Significance of Great river
Synonyms: Large river, Grand river
In Dutch: Grote rivier; In Finnish: Suuri joki; In Spanish: Gran río; In German: Großer Fluss; In Malay: Sungai besar; In Swedish: Stor flod; In French: Grand fleuve; In Portugese: Grande rio; In Italian: Grande fiume; In Polish: Wielka rzeka; In French: Grande rivière
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 river'
In Buddhism, the "Great river" symbolizes significant rivers like the Ganges, representing the loss of individual identity upon merging with the ocean, illustrating spiritual merit, interconnectedness, and the transformative journey toward enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Symbolizes thirst (trishna), a primary cause of suffering and desire in the human experience.[1] (2) In Jambudvipa, there are many kinds of great rivers known as mahanadi, some of which even surpass the Ganges.[2] (3) The major rivers of Jambudvipa, each known to have significant tributaries and hold importance in various Buddhist texts.[3]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A vivid metaphor for the overwhelming and dangerous aspects of defilement that individuals struggle to cross.[4] (2) A metaphor illustrating how the virtues and teachings of the sutra are comprehensive and flow into the infinite ocean of enlightenment.[5] (3) Analogies used in teachings to depict the flow and interconnectedness of life and the consequences of actions.[6]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The Bodhisatta explained that the other fish and tortoises went into the great river, but the tortoise stayed and was injured.[7] (2) The river where the Bodhisatta cast away his spade, symbolizing a significant act of letting go of material attachments.[8]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Rivers such as the Ganges and Jumna, which represent the transformation of identity when merged into the great ocean, analogous to individuals adopting the recluse identity.[9] (2) Major rivers such as the Ganges, Jumna, Aciravati, Sarabhu, and Mahi that lose their individual identities upon meeting the great ocean.[10]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Refers to significant rivers in India, symbolizing the renunciation of individual identity when entering the Buddhist path.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Great river'
The keyphrase "Great river" in Hinduism encompasses various significant water bodies, such as Ganga, Yamuna, and Narmada, symbolizing purity, spirituality, and essential roles in rituals and cosmic narratives, reflecting their immense cultural and religious importance.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This river is Sarasvati.[12] (2) The great river Sarasvati brought forth the child Sarasvata and presented him to the rishi, acknowledging him as the sage's son born from the seed.[13] (3) Numerous rivers that flow into the Ocean, contributing to its vastness and filling it to the brim.[14] (4) Another reference to Ganga, indicating her grandeur and importance in providing salvation.[15] (5) Refers to a significant river, such as the Sindhu (Indus), that is noted for its importance in the text.[16]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The natural water bodies, such as Narmada and Sarasvati, where the milk from the Earth was collected.[17] (2) Refers to the Ganga, which is significant for its holy status and the context of the story involving the daughters seeking protection.[18] (3) The location where the celestial damsels arrive to perform their acts aimed at Vishvamitra.[19]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The significant water bodies that Himavat possesses, contributing to his majesty and might.[20] (2) A reference to the Narmada, which is portrayed as magnificent and beautiful.[21]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Refers to a significant river in Hindu mythology, symbolizing strength, sustenance, and blessing.[22] (2) A significant waterway recognized for its spiritual importance, often associated with various rites and rituals.[23]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A large river in Bharata, likely referring to its significance and majesty among other rivers.[24] (2) The four major rivers that originate from the separation of Ganga on the top of Meru.[25]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A reference to the numerous significant water bodies mentioned that sustain the life and culture of the people in Ketumala.[26] (2) An epithet for the Ganges emphasizing its magnitude and significance in the landscape.[27]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The river Tungabhadra, located in the southern country, which is noted for its significance.[28]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Yamuna is described with significance as a river and a character, pivotal in the story's developments.[29]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The significant water bodies that emerged from the divine creation.[30]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) A large body of water, representing the power, and the power of the water.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This describes a substantial waterway, suggesting a source of life, abundance, and natural power, also a route for travel.[32] (2) a reference to the Ganga as a significant water body.[33] (3) A significant body of water flowing through Mahavana, described as 'maha-nadi'.[34] (4) A metaphorical description of Kola's army, indicating its vastness and the overwhelming number of soldiers.[35] (5) A significant waterway; in this context, it refers specifically to the Yamuna, which is described as a major river.[36]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A metaphor describing the intense emotional outpouring symbolized by tears flowing from Nityananda.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A large watercourse that acts as a geographical marker, distinguishing one region from another, especially in relation to the concept of 'videsha' or foreign lands.[38]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The specific body of water where one may bathe as part of a purification process.[39]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A natural water body where impure vessels can be kept for an extended period to attain purification.[40]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A setting in the tale where people's efforts to irrigate are entwined with supernatural elements requiring heroic intervention.[41]
Jain concept of 'Great river'
In Jainism, the "Great river" signifies major water bodies like the Ganga and Sindhu, symbolizing cultural heritage, life’s continuity, and geographical significance. It reflects the interconnectedness of rivers and their influence on spiritual narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A comparison illustrating the gathering of soldiers and their overwhelming presence, between two banks (Ashtapada and Ayodhya).[42] (2) Symbolizes the vast and enduring flow of life, representing depth and continuity.[43] (3) Major rivers found in Bharatakshetra: Ganga and Sindhu, each attended by 14,000 rivers.[44] (4) Refers to the significant rivers Ganga and Sindhu, representing the geographical and cultural heartland of Bharatavarsha.[45] (5) Refers to the Sindhu, which is a significant geographical landmark in the narrative.[46]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) This is a location, such as the Ganga, where the skandhas can be carried in a current, where they can slip and experience a different interaction.[47] (2) Significant water bodies like the Ganga and Sindhu, which diminish in size during the down-turn phase.[48]
The concept of Great river in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Great river" refers to significant waterways in the region of Kashmir, symbolizing fertility, spirituality, and historical influence, while serving as geographical markers and sources of life, contributing to various events and cultural narratives.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) It is a geographical feature crossed on the journey, leading to the place where Tathagata delivered the dove.[49] (2) A significant body of water, the Sin-tu, that must be crossed to reach the kingdom of Sin-tu, highlighting a geographical obstacle.[50] (3) A great river flows from a hollow at the top of the mountain, encircling it before entering the southern sea.[51] (4) Refers to a significant water body in the region around which various events and locations are described.[52] (5) The large waterway near Mungali attributed to various religious events and stupas.[53]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A body of water crossed by the three male children when they seek ripe fruits from the vegetable garden.[54]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The great rivers of South India still flow, giving their living waters to the land whose people they have served and must still love to serve for untold ages.[55] (2) The significant rivers that converge, particularly relevant to the geography and spirituality of Prayag.[56] (3) A major waterway that has had significant historical influence.[57] (4) Large watercourses that symbolize the flow of life, nourishing and sustaining humanity.[58]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) These are the Ganges, Jumna, and Saraswati, where Joga contemplates putting his body to the saw, seeking spiritual liberation and the presence of the Husband of Rukmini.[59]
Classical concept of 'Great river'
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) A feature nearby Asteropaeus who is slain by Achilles.[60] (2) A great river is used as a simile to describe the reaction of the son of Tydeus when he sees Hector and another figure, comparing his dismay to that of a man encountering dangerous waters, showing the fear and respect that Hector commands.[61]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) The great river, discovered by the Nasamonians in Libya, flowed from the West towards the sunrise and contained crocodiles; Etearchos conjectured this river to be the Nile.[62]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) A place where the Labu and the Mashuashau had made their dwelling in Egypt, for they had captured the towns on the west bank of the Nile from Hetkaptah to Qarabana.[63]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) The text references the "great river" as the waterway of Amenta, mirroring the ways in Egypt, and used to provide directions, names, and passwords for the deceased.[64]