Significance of Kalpa
Synonyms: Aeon, Epoch, Era, Age
In Dutch: Kalpa; In German: Kalpa; In Finnish: Kalpa; In Spanish: Kalpa; In Swedish: Kalpa; In Malay: Kalpa; In French: Kalpa; In Portugese: Kalpa; In Italian: Kalpa; In Polish: Kalpa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Kalpa'
Kalpa in Buddhism signifies an extensive cosmological period, spanning thousands to billions of years, encompassing cycles of existence, creation, and destruction, often illustrating profound concepts of suffering, virtue, and the evolution of teachings.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) These represent periods of time that have passed since the buddha Ta-t’ong-houei appeared, likened to fine dust in numerous universes.[1] (2) An immense period of time used in Buddhist cosmology; the bodhisattva can manipulate the perception of time, treating extensive durations as mere moments.[2] (3) A vast period of time in Buddhist cosmology, indicating the extensive nature of the Buddhas' commitments to their teachings and beings.[3] (4) Eons or vast periods of time; used to articulate the rarity of Buddhas across time.[4] (5) A term referring to vast periods of time in Buddhist cosmology, during which the Buddha accumulated merit through veneration.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An astronomical unit of time in Buddhist cosmology, often used to denote extensive periods through which beings endure suffering.[6] (2) Units of time in Buddhist cosmology, used to illustrate the lengthy processes of production, dwelling, change, and extinction, where one kalpa equals 139,600 years.[7] (3) An astronomical time unit used in Buddhist cosmology, illustrating the vastness of time.[8] (4) A vast period of time used in Buddhist cosmology, often referring to eons or ages over which the cycle of birth and death occurs.[9] (5) A measure of time in Buddhist cosmology that signifies immense periods associated with the cycles of existence.[10]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) An extremely long period in Buddhist cosmology used to signify vast expanses of time.[11] (2) An immense period of time used in Buddhism to signify a cosmic cycle; often represents ages of existence.[12] (3) A measure of time in Buddhist cosmology, representing vast periods through which suffering can occur in Avici Hell.[13] (4) An immeasurable span of time in Buddhist cosmology, often used to describe the extensive period across which various events and vows occur.[14]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Kalpas, or aeons, are mentioned in relation to the Tathagata not partaking of food and drink for innumerable asamkhyas of kalpas past, emphasizing the Buddha's transcendence.[15] (2) The people asked the Tathagata to stay one more of these or less than one.[16] (3) A long period or eon in Buddhist cosmology, representing vast time scales.[17] (4) A long period of time in Buddhist cosmology, often used to signify vast epochs.[18]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) An extensive period or cycle in Buddhist cosmology, spanning thousands of years or aeons.[19] (2) A large period of time used in Buddhist cosmology, signifying an age or cosmic cycle.[20]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Kalpas are vast periods of time in Buddhist cosmology, often in the order of billions of years, used to describe the cycles of existence.[21]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Kalpa is an eon or long period in which cyclic processes of creation and destruction occur consistently.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The time will equal a of the beings who are to be taught.[23] (2) Kalpas are mentioned in the context of time, specifically in relation to the accumulation of merit and pure activity, where it can take many kalpas to bring together the two accumulations.[24] (3) A kalpa is an extensive period of time during which no virtuous seeds are planted when one remains in deep meditative states.[25] (4) Eons or vast periods of time used in the context of spiritual practices and achievements in the Buddhist tradition.[26] (5) A vast cosmic cycle, or era in the context of Buddhist cosmology, during which the conditions of beings change.[27]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) An even longer period of time in Buddhist cosmology, relevant to Maitreya's eventual advent.[28]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A long period of time in Buddhist cosmology, often associated with cycles of existence and rebirth, referenced here in the context of suffering or merit.[29] (2) A long, indefinite period of time in Buddhist cosmology, often associated with suffering for those who fail to overcome evil conditions.[30]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A vast period of time, often used in Buddhist cosmology to describe the cycles of existence or the life span of a world.[31]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A term used to denote a cosmic period in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, relevant to the historical context of Tibet.[32]
Hindu concept of 'Kalpa'
Kalpa in Hinduism denotes a vast cosmic cycle of creation and destruction, symbolizing the rhythmic unfolding of the universe, representing a day of Brahma, and encompassing significant periods of transformation within its cyclical nature.
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) An extensive duration of time in Hindu cosmology, during which the universe exists and undergoes cycles of creation and dissolution.[33] (2) A vast time cycle in which the cosmic phenomena and existence are organized and occurs within Hindu cosmology.[34] (3) An immense period of time in Hindu cosmology which Dhruva is promised to sustain his exalted position.[35] (4) A vast time cycle in Hindu cosmology comprising a thousand ages or fourteen Manvantaras.[36] (5) A day of Brahma, marking significant periods in the cycles of creation and destruction in Hindu cosmology.[37]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Kalpa is one Life, one Moment, one in the Full One, and makes the one of the lines of forces.[38] (2) A vast period of time in Hindu cosmology, often associated with creation and dissolution cycles of the universe.[39] (3) A cycle of creation and destruction within Hindu cosmology, indicating a time period that ends with the destruction of the universe.[40] (4) A period or cycle in Hindu cosmology, referenced in the context of universal dissolution feared by the Danavas.[41] (5) Rules and guidelines specified in sacred texts for conducting rituals and ceremonies.[42]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A vast period of time in Hindu cosmology, marking the cycles of creation and destruction.[43] (2) A long period of time in Hindu cosmology, which reflects the vastness of time and spiritual endeavors.[44] (3) A cosmic cycle or period in which the universe undergoes creation and dissolution.[45] (4) An eternity or a cycle in Hindu cosmology, often associated with creation and destruction.[46] (5) An extensive period of time, used in this context to imply that the perception of time can be altered by the mind's state.[47]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A cycle of creation and destruction, representing a vast period in the cosmic timeline.[48] (2) A vast period of time associated with creation cycles in Hindu cosmology, often enumerated in millions of years.[49] (3) A vast period in Hindu cosmology, marking one cycle of creation and destruction of the universe.[50] (4) A cosmic cycle representing a complete cycle of creation and destruction in Hindu philosophy.[51]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A vast cosmic time cycle encompassing Brahma's day, equivalent to one day in the life of Brahma, consisting of a huge number of years.[52] (2) A vast period in Hindu cosmology, involving cycles of creation and dissolution, referenced in the context of time measurement.[53] (3) A vast period in Hindu cosmology, reflecting the cycle of creation and dissolution of the universe.[54]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A cosmic cycle of creation and destruction, indicating the vast time scales involved in mythological events.[55] (2) A significant cosmic cycle in Hindu cosmology, representing a day of Brahma.[56]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Eons or cycles of time in Hindu cosmology, during which creation and dissolution occur repeatedly.[57] (2) An expansive time period in Hindu cosmology representing a cycle of creation and dissolution, signifying the recurring nature of Brahma's creative acts.[58]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) A significant duration in cosmic time, marking cycles of creation and dissolution.[59]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Since the beginning of the Kalpa, Kas'mira was formerly an enjoyable, heart-enrapturing lake for six Manvantaras, which suggests a vast timescale and transformation of the region.[60]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A vast period of time in Hindu cosmology during which the universe undergoes cycles of creation and destruction.[61]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This signifies a period of time, and within the context of the text, is the equivalent of three hours for the people of Vraja, because of their suffering.[62] (2) Extended epochs in Hindu cosmology, representing vast periods of time that encompass cycles of creation and destruction.[63] (3) A term denoting a long period of time, often used in a cosmic context, symbolizing the vastness of time.[64]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A long period in the cycles of creation mentioned in Vedic literature when knowledge was revealed.[65]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) one day of Brahma.[66]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A cycle of creation in Hindu cosmology during which Lord Vishnu manifests the universe and its components.[67]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A time cycle in Hindu cosmology, equivalent to one day of Brahma, during which various manifestations or events unfold, including the descent of Avataras.[68]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A cycle of creation and destruction in the universe, consisting of thousands of years.[69]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Cosmic cycles which differentiate events and narratives as explained within the context of the scripture.[70]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) It is a unit of time for which the Puranas and other scriptures glorify their deities to produce illusion in the people of the world.[71]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Kalpa refers to a specific type of Ayurvedic preparation, and Mayurpiccha Bhasma is classified as a Kalpa, indicating its traditional formulation and usage in Ayurvedic medicine.[72] (2) The word that means specific formulations used in therapeutic actions.[73]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Various formulations stated in Samhita that target the causative Doshas and Dhatu, acting on the basic pathology of the disease.[74] (2) It denotes a particular drug or formulation, one of the two unique and different words that combine to form the term “Kriyakalpa” in Shalakya tantra.[75]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) The classification of certain preparations in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly those made from herbal sources.[76]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A section in the Sushruta Samhita focusing on the symptoms and treatments for various medical conditions, including snake bites.[77]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A vast period of time in Hindu cosmology, often referenced in the context of cycles of creation and dissolution.[78] (2) A period in which certain adrishtas may undergo maturation before they can contribute to the creation or destruction of the world.[79] (3) A cosmic cycle in Hindu cosmology, indicating a long period in which the universe is created, sustained, and destroyed.[80]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution.[81]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The methodical approach to the rituals and creation aspects as stated to arise from the great Being.[82]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A period in Hindu cosmology marking the cycle of creation and dissolution, during which the jiva's existence is questioned.[83]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) This refers to specific texts, which, when read, are associated with offerings of nectar and streams of nectar reaching the Pitris, according to a particular source, enriching the discussion.[84] (2) A term referring to a category of texts concerning rituals and subsidiary sciences related to Vedic study.[85]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A term for the procedures or rituals in Vedic texts, of which the Baudhayana Dharma-sutra covers various subdivisions.[86]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The Kalpa is a teaching about the ritual of the Veda, and it is considered one of the six auxiliary works that are part of the Veda's structure and overall comprehension.[87]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Reciting the "Kalpa" results in the gods being satiated with oblations of ambrosia, and rivers of ambrosia are caused to flow as a funeral oblation to his Fathers.[88]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) A term referencing the foundational texts of Hindu tradition that influence the development of architecture and its theoretical underpinnings in practice.[89] (2) The sixth Vedanga that provides rules for sacrificial acts and rituals, which are essential in the context of both architecture and Vedic practices.[90] (3) A cyclic period after which creation is absorbed back into the eternal entities described in the text.[91]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) A vast period in Hindu cosmology that involves cycles of creation and dissolution of the universe.[92]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) In Hindu cosmology, it refers to a long period of time, often related to cycles of creation and destruction.[93]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An extensive cosmic cycle in Hindu cosmology that equates to a day of Brahma, encompassing vast eons.[94]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Also known as ceremonial injunctions, it is one of the Angas, along with Siksha, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chandas, and Jyotisha. It is a specific discipline of study and knowledge.[95]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A vast cosmic time cycle, representing a day of Brahma, used to measure long periods of creation and dissolution in the universe.[96]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A duration of time measure used in the context of divine beings' lifetimes.[97]
Jain concept of 'Kalpa'
Kalpa in Jainism signifies a significant cosmological cycle, marking periods of creation and destruction. It encompasses various realms and experiences of beings, illustrating spiritual status, heavenly existence, and the complex structure of time in the universe.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A kalpa, specifically Saudharma and Aishana, is a realm where the minimum lifetime of a deva is defined as being a little over one palyopama.[98] (2) 'Kalpa' refers to the sixteen heavens, and it is used to differentiate between the two types of heavenly deva (vaimanika); those born within 'kalpa' are called 'kalpopapanna', while those born beyond are 'kalpatita'.[99] (3) Kalpa refers to a specific division among the heavenly beings where the lifetime of the deva is being discussed and compared.[100] (4) Kalpa is a term referring to a specific heavenly realm, where the heavenly deva reside, and it has various names and associations.[101] (5) An era or cosmic cycle in Hindu cosmology during which the creation and destruction of the universe occurs, referenced for the Sanatkumara and Mahendra.[102]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The time periods within which certain poisonous beings are said to be born.[103] (2) An indefinite period or cycle of existence where certain beings are reborn, as mentioned in the context of high devotion.[104] (3) Kalpas, which refer to cosmic cycles or realms, are indicated to touch an unlimited portion of dharmastikaya.[105]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An expansive metaphor showing the unreliability of human judgement in understanding true spiritual worth.[106] (2) The mythical period that spans vast amounts of time, referenced in the context of the narrative's timeline.[107]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A significant period in time, possibly referring to a cosmological cycle, beyond which beings may rise or fall in their spiritual status.[108]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Periods in cosmic time, during which the Vaimanika gods are said to be born and live in association with various realms.[109]
The concept of Kalpa in local and regional sources
Kalpa is a significant concept in Hindu cosmology, denoting cosmic cycles, time units, and periods of creation and dissolution. It intertwines with other Vedantic ideas and plays a crucial role in sacrificial liturgy and spiritual understanding.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Kalpas are previous cycles in which creation had proceeded in the same way as in the current cycle.[110] (2) The perfected Rishis of a previous Kalpa take human bodies and come on earth with the Avataras.[111] (3) Kalpa is a part of the lower knowledge and it represents the sacrificial liturgy, and it is an essential component of the overall understanding described.[112] (4) A concept that, along with Vedantic Prana and Âkasha, captured Tesla's interest, as it is part of the Vedantic cosmology, as stated in the text.[113]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Kalpa is a term that is used with this meaning in sections on rasayana in various Sanskrit works, such as the Kalyanakaraka, and is also referred to in the Brihatkhecariprakasha.[114] (2) This is a unit of time, which is part of the caturyuga-manvantara-kalpa system, as described in the text.[115]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A cosmic cycle or epoch in Hindu cosmology, often denoting significant periods of creation and dissolution.[116]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) In old times at the beginning of the kalpa, people inhabited dens and caves of the desert, lacking knowledge of dwelling-houses.[117]
The concept of Kalpa in scientific sources
Kalpa in Ayurveda signifies specific formulations and preparations designed for therapeutic purposes, encompassing various ingredients and methods for developing herbal remedies, illustrating its integral role in Ayurvedic medicine's treatment and preparation processes.