Significance of Life-force
Synonyms: Vitality, Energy, Spirit, Essence, Enthusiasm, Drive, Vigor, Animating force, Life energy
In Dutch: Levenskracht; In Finnish: Elämänvoimaa; In Spanish: Fuerza vital; In German: Lebenskraft; In Finnish: Elämänvoima; In Swedish: Livskraft; In Malay: Daya hidup; In French: Force vitale; In Italian: Forza vitale; In Portugese: Força vital; In Polish: Siła życiowa
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 encompasses vital energy for sustaining life, sourced from physical and mental origins. It is also represented by jivitindriya, the fundamental principle enabling the mind's functioning.
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.[1]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The vital energy (jivita rupa) necessary for sustaining life, derived from both physical and mental sources.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Life-force'
In Hinduism, Life-force, or prana, signifies vital energy linking physical and spiritual life, influencing health and existence through doshas, breath, and rituals, while embodying the essence of life within all beings.
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Para Oja (higher Oja) resides in the heart and governs life force, while Apara Oja (lower Oja) circulates through the arteries and supports physical strength.[3] (2) Oja, as explained in the Vedas, is arranged for biological strength, including immunity.[4] (3) Emphasizing the balance of the body’s through precise manipulation of Marma points.[5]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This (Prana) is indeed combined with cosmic energies; when there is a deficit of any of these energies, the related problems will arise.[6] (2) This is the Prana, which is essential for sustaining life and youthfulness, and its disruption can lead to compromised vitality and accelerated aging, impacting overall health.[7] (3) Life force is aided by a subtle energy, according to Siddar, in the healthy functioning of the body, and the Marmas are imperceptible, yet they may be tracked.[8] (4) This is increased by rejuvenation therapy, and strengthened by behavioral Rasayanas, which stimulate positive emotions and experiences.[9] (5) Also known as Pranah, this is the vital energy that flows through the Marmas, and it is considered essential to the understanding of the human body's deeper workings.[10]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The life force, or prana, is regarded as Brihaspati and worshipped as udgitha, and is also the lord of speech, showing its central role.[11] (2) Signifies prana, the vital energy that sustains life, linking the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence.[12] (3) Entities likened to one's vitality, represented in this context by the Pranas and Rudras.[13]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Life-force, associated with Prána-Váyu, signifies the energy or spirit that sustains life.[14]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The inherent energy within beings that connects them to the absolute essence of Brahman and sustains their existence.[15]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A vital energy that relies on the four elements and its own inherent nature, enabling it to circulate throughout the physical form.[16]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Represents the vital energy or essence that was no longer present in His body.[17]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The vital energy or life essence belonging to Putana.[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: 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.[20] (2) The essential vitality that is invoked through the offerings, recognized in both human and animal forms throughout the ritual.[21]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The life-force is responsible for the action of taking in external air, termed inspiration.[22]
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.[23]
The concept of Life-force in local and regional sources
Life-force embodies the essential energy that sustains existence, driving action, change, and vitality in individuals. It connects scientific, philosophical, and spiritual realms, emphasizing personal growth, creativity, and the cyclical nature of life and death.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) New life-forces are the driving energy behind a Renaissance, manifesting themselves in every aspect of a nation's life.[24] (2) Connie is the life force for the four women, providing them with emotional support, guidance, and a sense of purpose as they navigate their personal struggles and seek healing.[25] (3) Something that moves ahead with amazing speed and explodes into myriad forms. Stagnancy in any sphere of life is disliked, and one likes to plunge into the fast changing world with full gusto.[26] (4) Marxism became a life force to the progressive movement, providing the philosophical and ideological foundation for its social and political goals.[27] (5) Jagadish Chandra Bose discovered by his power of concentration and inner intuition that: ‘This whole universe, all that reacts, is born of this and is quivering with a touch of animation’.[28]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Respiration was considered the primary life-force by the Vedic Indians, leading them to naturally imagine its presence in the active fetus ready for birth, resulting from life-breath functioning.[29]
The concept of Life-force in scientific sources
Life-force, synonymous with Prana, signifies the vital energy essential for self-healing and holistic health in systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy. It sustains life, promotes well-being, and connects breath and bodily functions.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) This concept, often interchangeable with a life principle, constitutes a fundamental and deeply ingrained ideological element present within the modern context of holistic thought and practice.[30] (2) Emanates from the word: “the word is productive and imperative, calling forth and commanding”. Naming, then, is the conduit to existence or being, for “‘there is nothing that there is not; whatever we have a name for, that is’.[31] (3) Re-imaging ‘life force’ involves considering what lies beyond the physical, psychological, and social, recognizing and caring for life force in self and others.[32]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) It is one of the two main forces in the world created by God, alongside the Material Force, suggesting a balance between spiritual and material aspects of existence.[33]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Transcendence, existing beyond life’s framework, continues to grow and acts as a life force, transforming vulnerability into strength.[34]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Life force is an impulse and impetus for healing from within the person, warranting further investigation that encompasses life change and challenge across generations and geographies.[35]