Significance of Life-force
Life-force in various philosophical and spiritual contexts refers to the essential energy that sustains and invigorates all living entities. In Hinduism, it encompasses vital energies such as prana and various bodily functions needed for existence. Vaishnavism and Purana further explore its implications in life and devotion. Yoga highlights it as the energy regulating both body and mind functions. The concept extends to historical interpretations by G.B. Shaw, emphasizing its role in personal growth and creativity, while science identifies it with prana, crucial for health and vitality.
Synonyms: Vitality, Energy, Spirit, Essence, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Life energy
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-force'
In Buddhism, Life-force, termed jivitindriya, embodies the essential life principle vital for mental function, while jivita rupa represents the necessary energy sourced from both physical and mental realms to sustain life.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The vital energy (jivita rupa) necessary for sustaining life, derived from both physical and mental sources.[1]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The life force or life principle of name is called jivitindriya, which is essential for the functioning of mind.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Life-force'
In Hinduism, Life-force embodies essential vital energies, known as Prana, sustaining both physical and spiritual existence. It influences bodily functions, emotional responses, and spiritual journeys, connecting individuals to the universal essence of Brahman.
From: Agni Purana
(1) The vital energy or principle underlying all forms of life.[3] (2) The vital energy or essence in the body that moves during the process of dying.[4] (3) Ten forces including prana, apana, samana, udana, vyana, naga, kurma, krikara, devadatta, and dhananaya carried by the veins.[5] (4) Serum is described as the life force in the body of beings, vital for sustaining life.[6] (5) The vital energies that sustain existence in all living beings.[7]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The vital energy or essence of an individual, which is depicted as leaving a person upon receiving distressing news.[8] (2) The vital essence that allows Kusha to return from death, attributed to blessings from Mahadeva.[9] (3) The vital energy that sustains all bodily functions, highlighted within the context of Vayu and other life-supporting elements.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The vital energies or influences that shape one's spiritual and material journey.[11]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Signifies prana, the vital energy that sustains life, linking the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence.[12] (2) Entities likened to one's vitality, represented in this context by the Pranas and Rudras.[13]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The inherent energy within beings that connects them to the absolute essence of Brahman and sustains their existence.[14]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Life-force, associated with Prána-Váyu, signifies the energy or spirit that sustains life.[15]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A concept referring to the essence of life, metaphorically described as milk in conjunction with other elements.[16] (2) Refers to prana, the vital energy or life essence that is presented in the context of being potentially given up.[17] (3) The essence of existence referred to as 'jiva', which the flamingo is trying to protect.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The vital energy or essence that sustains life, which the residents are clinging to in the context of devotion.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The vital energy or life essence belonging to Putana.[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Represents the vital energy or essence that was no longer present in His body.[21]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The essential energy or breath imparted to all creatures through the careful laying down of the Pranabhrits and the associated ritualistic practices, facilitating existence and vitality.[22] (2) The essential vitality that is invoked through the offerings, recognized in both human and animal forms throughout the ritual.[23]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The singular energy that expresses itself in various functions of the body and mind, regardless of the activities it inspires.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The life-force is responsible for the action of taking in external air, termed inspiration.[25]
The concept of Life-force in local and regional sources
Life-force encompasses the inevitability of death and natural cycles, intrinsic drives for self-fulfillment, creativity, and vitality. Introduced by G.B. Shaw, it signifies the essential energy propelling individuals towards growth, reproduction, and existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The vital energy within individuals that drives action and endurance towards achieving significant goals.[26] (2) A concept introduced by G.B. Shaw that signifies a vital energy driving individuals towards growth, self-consciousness, and understanding.[27] (3) A concept that evokes the inevitability of death and the natural cycles of life, emphasizing the fragility of existence.[28] (4) A Shaw concept that refers to the creative energy that drives women to seek out their partners for reproductive purposes.[29] (5) A concept associated with vitality, where intake of specific foods can enhance one's life and prevent decay.[30]
The concept of Life-force in scientific sources
Life-force, synonymous with Prana in Ayurveda, embodies the vital energy crucial for health and overall functioning, highlighting its significance in promoting wellness and balance within the body.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Prana, a significant concept in Ayurveda representing vital energy essential for health and functioning.[31]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) The essential energy that animates living beings and is synonymous with the term 'prana' in Ayurvedic literature.[32]