Significance of Immortal
The concept of Immortal across various Hindu traditions reflects the idea of eternal existence and the unchanging nature of divine beings. In Hinduism, Immortal denotes the contrast between eternal principles like Prajapati and mortal beings. Jainism describes it as the essence of Siddhartha while Vaishnavism emphasizes the eternal characteristics of deities like Vishnu. In Purana, it signifies a state free from death, associated with virtuous living. Vedanta discusses Immortal as a realization of the spiritual self, transcending physical existence and emphasizing eternal truth.
Synonyms: Eternal, Everlasting, Imperishable, Timeless, Unending, Deathless
In Dutch: Onsterfelijk; In Finnish: Kuolematon; In Spanish: Inmortal
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Immortal'
In Buddhism, "Immortal" signifies transcendence from rebirth through spiritual practice, representing eternal existence, celestial beings, and the ultimate truth. It reflects a profound realization sought by practitioners, often equated with achieving nirvana.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A state or realization in Buddhism sought by practitioners, often equated with achieving nirvana.[1] (2) A term that refers to a state or being that embodies immortality, the search for which drives the friends' quest.[2] (3) A concept referring to a state beyond the usual life and death cycle, often associated with an eternal truth or reality.[3]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Celestial beings revered in Buddhist tradition, often associated with divine attributes and powers.[4] (2) Celestial beings often referred to in context with their purity and eternal existence.[5] (3) The realization of transcending death and material existence, which is treasured over living a long life without such awareness.[6]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The state of transcendence achieved through spiritual practice, signifying freedom from the cycle of rebirth.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) One of the forms that womb-born beings can take, often associated with eternal existence beyond normal life cycles.[8]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A state referred to in Buddhism as Nirvana, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, signifying the cessation of all suffering.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Immortal'
In Hinduism, "Immortal" signifies a state beyond death and suffering, representing spiritual enlightenment, eternal unity with Brahman, and the unchanging essence of the soul, distinguished by divine attributes and the realization of ultimate self-awareness.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the celestial beings who are eternal and engage in heavenly discussions concerning worldly matters.[10] (2) The gods who interact with Vasuki and the grandsire, representing divine beings involved in the unfolding events of the narrative.[11] (3) Divine beings to whom Vrihaspati has committed his priestly duties, contrasting with the mortal Marutta's request for his services.[12] (4) A state of existence attributed to certain beings, including Krishna, signifying a nature beyond death.[13] (5) A state of being free from death, often associated with living according to the truth and virtuous practices.[14]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Beings that are eternal and do not experience death, to whom the Devi addresses her teachings.[15] (2) Refers to the eternal aspect of the soul that persists beyond physical existence.[16] (3) Celestial beings or deities that receive the divine favor from the Mother figure described in the text.[17] (4) The desired state sought by Mahishasura, which Brahma explains adheres to the eternal law of nature.[18]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) To possess the condition of eternal life, as conferred by drinking the Piyusha.[19] (2) Beings or deities who are eternal and have the power to install the Linga.[20] (3) A state of existence free from death, which the king aspires to achieve through guidance from the sage.[21]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A claim made by Ravana about his undying nature due to the boon received from Brahma.[22] (2) Describes the ultimate state of being which Dashagriva seeks to attain through his boons.[23]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Denotes the desire of the demon Adi to avoid death, showing a desire for eternal life despite the inevitability of mortality.[24] (2) Refers to Vishnu's eternal and unchanging nature, signifying his divine essence.[25]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A state of existence free from death and worldly suffering; represents ultimate realization of the self.[26] (2) Deities or beings that possess eternal life and are beyond the limitations of mortality.[27]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The beings who consume the ambrosia from the moon during its growth and wane, benefitting from the sun's influence.[28] (2) Refers to Krishna and Balarama, highlighting their divine nature and connection to the spiritual realm while they engage in earthly activities.[29]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A state of being that the nectar could grant, which the Devas sought to control against their enemies.[30] (2) Represents beings who cannot die, a concept introduced inquired by the Devas when discussing the ramifications of Shiva's powers.[31]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Describes how Hiranyakashipu perceives Prahlada’s resilience against death.[32]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The gods who reside in heaven and possess eternal life, representing divine beings in the narrative.[33]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to the state of living forever, particularly in the context of spiritual enlightenment through devotion to the Shivapurana.[34]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The state of living indefinitely, which is claimed to be achievable through specific medicinal practices.[35]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The gods who are engaging in the quest against Bali and are considered eternal beings.[36]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refers to the gods who are eternal and divine beings, including deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.[37]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Describing a state of existence that transcends death and decay, applicable to the spiritual self.[38] (2) The state of being free from death and the cycle of rebirth, as achieved by the knower of Brahman.[39] (3) Describes the eternal nature of the Highest Lord, contrasting with the temporary existence of the individual soul.[40]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the state of existence that transcends physical death and individual identities, signifying eternal unity with Purusha.[41] (2) Describes the eternal aspect of the self or the ultimate truth that does not perish or return.[42] (3) The state achieved through meditation, signifying an everlasting being who has traversed through the lunar world.[43]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The immortal is described as the source of all created things, serving as a fundamental essence from which the universe and all manifestations arise.[44] (2) A concept in Hindu philosophy referring to the eternal and unchanging aspect of reality, central to Para Vidya.[45] (3) Refers to something that is eternal and does not decay.[46]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A state achieved by turning away from worldly matters, as stated in the teaching of the Upanishad.[47] (2) The state of being free from death, attained through wisdom and knowledge, contrasting with the worldly cycle of birth and death.[48]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A state of existence beyond physical death; a goal reached through the right pathways of the arteries.[49] (2) The Immortal is a term describing the eternal nature of Brahman, indicating that it is never subject to death.[50]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A term referring to Brahman as the eternal and unchanging essence that rules over the individual souls, in contrast with their transient nature.[51] (2) A term referring to the eternal aspects of existence, represented here by air and Ether, which continue to persist.[52]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Brahman’s eternal nature, transcending life and death.[53] (2) Indicates the everlasting nature of the Atma, free from death.[54]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The quality of the Witness-self that signifies its eternal nature and unchanging essence.[55] (2) Refers to the eternal nature of Brahman, which is beyond death.[56]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The state of being unending or everlasting, described in relation to bhuma, which transcends the limitations of mortality.[57] (2) Describes Brahman as eternal and undying, and similarly attributes these qualities to Om and akshara.[58]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Refers to the eternal aspect of existence, which can be reached through knowledge.[59]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Refers to the Absolute as eternal and without origination, emphasizing its unchanging, everlasting nature.[60]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Refers to beings or entities that are unchanging and eternal, not subject to mortality or death.[61]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The quality of being unending or eternal, particularly related to the divine or spiritual essence that does not perish.[62]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The state of existence beyond physical death achieved by realizing Brahman and following the teachings of a Sad Guru.[63]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A state of existence beyond physical death achieved through knowledge and understanding of the Supreme Being.[64]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Describes the eternal nature of the supreme self, which transcends physical existence and remains unchanged.[65]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A state of living forever, associated with Hirunkusyp's son, emphasizing his renown and power.[66] (2) A term describing Jurasindhu's resistance to death, due to the nature of his birth.[67] (3) A state attributed to Pounrik's supposed existence, mentioned in the context of the lamentations of his wives.[68]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the eternal nature of the Supreme Lord's forms, which do not experience birth or death.[69]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A state achieved through contributing knowledge and education, thereby leading to enduring recognition or legacy.[70] (2) The state attained by those who successfully commit to life-long studentship and service to the teacher.[71]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Describes the enduring nature of the Mahavira and its divine attributes.[72] (2) Referring to eternal beings or deities that are central to the beliefs and practices outlined in the text.[73]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to the eternal and unchanging nature of Prajapati, contrasting with mortality.[74] (2) The state achieved by those who perform the proper sacrifices and rites.[75]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The state achieved by those who fully realize the divine presence, transcending physical death.[76] (2) The eternal and undying essence of existence beyond physical life and death.[77]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The ultimate desire of the brothers, representing their wish to evade death, which was denied to them but modified to allow them to choose a form of death.[78]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) Describes the aspect of divine nature that is eternal and unchanging.[79]
Jain concept of 'Immortal'
In Jainism, "Immortal" signifies beings that exist eternally, unlike mortal entities like Kanakavati. It also reflects the everlasting essence of Siddhartha, highlighting the unchanging and perpetual nature of enlightened beings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A being who lives forever, as opposed to mortal beings like Kanakavati.[80] (2) Describing the enduring and ever-present nature of the Siddhartha's essence.[81]
The concept of Immortal in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Immortal" encompasses beings transcending death, seeking spiritual fulfillment, illustrating the ephemeral nature of earthly desires, and signifies enduring contributions reflecting a timeless legacy, particularly in relation to Bharati's impactful work.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Beings who are not bound by death and long for deeper, spiritual sustenance beyond physical pleasures.[82] (2) Refers to beings that are not subject to death or mortality, highlighting the transient nature of worldly desires.[83]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Being remembered or having a lasting legacy beyond physical existence.[84] (2) A reference to individuals whose works and contributions are recognized as timeless and significant, against which Bharati's legacy is measured.[85]