Significance of Life
Synonyms: Existence, Living, Being, Vitality, Experience, Reality, Survival, Journey, Consciousness, Livelihood, Animation, Spirit, Organism
In Italian: Vita; In Spanish: Vida; In Portugese: Vida; In Dutch: Leven; In Finnish: Elämä; In German: Leben; In Malay: Kehidupan; In Swedish: Liv; In French: Vie; In Polish: Życie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Life'
In Buddhism, "life" encompasses existence, the path to enlightenment, and the vital force of living beings. Understanding its transient nature is key to realizing the suffering and impermanence inherent in the cycle of rebirth.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) This refers to the state of being alive, as mentioned in the text.[1] (2) This is life.[2]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The essential state of existing, specifically in a non-material context.[3]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) This refers to the life of the Blessed One, and the text discusses the significance of this, and the ways in which no one can harm it.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) It is something to be defended, as described in the text, to obtain great benefits and guard morality.[5] (2) ayus; the vital force attributed to living beings, considered a characteristic of consciousness rather than the self.[6]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) This term is used to describe the state of existence, and it is associated with the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Life is presented as transient, like a flickering lamp flame, susceptible to being extinguished by strong forces.[8] (2) Realizing the transient nature of existence is a pivotal step in understanding the suffering inherent in the cycle of rebirth and the impermanence that characterizes all phenomena.[9]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The provided content discusses the disappearance of bodily functions from the body which is still endowed with life and questions why these functions should cease.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Life'
In Hinduism, life is a transient state protected by the divine, encompassing physical existence, experiences, and the pursuit of desires. It's sustained by rituals, devotion, and Ayurvedic principles, with physicians playing a vital role in its preservation.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) It refers to the present existence, the current span of time in which someone exists, contrasted with the next phase.[11] (2) A fundamental aspect of existence, representing one of the most valuable and cherished elements of being.[12] (3) Something considered essential and vital, representing the importance of the figures to the group of people who accepted and followed them as guides.[13] (4) This is a component of prema-bhakti, which is described as the life and soul of the speaker.[14] (5) It is an essential aspect for all the Vaisnavas, indicating the Lord is their vitality.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The speaker's life is portrayed as being deeply affected by the listener's actions, with the speaker indicating a willingness to sacrifice their life if the listener chooses to depart.[16] (2) It is Shringara-mandala; specifically, it is the life of Govardhana Hill, according to the analyzed text.[17] (3) Life refers to the essence that was removed from Putana, signifying the cessation of existence for that entity.[18] (4) Represents existence conveyed through Krishna, indicating Him as the core of living beings.[19] (5) the essence that can be safeguarded through the consistent giving of wealth to friends.[20]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) In this context, it refers to the deep significance and purpose derived from the devotion to Narahari Thakura.[21]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) This is what people believe they can receive from the writer, accepting them with love.[22]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) This of the nayika is endeavoured to be protected by the sakhis as the last of the sixteen activities, showing their dedication.[23]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Life, for Shri Kunti-devi, was sustained only by taking darshana of Shri Krishna, highlighting the importance of that connection.[24]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Life cannot exist without Anna, which is considered the Prana of living beings, influencing various aspects such as complexion, cheerfulness, and strength.[25] (2) Something that Ayurveda deals with every aspect of, guiding mankind with various principles to be healthy.[26] (3) This is the duration of the patient's existence, and the condition can impact their quality of life.[27] (4) Life is enhanced by the Goghrita prepared by the Indigenous method, which is not the cause for hyperlipidemia, but safe, and it should be made a part of food.[28] (5) This is a physician's primary concern, as they are considered the supreme saviour of life, and their actions and qualities are centered around preserving it.[29]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) This is the state of existence, and it is impaired by the abnormal Vata in the body, affecting overall well-being and the body's functionality.[30]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) The union of body, senses, mind, and soul, it includes benefits, harms, happiness, sorrow, duration, and symptoms, its principles are universal and eternal.[31]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) The text mentions that ducts or channels respectively conveying the life, the food, the water, (the organic principle of) the Rasa (serum), the blood, the muscles, the fat, the urine, the stool, the semen, and the catamenial blood, naturally fall within the scope of Surgery (Shalya-tantra).[32]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The text refers to behaving neither like one that is fond of "life" nor like one that is about to die.[33] (2) This is a state of being alive.[34]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Referred to in the context of water, highlighting its essential nature for survival and existence.[35]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A transient state marked by experiences, pains, and the pursuit of desires, subject to decay and dissolution.[36]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The life is of Rama, which the heavenly Father instructed the hermit to relate, including all of his deeds and secret life.[37]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Life is protected by the divine Garuda, as mentioned in the provided text.[38]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Atman, according to Max Müller, initially signified life, particularly animal life, as evidenced in the Rig Veda before it meant self.[39]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A state of being within a physical form that enables recognition of others. The capacity to acknowledge those nearby persists until it departs.[40] (2) Life remains harnessed to the body, and it is the same as prana, which is harnessed to the body due to karma, and it is like horses or bullocks are harnessed to carriages.[41]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) It signifies the vital force or essence, described alongside the fiery element and every shape, integral to the existence of beings.[42]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) It is described as something that lasts as long as the vital force remains in the body, according to the Kaushitaki Upanishad.[43]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is one of the sahamas, a set of concepts that aid in the outcomes of all the houses, in the same manner that fate supports the endeavors of people.[44] (2) This is one of the sahamas, signifying the state of existence, encompassing the duration of an individual's being, according to the text.[45] (3) This sahama comes to be by subtracting Jupiter from Saturn by day, and the reverse of this calculation is performed at night.[46]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) What the King risks losing, along with the kingdom, as a consequence of oppressing the kingdom through folly and thoughtlessness, possibly by single men.[47] (2) The period of existence that one experiences alone, marked by individual actions and decisions.[48]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) As referred to in the context of the concluding rite, it is the essence that the Sacrificer seeks to attain through the Sautramani.[49]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) This shows itself as the operations of Prana and others, is the manifestation of all the powers of sensation and action.[50]
Jain concept of 'Life'
Jainism views life as marked by suffering and ignorance, hindering liberation. However, it also presents life as beneficial, bearing fruit through teachings and offering a path to victory.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Life is described as uncertain, akin to a drop of water resting precariously on the tip of kusha-grass, according to the reflections on the human condition.[51] (2) Refers to the biography of Shri Malli Svamin, which is described as wonderful and comparable to a stream of nectar.[52] (3) The life of victory, which is the context and events.[53] (4) The text mentions the fruit of life, indicating the impact of the teachings.[54]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) An existence marked by suffering and ignorance, likened to a transient dewdrop; this kind of existence is not conducive to achieving liberation or enlightenment.[55]
From: Naladiyar
(1) This is beneficial.[56]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) It is a concept differentiated from non-life, and understanding this distinction is crucial for making ethical choices and achieving a good renunciation.[57]
The concept of Life in local and regional sources
Life, in this text, encompasses existence, a journey towards liberation filled with trials, pleasures, and growth. It's a state of being alive, a cycle of birth, death, and renewal, contrasted with art, and a quest for fulfillment.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Within the text, life exclaims 'O I’m killed!' but then the text suggests that life possesses the capability to recreate itself, demonstrating resilience and renewal.[58] (2) It is precious and without a purpose, to be lived well, preserved as long as possible, and to give maximum satisfaction, enduring suffering to remain alive, celebrated and never complained about.[59] (3) Life is portrayed as a multifaceted experience, likened to a colorful kaleidoscope, suggesting a journey of observation, introspection, and the pursuit of a better scope.[60] (4) Life is described as fleeting, highlighting the limited time available to individuals, which serves as a motivation to pursue dreams with urgency and purpose during one's life.[61] (5) Life, according to Rumi, should be an amalgam, a blend of physical existence and spiritual essence, requiring actions for both present and future.[62]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Life is accompanied by evil, and a little evil is the source of life; the little wickedness in the world is considered very good.[63] (2) The calm and peaceful life in India is discussed, noting that it is not true life because it lacks liberty and freedom.[64] (3) "Life" encompasses the experiences, struggles, and emotions of existence, a journey marked by both joy and sorrow.[65] (4) It is described as being centered around oneself, encompassing aspects like love, honor, and all actions.[66] (5) The text indicates that it is called Samsara, resulting from the conflicting forces acting upon us, beyond both freedom and bondage.[67]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The concept of life is discussed in terms of preservation in unusual circumstances.[68] (2) The wives of Rishis carried food to Shri Krishna and this of the world met them.[69]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Life is one of the twelve elements listed, but it is possible to count just ten elements if we consider that semen and valour are worth one, and that life marks the time of death.[70]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This refers to the state of being alive, the duration of existence, or the period of living.[71]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The four legs of the bedstead talking together and saying that they will save this of anyone who sleeps on this bedstead.[72]
The concept of Life in scientific sources
"Life" in the text refers to existence, experiences, and well-being. It encompasses impacts from physiotherapy, emergency care, childhood circumstances, cancer treatment, and family violence. "Life" also refers to scientific journals covering biological research and lateral flow test performance.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The provided text considers whether life is chosen for pleasure or pleasure for life, describing the nature of human life as floating and dependent on divided moods and shared assumptions.[73] (2) It is also known as ming, and is cultivated alongside inner nature, with the latter being prioritized over the former in dual cultivation practices.[74] (3) It has a value that is relativized in comparison with the life to come. Risking it to fight against oppression is a higher calling than self-preservation.[75] (4) In contemporary Japan, a Buddhist discourse has emerged that links this concept and food and centers on gratitude.[76] (5) It was reaffirmed, justified, legitimized, and validated for Caesar after surviving an attack and finding purpose.[77]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) This is what could be at risk.[78] (2) This is a state of being, and the provision of lifesaving care is a crucial aspect of emergency obstetric care.[79] (3) This is the period from birth to death, and the ideal goal in cancer management or treatment is to cure or considerably prolong the life of patients and to ensure the best possible quality of life to cancer survivors.[80]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is a journal that features a rapid systematic review of the performance of lateral flow tests in the age of the Omicron variant.[81]
From: South African Journal of Physiotherapy
(1) This refers to the period of existence, and the text mentions the impact of physiotherapy on people's lives.[82]
From: African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine
(1) This term refers to the experiences of a person, and the text mentions a study on the factors contributing to children working and living on the streets.[83]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) This is a scientific journal that publishes research across various biological disciplines, including studies on disease mechanisms.[84]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) According to the provided text, "life" is a theme explored with the link between furniture, environment, and future sustainability.[85] (2) It is personal, and intertwined with professional aspects, and should be treated as allies, emphasizing harmony and complementarity rather than division.[86] (3) The text discusses the waste avoidance at the end of an edible product's life by using energy and materials for washing cups, instead of disposing of them.[87]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Life satisfaction is a component used in the calculation of long-term subjective well-being, as indicated by the Cronbach’s Alpha of the total sum of all 15 items is 0.790.[88]
From: South African Journal of Psychiatry
(1) Life can be negatively affected by family violence, and the study aimed to understand the extent of the problem and its effects on women's health.[89]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) A journal that published work on protein extractions from Amphistegina lessonii, focusing on protocol development.[90]
Classical concept of 'Life'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) Life is what the Thrush deprived itself of by prioritizing the pleasant food over its safety, expressing regret at the point of death after being caught.[91] (2) Something that some individuals attempted to prolong for the animal and others sought to take, later spared by the animal.[92] (3) What the flea is begging the man to spare, arguing that it cannot possibly do much harm and does not deserve to be killed.[93] (4) Life is what the trumpeter pleads for, hoping to be spared by his captors, despite his role in inciting the battle through his trumpet.[94] (5) The animals determine to repay the man by dividing the term of his life between them, each endowing one portion of it with their own qualities, therefore each animal characterizes a period of the man's life.[95]
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) The text suggests that all men desire pleasure because they all aim at life, and life is an activity; it also mentions that pleasure completes the activities, and therefore life, which they desire, and the text also mentions the close relationship between pleasure and life.[96] (2) The text highlights that pleasure and pain extend right through life, influencing choices and impacting both virtue and the pursuit of a happy life.[97] (3) The text defines life, stating that life is defined by the power of perception or thought and is among the things that are good and pleasant in themselves, making life desirable, especially for good and supremely happy individuals.[98] (4) The friendship of children to parents possesses pleasantness and utility also, more than that of strangers, inasmuch as their life is lived more in common.[99] (5) According to the text, existence encompasses both activity and rest, suggesting that leisure and amusement are intrinsic elements that contribute to a well-rounded life.[100]
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) The religious literature of all periods of Egyptian history proves that the Egyptians believed in a resurrection and in immortality, and that they performed ceremonies at, or in, the tomb, and recited formulae, with the view of assisting the dead to renew their "life", to enjoy their existence in the Other World, and to escape from dying a second time.[101]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) Medea says evil will come to her when he is bereft of life, showing her concern for his well-being and the consequences of his death.[102]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The provided text indicates that life was given, and this is associated with having power over mankind, suggesting a divine act of granting existence and authority.[103] (2) Life, referred to as ankh, is a fundamental essence associated with breath, fire, and divine power, crucial for existence and overcoming ailments. The breath en of ankh life is mentioned in the text.[104] (3) The text describes the concept of life as being associated with the liver, and consuming it is believed to grant the qualities of the former possessor's life.[105]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) The text states that all life is with Horus, and he is the lord of life who maketh mankind to flourish.[106]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) A concept represented by the uraeus-serpent, symbolizing protection and salvation, and contrasting with the representation of drought, darkness, and death.[107]