Significance of Great sorrow
Great sorrow encompasses a range of profound emotional pains experienced across various religious and cultural contexts. In Buddhism, it signifies the emotional pain of the Licchavis over the Buddha's loss and the common sufferings of life such as aging and death. Jainism associates it with the deep sadness stemming from loss, while South Asian narratives reflect sorrow through characters grappling with misunderstandings or witnessing others' misfortunes. Similarly, Vaishnavism describes various forms of sorrow tied to spiritual longing and compassion. Overall, Great sorrow embodies the universal theme of grief amid life's transitory nature.
Synonyms: Deep grief, Profound sadness, Intense anguish, Grief, Anguish, Heartache, Misery, Woe, Despair, Distress, Suffering
In Dutch: Groot verdriet
In Finnish: Suuri suru
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 sorrow'
Great sorrow in Buddhism encompasses a range of profound emotional pains, including regret, loss, and grief experienced by individuals like Ananda, kings, and beings facing impermanence, highlighting the consequences of attachment and the major sufferings of life.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The profound sadness and consequences that can result from succumbing to passions and losing insight.[1] (2) An intense emotional pain experienced by the king upon losing the queen, which manifests as a physical ailment.[2] (3) The profound emotional pain experienced by the righteous king, prompting his inquiry.[3] (4) The emotional state experienced by the king when he realizes that the young brahmin has vanished, symbolizing the loss of potential glory.[4] (5) The intense grief displayed by the king of Benares after discovering that the treasure pots contained grass instead of gold.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The deep sense of regret and emotional pain that Ananda felt for his actions related to serving the Buddha.[6]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The profound grief expressed by beings witnessing the Buddha's impending departure from the world.[7]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The major sufferings of life, including age, disease, and death.[8] (2) The deep emotional pain felt by the Licchavis as they grapple with the loss of the Buddha.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Great sorrow'
Great sorrow in Hinduism encompasses a range of intense emotional states, reflecting grief over loss, longing, and distress, affecting both mortals and deities, highlighting the profound impact of separation and turmoil in their lives.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The deep sadness Duryodhana felt after mistakenly thinking he had fallen into a pool of water, illustrating his vulnerability.[10] (2) The emotional state of Duryodhana, reflecting his deep distress over his perceived inferiority compared to Yudhishthira.[11] (3) The profound grief experienced by celestial beings witnessing the plight of Sarasvati after her curse.[12] (4) Describes the intense grief felt by Dhritarashtra over the death of Bhishma, as he reflects on the consequences of the battle.[13] (5) The inevitable suffering that Duryodhana will face due to his poor choices and actions driven by wrath and avarice.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A state experienced by the cursed Brahmarakshasa, reflecting the consequences of not adhering to spiritual duties.[15] (2) A deep feeling of sadness or grief, particularly in relation to Revati's lamenting over her son's death.[16] (3) The deep grief experienced by Brahmanas and others affected by Karnataka’s destructive actions.[17] (4) The profound grief that Dharmaraja was destined to experience due to the eventual death of family members as indicated by the curse.[18] (5) The deep grief experienced by the Brahmana due to the early death of his only son.[19]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The profound grief experienced by Rati and the gods due to the death of Kama.[20] (2) A deep sense of sadness that affects the divine and the saints, specifically related to Taraka's machinations against the gods.[21]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The despair Sita experiences due to her separation from Rama.[22] (2) The overwhelming feeling experienced by Rama, which drowns out the advice given by others.[23]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The feeling experienced by the princes after failing to find the sacrificial horse.[24] (2) The deep distress experienced by the Devas and Pitris due to the lack of offerings amid the turmoil created by the sons of Sagara.[25]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Describes the emotional turmoil faced by the Vaishya as a result of his losses, underscoring the theme of suffering amidst virtuous living.[26]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The deep emotional distress experienced by King Ayu upon hearing about his son's kidnapping.[27]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The emotional pain experienced by the wives due to the absence of their husbands.[28]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A profound emotional state that reflects deep concern and compassion for the spiritual plight of others, particularly in the context of Kali-yuga.[29] (2) The emotional turmoil experienced by Lord Gaura upon witnessing the actions and sufferings of His devotees.[30] (3) The emotional turmoil experienced by both Lord Nityananda and Lord Gaura as a result of Lord Gaura’s renunciation of material attachments.[31]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A significant emotional response experienced by the speaker, related to the remembrance of the gopis upon seeing Shri Rukmini.[32] (2) An intense emotional pain that arises from heartache and misfortune, which the speaker wishes to avoid causing for others.[33]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An intense emotional pain that can contribute to feelings of self-disgust as described in the context of nirveda.[34] (2) A profound feeling of sadness or distress, as expressed in the text by the speaker addressing Yashoda.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A profound feeling of sadness or distress experienced by the devotees when confronted with disrespectful remarks.[36]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Denotes a significant level of emotional pain, capturing the essence of the overall feeling conveyed in the text.[37]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The profound emotional pain experienced by the gopis due to their love and longing for Krishna during his absence.[38]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Describes the emotional state of Shivaguru after the death of his father.[39]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A profound emotional pain or unhappiness that defines the experience in asuric realms.[40]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The intense grief experienced by Brahma due to the loss of the Vedas, representing a loss of knowledge.[41]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A state of profound sadness that similarly can render certain expressions faultless.[42]
Jain concept of 'Great sorrow'
In Jainism, Great sorrow encompasses the profound grief experienced by figures like Nishumbha and the Cakravartin, reflecting intense emotional turmoil associated with loss and devotion, highlighting the significance of grief in spiritual narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A deep and overwhelming feeling of anguish typically associated with loss or despair.[43] (2) The intense grief felt by Nishumbha upon hearing of King Shiva's death, which he connected to the devotion of the deceased.[44] (3) Refers to the profound sadness experienced by the Cakravartin and others when faced with loss. This phrase underscores the emotional weight of grief in the narrative.[45]
The concept of Great sorrow in local and regional sources
Great sorrow encapsulates deep emotional pain in various contexts, including parental grief over lost connections, misunderstandings about loved ones, and the heavy burden of regret, reflecting profound feelings of love and longing across different characters.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The feeling experienced by the Princess upon realizing the misunderstanding regarding her son.[46] (2) The emotion felt by the Hettirala upon seeing the royal Prince in a lowly state.[47] (3) The emotion experienced by the father and the General regarding the youngest son's actions and decisions.[48]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Indicates a profound feeling of grief or loss that permeates the speaker's emotional state.[49] (2) The profound grief experienced by Muhamad due to the absence of his son, reflecting his love and longing.[50] (3) The profound emotional pain experienced by Nambiar due to the loss of his youthful love, a direct influence on his sorrowful heart.[51]