Significance of Human existence
Human existence is a multifaceted concept explored across various philosophies. In Jainism, it encompasses the state of being human shaped by karma, while the Purana highlights the transient nature of life filled with experiences and mortality. Ayurveda views human existence as a combination of body, mind, and soul, emphasizing the quest for meaning. Mahayana Buddhism portrays it as a desirable state for achieving enlightenment, significant in the spiritual journey. Theravada underscores its rarity compared to other realms, making it a valuable experience.
Synonyms: Human life, Human condition, Human experience, Humanity, Mortal life, Human nature, Life, Being, Mortality
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Human existence'
Human existence in Buddhism represents a vital opportunity for cultivating virtues and happiness, seen as a rare and significant phase on the path to enlightenment, facilitated through the compassion of the bodhisattva-mahasattva.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The state of being born as a human, which is achieved as a result of the beneficent power of the bodhisattva.[1] (2) The desirable state of being that the bodhisattva-mahasattva seeks for all beings to attain, which allows for the cultivation of virtues and happiness.[2] (3) The state of being human, considered significant in the journey toward enlightenment.[3]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The concept that refers to the positive aspects and advantages of living as a human being.[4]
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The desired state for Bodhisattvas, representing a final human birth crucial for achieving enlightenment.[5]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The state of being a human being, which is portrayed as rare in comparison to the vast number of beings in other realms.[6]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) The ongoing journey of individuals living in the world, striving for their lives and existence.[7]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The process through which humans were said to come into being without parents, exhibiting different evolutionary traits from early beings.[8]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The state of being born as a human, which allows for further opportunities for spiritual development and merit accumulation.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Human existence'
Hinduism interprets human existence as a complex interplay of body, mind, and soul, emphasizing education, mortality, and the pursuit of meaning amidst challenges, while acknowledging the transient nature of life through cycles of experiences.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The condition of being alive as a human, characterized by experiences, consciousness, and the eventual confrontation with mortality.[10] (2) Highlights the ephemeral nature of human life, which consists of cycles of rising and falling like waves.[11]
From: The Garuda Purana
(1) The physical state of being alive in the human form, which spirits aspire to regain after suffering in lower forms.[12]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The condition of being human, which is often contrasted with divine forms and is subject to the cycle of rebirth and attachments.[13]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) Refers to the exceptional opportunity of being born as a human, especially among the good brahmanas.[14]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The experience of being human, which, according to the text, lacks a definitive goal or purpose.[15] (2) The ultimate goal or purpose of life that the speaker aims to navigate through their actions and thoughts.[16]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The entirety of the human experience characterized by efforts to overcome sorrow and achieve happiness.[17]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The understanding of life as a combination of body, mind, and soul, granting significance to education in achieving ultimate aims.[18] (2) The state of being human, encompassing all aspects of life, including challenges, suffering, and the search for meaning.[19]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Human existence is explored through the three objects defined in Denouement: duty (dharma), wealth (artha), and pleasure (kama).[20]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) The highest goal that philosophical systems like Vedanta strive to achieve according to Udayana.[21]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Human existence is a theme deeply explored in the Bhagavadgita, addressing the purpose of life and the relationship between the soul and the supreme soul.[22]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The state of being human and the experiences associated with it, which are challenged by various philosophical contemplations.[23]
Jain concept of 'Human existence'
In Jainism, human existence (manushyagati) denotes the karmic state enabling human birth, encompassing various forms, both non-embryonic and embryonic, highlighting the significance of karma in determining one’s human life.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to the state of being born as a human, which can include different forms such as non-embryonic and embryonic.[24]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The state of existence (manushyagati) that pertains to being human, resulting from certain karmas.[25]
The concept of 'Human existence' in local and regional sources
Human existence emphasizes interconnectedness, highlighting that individuals relate to their surroundings and others, underscoring the importance of relationships and shared experiences rather than isolation. This perspective reinforces the collective nature of human life.
From: Self-Knowledge in Krishnamurti’s Philosophy
(1) The state of being that underscores relationships with the world and others, emphasizing that the individual is not completely isolated.[26]