backdrop for spiritual practice, teachings, and the journey of the Bodhisatta, embodying life's obstacles and virtues like patience and loving-kindness.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The location where the Blessed One retreated after ordaining two hundred and fifty youths.[1] (2) The setting near Vesali where the Master lived in a gabled house.[2] (3) The wilderness that separates the kingdom of Magadha from neighboring kingdoms, serving as a setting for the stories told by the Master.[3] (4) Symbolizes the obstacles and temptations one must navigate in life, particularly those that can lead one astray from their goals.[4] (5) The setting where the Bodhisatta leads his caravan, hinting at the risks and dangers associated with the journey through unfamiliar territories.[5]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) The dense woodlands of Lanka that were abundant before the introduction of Buddhism.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The setting where the events unfolded, where Kshanti practiced his teachings.[7] (2) The setting where the rishi Kshantirshi practiced his virtues of patience and loving-kindness, a place of tranquility and natural beauty.[8]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A large and beautiful forest near the sea-coast, filled with divers groves and various colorful trees loaded with flowers and fruits.[9]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A setting in Vesali where the Buddha engaged in meditation and teachings, representing tranquility and insight.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Great forest'
In Hinduism, the Great forest symbolizes multifaceted meanings, such as isolation, spiritual refuge, and the vast nature of Brahman. It serves as a backdrop for significant struggles, enlightenment, and encounters with the divine throughout various narratives.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Symbolizes the hardships and trials endured, implying a connection to suffering and survival.[11] (2) The location where Yudhishthira and his brothers are present, experiencing both joy and grief.[12] (3) The vast woods where the Pandavas lived after losing their kingdom.[13] (4) The Dvaita woods, described as a place filled with Brahmanas and sacredness due to Vedic recitations.[14] (5) A metaphorical reference to a place of exile or isolation, emphasizing the struggle for virtue.[15]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Describes the setting in the Gauda country where significant events related to the brahmana occurred.[16] (2) The location significant for spiritual undertakings and home to various events described in the Ramayana.[17] (3) A setting that symbolizes wilderness and adventure, potentially filled with challenges.[18] (4) The location where Sita is to be left, symbolizing isolation and abandonment.[19] (5) The place where Madhava went hunting with an army of four divisions, leading to his encounter with a beautiful woman.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The wild, expansive area where Sita and Lakshmana find themselves, fraught with danger and uncertainty.[21] (2) The setting where Vaishravana practiced severe asceticism and underwent heavy penances.[22] (3) The natural environment observed by Hanuman during his childhood, signifying his connection to nature.[23] (4) The destination of Rama’s exile, representing a significant change in his life and duties.[24] (5) The location where Shveta undertakes severe penances and austerities for spiritual attainment.[25]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The desolate environment Nala traversed after abandoning Damayanti, marked by wild beasts and solitude.[26] (2) The location where the cursed King Kalasha, transformed into a tiger, lost memory of his past and hunted other animals.[27] (3) A vast and dense area filled with trees and vegetation, often considered a wild and untamed natural space.[28] (4) The original habitat from which the Mriga Tirtha emerged, full of various animals and birds.[29] (5) The intimidating and desolate forest devoid of human beings where Dharmaraja sees the beautiful lady.[30]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An untouched and remote area that signifies the wilderness beyond the mountains.[31] (2) The significant natural landscape that Lavana intended to explore after dreaming about its existence.[32] (3) An allegory for the universe where all beings are produced as fruits based on their past deeds.[33] (4) A metaphor for the vast amount of knowledge that individuals must navigate in their quest for understanding.[34]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Metaphorically represents the vast realm or complexities of challenges faced by the gods.[35] (2) The wilderness where the hunter engaged in cruel activities and sought to hunt for food.[36] (3) The location where Prishadhra, after being cursed, sought refuge and practiced Yoga.[37]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A large and magnificent forest filled with various trees and flowers, where many scenes unfold.[38] (2) The setting where Khaninetra hunts and interacts with the deer, highlighting his isolation during the hunt.[39] (3) The place where King Uttama's wife was wandering after being abandoned.[40]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A conception of the Brahman likened to an expansive and profound natural environment.[41] (2) A symbolic place that represents ultimate knowledge and enlightenment, where one finds tranquility and emancipation.[42]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The setting where Krishna and Rama engaged in their playful activities with nature and animals.[43]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A place where the villagers wish to relocate in order to live happily and let their kine roam freely.[44]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The expansive natural area where Shura and his companions hunted different kinds of animals.[45]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A symbol of the dire illusion and challenges of mundane existence (Samsara), filled with pain and suffering.[46]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) large expanses of wooded areas, indicating rich natural surroundings.[47] (2) A reference to the vastness and significance of the natural setting where the events are taking place.[48] (3) The vast area in which the sounds of musical instruments and anklebells were present, influencing Durvasa's meditation.[49] (4) Refers to the significant forests that Krishna gazed at, specifically Bhadravana, Khadiravana, and Bilvavana.[50] (5) The setting described in the text, where the Lord is seen by the women, contributing to the enchantment they experience.[51]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A substantial and dense area of trees and wildlife, described in the text as being filled with various large predators.[52] (2) Describes the vastness and significance of Talavana, highlighting its abundance of palm trees.[53]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The wilderness where the cowherdesses searched for Krishna, symbolic of their emotional journey.[54] (2) A reference to the natural setting where the story takes place.[55]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The challenging forest of the Vindhya range that Shaktideva traverses during his search for the Golden City.[56] (2) A vast natural area where Naravahanadatta, accompanied by only Gomukha, goes hunting.[57] (3) The natural habitat where Mrigankadatta and his allies prepare for their mission.[58]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) The great forest Vindhyaranya is described in both the kavyas, highlighting its significance in the stories.[59]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Large wooded areas defined in the text, known as mahavanas, which serve as significant land features.[60]
Jain concept of 'Great forest'
In Jainism, the Great Forest symbolizes life's challenges and obstacles, serving as a metaphor for worldly existence filled with hardships, adventures, and significant encounters that shape one's spiritual journey.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A challenging environment representing obstacles that must be traversed in the journey of life.[61] (2) A large wooded area on Mt. Jvalana where significant events of the story take place.[62] (3) A significant location where Nayasara encounters the sadhus, serving as the backdrop for the events of the story.[63] (4) A large and intimidating forest described as a secret playground of the god Samavartin.[64] (5) The location where Rama and his companions took shelter during the rainy season.[65]
The concept of Great forest in local and regional sources
The Great Forest symbolizes isolation, introspection, and natural beauty, serving as a backdrop for significant events such as wildlife rescue, perilous travel, and poignant family moments, enhancing its mystique and relevance in the region's narratives.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The great forest located to the north-east of the Naga dwelling is described in the context of traveling through the area.[66] (2) The extensive wooded areas that lie between Udra and the kingdom of Kong-u-t'o.[67] (3) A significant natural area near the sangharama and stupas, adding to the mystique of the location.[68] (4) A dense area filled with wild animals and dangers, making travel perilous.[69] (5) A large wooded area that is situated to the north of the city, contributing to the natural landscape.[70]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The location where the Princes stop to rest after their escape, which also becomes significant in their story.[71] (2) The location where the man takes his daughter to look at her head and ultimately ties her to a tree.[72]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The location to the north of Vaisali where a vihara with a two-storied tower is situated.[73]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A natural, vast area symbolizing isolation and introspection, where one seeks solace away from worldly distractions.[74] (2) The wilderness where the oxen ran, reflecting a chaotic and untamed environment.[75] (3) A very large area of trees that Narsi Meheta noticed while traveling four miles from his village.[76]