Significance of Hollow

In Vaishnavism, the concept of Hollow describes the sense of emptiness experienced by the Gopis as they contemplate Krishna's words. Despite hearing his messages, they find them unfulfilling, leading to a deep emotional void. This feeling underscores the profound connection and longing that the Gopis have for Krishna, emphasizing their desire for a more complete and fulfilling interaction with him. The term encapsulates the tension between longing and the perceived inadequacy of spiritual communication.1
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Synonyms: Empty, Vacant, Void, Barren, Soulless, Desolate

In Dutch: Hol; In Finnish: Ontto

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Hollow'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Hollow" may symbolize emptiness or lack of inherent existence. The hollow cane-sticks, ordained by a master, could represent the Buddhist concept of emptiness.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The cane-sticks were found to be "hollow" throughout, which was attributed to the Master's ordinance in times gone by, according to the story.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Hollow'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Hollow" symbolizes the emptiness experienced by the Gopis when contemplating Krishna's words, highlighting a profound sense of unfulfillment and longing that resonates deeply within their devotion.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Refers to the emptiness felt by the Gopis when reflecting on Krishna's words, which feel unfulfilling.[2]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) This signifies one of the places where the Paramahamsas reside, indicating a specific element of their ascetic lifestyle and religious identification.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) Hollow instruments, or sushira, are one of the four kinds of musical instruments, and they encompass flutes, as the text explains.[4]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga

(1) Indu commented that Sira is this, not much wide tubulous entity.[5]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Hollow in local and regional sources

History Books

Hollow signifies the geographical feature where Nalli resides, highlighting the secluded and modest nature of his life, which reflects his humble circumstances in a distinct and isolated environment.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The geographical feature where Nalli lives, emphasizing the secluded and humble circumstances of his life.[6]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)

(1) The crevasses are very dangerous in the Snowy Mountains, requiring caution and careful navigation through the mountainous terrain.[7]

Classical concept of 'Hollow'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Hollow in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)

(1) The Hollow at the foot of the oak provided shelter for the Wild Sow and her young, making them vulnerable to the Cat's lies and ultimately leading to their demise from hunger.[8]

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) A spot in the Chian land where Histiaios fought with the Chians who were on guard.[9]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.