Significance of Great grief
Great grief is a central theme across various philosophies and narratives, depicting intense emotional pain resulting from separation and loss. In Jainism, it reflects the sorrow of the Cakravartin and Rama during Sita's absence. In Vaishnavism, individuals like the Alvar and inhabitants of Navadvipa express profound sorrow due to the absence of the divine. The concept also resonates within Purana, illustrating emotional turmoil among characters experiencing personal losses. Overall, Great grief manifests as a significant emotional response to tragic experiences across cultural contexts.
Synonyms: Profound sorrow, Profound sadness, Deep mourning
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 grief'
Great grief in Buddhism signifies deep sorrow stemming from personal loss, illustrated by Kisagotami's mourning for her son, a king's fear of losing the Bodhisattva, and King Assaka's prolonged lament for Queen Ubbari.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The deep sorrow and lamentation experienced by king Assaka following the death of his queen Ubbari, which lasted several days.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The intense sorrow Kisagotami felt after the death of her son.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The profound sorrow experienced by the king upon the thought of losing his son, the Bodhisattva.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Great grief'
In Hinduism, Great grief encompasses profound emotional turmoil stemming from significant losses, particularly related to family and loved ones, as illustrated through various characters' experiences of sorrow and longing throughout the narratives.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The deep sorrow experienced by king Dhritarashtra due to the deaths of significant figures in the battles, impacting his emotional state.[4] (2) The emotional state experienced by the nurses of Dasarnakas upon discovering the deception regarding Sikhandin.[5] (3) The profound sorrow experienced by Vasuki due to the losses inflicted by the snake-sacrifice.[6] (4) A profound sense of sorrow or mourning, especially in response to a death or significant loss.[7] (5) The profound sorrow and emotional pain experienced by Krishna due to her circumstances and the injustices she faced.[8]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The deep sorrow felt by Shatrughna upon hearing Pushkala's defeat in battle.[9] (2) The emotional pain experienced by Parvati due to the loss of her sons, impacting her mental state.[10] (3) The intense emotional pain that Lalita experiences upon seeing her husband transformed into a demon.[11] (4) The emotional turmoil felt by the brahmana after the death of his son.[12] (5) The profound sorrow experienced by Rama, which reflects on his emotional state due to societal perceptions.[13]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Intense sorrow experienced by characters like Simantini due to loss, illustrating the emotional struggles faced in the narrative.[14] (2) Severe sadness experienced in life stages and frequently recurring during wakefulness and other states.[15] (3) Deep sorrow experienced by the speaker over the death of his beloved wife, Mrigavati.[16] (4) The overwhelming sadness Candasharman feels as he faces his situation.[17] (5) The profound sorrow felt by Rama at the thought of losing Hanuman.[18]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A deep emotional pain experienced by Mena due to her concerns regarding her daughter's marriage.[19] (2) The emotional response of the sages and the gods when faced with the chaos caused by the incident involving Shiva.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A profound feeling of sorrow experienced by Lakshmana due to the circumstances he faces.[21]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The intense sorrow experienced by Bhanda, leading to his emotional turmoil and subsequent anger.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The emotional pain of Manorama regarding her friends who were affected by the same curse.[23]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The profound sorrow experienced, as indicated by the stork's white body, which symbolizes the effects of separation and loss.[24] (2) The profound sorrow experienced by the Alvar due to the non-realization of the desired union with the Lord.[25] (3) An expression of the intense sorrow experienced by the speaker due to separation from the Lord.[26]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A profound sadness experienced at the time of death, particularly within family contexts.[27] (2) Intense sorrow that impacts the group, as they mourn the absence of the divine.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A significant emotional pain experienced during the absence of Shri Bhagavan.[29] (2) A strong emotion of sorrow and anguish felt by Padmavati upon reflecting on Shri Krishna's sacrifices and the treatment he received.[30]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The intense sorrow experienced by the inhabitants of Navadvipa due to Lord Gaura's departure.[31]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A state of deep sorrow experienced by the Pandoos and the Roroos in reaction to the distressing events surrounding Satrajit's death.[32]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The profound sadness felt by King Shantanu due to the separation from his beloved wife and the challenges of raising a child alone.[33]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Significant suffering or distress experienced by individuals as a consequence of their ignorance and misdirected paths.[34]
Jain concept of 'Great grief'
In Jainism, Great grief symbolizes the deep emotional suffering experienced by figures like the Cakravartin and Rama, highlighting themes of loss and longing, particularly in relation to separation from loved ones.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The profound sorrow felt by Rama during his search, as he reflects on Sita's absence.[35] (2) Describes the intense emotional pain experienced by the Cakravartin, which is a central theme of the narrative.[36]
The concept of Great grief in local and regional sources
Great grief signifies immense sorrow that eclipses smaller issues, profoundly impacting individuals like Jani and the minister. It reflects the king's despair over his daughter's plight and Appa's isolation after Amma's death, highlighting significant emotional turmoil.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The pronounced sorrow that Appa felt after Amma's death, leading to isolation from his family.[37] (2) Highlights how significant sorrows can overshadow lesser troubles.[38]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The overwhelming sorrow that Jani experiences, which deeply affects her state of being.[39]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The emotional response of the minister after discovering the predicament of the king's daughter.[40]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The emotional state of the King upon discovering something disgraceful had happened to his daughter.[41]