Significance of Immovable beings
Immovable beings in Jainism refer to a category of living entities that do not move, including Earth Lives, Water Lives, and plants. They are characterized by stability, permanence, and a lack of ability to change or move from their place. These beings play a significant role in the ecosystem, contributing to the totality of living creation. Additionally, texts from Purana and Dharmashastra highlight their spiritual significance, linking them to concepts of respect, punishment, and the capacity for austerity to reach heaven.
Synonyms: Static beings, Fixed objects
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Immovable beings'
In Hinduism, "Immovable beings" symbolize non-moving entities, like trees, that provide benefits and embody punishment across existence. They can reach heaven through austerity and are linked to the Sun-god's desires and Karttavirya's destructive actions.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Entities that lack the capacity to change or respond actively to conditions, contrasting with those that can move.[1]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The entities requested by the Sun-god as food to be satisfied, linked with the destruction that Karttavirya's actions lead to.[2]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Creatures and entities that exist without the capability of motion, included in the larger spiritual discourse.[3]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Entities that cannot move, yet are noted in the text for their capability to reach heaven through austerity.[4] (2) Entities such as trees or other non-living organisms that serve roles in providing benefits to humans, symbolizing the idea of punishment extended to all forms of existence.[5]
Jain concept of 'Immovable beings'
In Jainism, "Immovable beings" refers to stable entities, such as Earth Lives, Water Lives, and Plants, that do not possess movement, symbolizing permanence and deserving of respect.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Entities that are stable and unchanging, which a monk should remain mindful of and treat with respect.[6] (2) Beings that are currently not capable of movement; these beings may once have been movable in previous lives.[7] (3) Entities that do not change or move, often signifying stability or permanence.[8] (4) Entities that do not move and include parts of the environment, contributing to the totality of living creation.[9] (5) Entities or creatures that do not possess the ability to move from their place, often referring to those found in plants or soil.[10]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A category of Living Beings that do not move; includes Earth Lives, Water Lives, and Plants.[11]