Significance of Heaven and earth
Synonyms: Universe, Cosmos, World, Creation, Nature, Existence
In Dutch: Hemel en aarde; In Finnish: Taivas ja maa; In Spanish: Cielo y tierra; In German: Himmel und Erde; In Malay: Syurga dan bumi; In Swedish: Himmel och jord; In French: Le ciel et la terre; In Italian: Cielo e terra; In Portugese: Céu e terra; In Polish: Niebo i ziemia; In French: Ciel et terre
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Heaven and earth'
In Buddhism, "Heaven and earth" symbolizes the whole cosmos. It encompasses the universe and highlights the interconnectedness of all things, like water. This phrase is often used to describe how beings respond to the Buddha's teachings.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) This phrase represents the entire cosmos and demonstrates the interdependence of natural elements like water.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Heaven and earth'
In Hinduism, "Heaven and Earth" embodies the cosmos, representing the celestial and terrestrial realms. It signifies the connection between gods and humans, encompassing all existence. This duality is often invoked in rituals, representing the spiritual and physical, and symbolizing the foundation of creation and existence.
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) These are all-shaped and represent Prajapati, symbolizing the coming of father and mother and Soma with immortality.[2] (2) Entities that are enveloped with ghee through the omentum, endowing them with strength and sap, essential for subsistence.[3] (3) An oblation to these entities formed Prajapati's indistinct arm, correlating to the indistinct nature of the limb.[4] (4) Identified as the thirty-second and thirty-third deities in the enumerated list within the text.[5] (5) Symbolic representations that are propitiated during the ritual effort to ensure stability and balance in the sacrificial acts.[6]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The celestial and terrestrial realms, represented in rituals to seek protection and blessings from these forces.[7] (2) Metaphorical representation of the fundamental duality in creation, often used to symbolize unity and the interconnectedness of all things.[8] (3) The symbolic representation of heaven as the father and earth as the mother in the context of the offering.[9] (4) The duality representing the entire cosmos, to which the offerings of milk are directed.[10] (5) Represents the realms that are illuminated by Agni's light and connected to the cosmic order.[11]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Heaven and Earth are divine entities to whom oblations are offered, along with Dhanvantari, Indra, the Vishve devas, and Brahman, in the ritual.[12] (2) Heaven and Earth are satiated, as described in the provided text. They are listed along with sacrifices, the air, and days and nights.[13] (3) A metaphorical reference to the connection between the spiritual and material realms, often represented as the point of unity in rituals.[14] (4) References to the cosmic duality invoked during the ritual, symbolizing harmony and balance in the sacrifice.[15]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) These were created by means of the two forces, and Earth is found to consist of clay, and not of gold entirely.[16] (2) Heaven and earth are described as sentient beings in a figurative sense, despite being insentient, and are identified as seers of the actions of corporeal beings.[17] (3) The two realms formed from the two pieces of the egg, representing the celestial and terrestrial domains.[18]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Heaven and Earth are the recipients of a Bali offering at the field's eastern border, and they are also the subjects of worship, signifying a reverence to these fundamental cosmic elements for agricultural prosperity and success.[19] (2) Signifying the entire universe from the celestial to the terrestrial, capable of fulfilling their own needs.[20]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Symbolizes duality and the comprehensive nature of existence, used here to denote a powerful force of nature.[21] (2) Symbolic representations of the cosmos, often honored in rituals as fundamental aspects of existence.[22]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Cosmic entities invoked for blessings and well-being of the child.[23]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Metaphysical realms or the physical world that individuals aspire to engage with through their actions.[24] (2) The two major realms of existence that are created by Brahman.[25] (3) Symbolizes the entirety of the universe, including the realms above and below, often used to describe the omnipresence of divine entities.[26] (4) The two realms between which king Yayati was caught as he fell from his heavenly residence towards the earth.[27]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The dual entities representing the spiritual and physical realms.[28] (2) Symbolic representations of the two realms of existence, one filled with luminous stars and the other with earthly struggles.[29]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The dual realms where the divine and mortal worlds coexist, involved in the cosmic battle between good and evil.[30]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The all-encompassing domains affected by the tumultuous sounds and actions of the battlefield.[31]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The entire universe, encompassing the divine and earthly realms, to which Ruci pays reverence.[32]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) These two entities, along with air, space, water, and fire, are described as having a will, and their actions and functions are determined by this underlying principle, which drives their activities.[33] (2) The duality of the universe, represented as existing simultaneously within the inner space.[34] (3) Philosophical concepts representing the entirety of existence and dualism between the cosmic and terrestrial realms.[35]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Symbolizing the entire cosmos, where Heaven represents the upper realms and Earth represents the lower realms, illustrating the totality of existence.[36] (2) Symbols representing the immovable aspects of the universe that participate in the act of willing.[37]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Heaven and earth reference the duality of the physical realms that are upheld by the command of the Imperishable, underlining their separation due to Brahman's influence.[38] (2) This phrase implies that the small ether contains all aspects of the universe, representing its all-encompassing nature.[39]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) These are said to be contained within the ether of the heart, indicating the vastness of the ether within, which supports the argument that the small ether is not small.[40] (2) Embodies the totality of existence that relates to both the Lord and the highest Self in discussions of creation.[41]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Heaven and Earth are described as rejoicing upon the Lord's appearance, indicating a sense of universal joy and celebration in the text, when the Lord appears.[42] (2) Represents the extremes of existence being offered to the emissaries in a gesture of devotion and importance.[43] (3) Represents the two realms of existence, encompassing both celestial and terrestrial beings.[44] (4) Represents the entirety of creation, indicating that beings from all realms adore the described divine figure.[45]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the entirety of existence, encompassing both the divine realms above and the terrestrial realm below.[46] (2) Refers to both the celestial realm (heaven) and the natural world (earth) where the events were taking place.[47]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Symbolic representations of the divine, where heaven is associated with higher existence and earth with the physical realm.[48]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Conceptual halves representing the cosmos, linked to spiritual beliefs and seen as the result of creation in the narrative.[49] (2) One of many interpretations or identities associated with the Ashvins in Vedic texts.[50]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Concepts representing the divine realm of pleasure and bliss in contrast to worldly duties and obligations.[51]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) These are held asunder and supported by Vishnu with pegs on all sides, as described in a verse during the ritual.[52] (2) They should be filled with clarified butter, svaha.[53] (3) This is a request for the deities to acquiesce, and a part of the prayers made during the ritual.[54]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The realms from which drama has descended to earth, implying a divine origin for the art.[55]
Jain concept of 'Heaven and earth'
In Jainism, "Heaven and earth" symbolizes immense power and influence, mirroring the brothers' rivalry. It represents the profound sorrow of Sita's plight and the cosmic implications of her kidnapping. The phrase also indicates the battle's grand scale and cosmic impact, like realms merging.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Heaven and earth were covered with many armies as Dashanana advanced, indicating the vast scale of his military forces and the impact of his expedition.[56] (2) The brothers became like rivals of these entities, which shows that they were very powerful and influential, as the passage describes.[57] (3) A phrase indicating the grand scale of the battle's significance, showcasing its cosmic impact.[58] (4) An expression used to describe the profound sorrow caused by Sita's distress and the cosmic implications of her kidnapping.[59] (5) The imagery of merging realms due to the army's might, compared to a hemispherical bowl and its cover.[60]
The concept of Heaven and earth in local and regional sources
Heaven and earth symbolizes the interconnectedness of the spiritual and material realms. It represents the totality of existence, contrasting worldly attachments with the pursuit of truth. The phrase signifies vastness, wholeness, and the aspiration for fulfillment, encompassing knowledge and experiences beyond ordinary comprehension.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This refers to the celestial realm and the terrestrial world, representing the totality of existence, as the text describes slumber.[61] (2) The combined expanse of both the celestial and terrestrial realms, representing a sense of wholeness and belonging.[62] (3) A metaphorical representation of the connection between the spiritual and material worlds.[63] (4) Metaphorically describes the aspiration for spiritual and material fulfillment in independent India, the goal of achieving a harmonious society.[64] (5) Representing the vastness of existence, illustrated by their kiss in the poem.[65]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Contrasting concepts that the speaker uses to illustrate attachment to the world and its illusions, which a true disciple should transcend to seek truth, as explained by the speaker.[66]
The concept of Heaven and earth in scientific sources
According to regional sources, "Heaven and earth" signifies the FG's unique association of Thomas, one of the twelve, with both death and resurrection.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) As a vertical axis, the sacred tree connects these, and its branches extend upward to symbolize connection with the world of gods.[67] (2) Heaven and Earth are ruthless, and treat the myriad creatures as straw dogs; the sage is ruthless, and treats the people as straw dogs, according to a translation of the Laozi.[68] (3) Just as the production and reproduction ( 生生 ) of Heaven and Earth are everlasting, so is the unity of ren with all things, showing that the themes are connected.[69] (4) According to Liu Zhi’s understanding, Xing or Nature refers to the soul of the microcosm and Li refers to the essence and principle of the macrocosm.[70] (5) It is a text by Hugo Bergman that displays his political theology of Zionism and presents a humanist conception of Judaism.[71]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Heaven and Earth are unified by the nine I Ching hexagrams of Yin and Yang, influencing the design of a village's layout and spatial landscape.[72]
Classical concept of 'Heaven and earth'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) A deity knows that he opens all the paths in these two places.[73] (2) The 'heaven and earth' concept is embodied in the double pillars, which represent the thrones of two worlds, symbolizing the connection between the celestial and terrestrial realms.[74] (3) These came into existence when Shu upraised the heaven, or Nut, and separated her from Seb, contrasting with the emanation from the Supreme Being.[75] (4) Heaven and earth were close together in the beginning, with the heaven signified in the oldest of all mythologies, the Kamite, being the starry heaven of night upraised by Shu.[76]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) It is a realm where Isis desired to be like Ra, and of which the maker is the maker.[77]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) It refers to the cosmos and the world, which the divine god created, and Ra identifies himself as the maker.[78]