Significance of Living entities
Living entities, according to Vaishnavism, encompass all beings that exist in the world and are recipients of the Lord's grace. They are acknowledged to have a spiritual essence and include those who can experience distress and operate under the influence of material nature. These beings engage in various forms of worship and can achieve liberation through devotion to the Supreme Lord. Additionally, living entities are recognized as participants in the cycle of birth and death, who can benefit from spiritual practices to attain their higher spiritual purpose.
Synonyms: Organisms, Life forms, Entities
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Living entities'
In Hinduism, living entities encompass all forms of life, including deities and souls, reflecting their interconnectedness with the Supreme Lord. They express consciousness, experience existence, and are influenced by karma, maya, and divine compassion.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) All beings that Shri Gaurasundara aimed to deliver through His divine pastimes.[1] (2) Refers to all beings, including humans and demigods, that exist within the material world.[2] (3) The beings that experience material existence, often in a state of rebellion against the divine.[3] (4) All beings who experience life, particularly those struggling in the spiritual age of Kali.[4] (5) Beings who are described as being under the clutches of maya and incapable of understanding the Lord's topics without divine assistance.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) All beings, including humans and supernatural beings, that are impacted by the illusory potency and are susceptible to being bewildered.[6] (2) The creations or children that Brahma is tasked with creating.[7] (3) Refers to all forms of life, specifically mentioned as jivatma in the text.[8] (4) All forms of life that were created by Brahma, the progenitor of the universe.[9] (5) Refers to all beings who are endowed with life, to whom the benefits of the prayer are directed.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) All sentient beings that experience birth, life, and death in the material world.[11] (2) All creatures or souls that exist, which can be absorbed in worldly desires or elevated to a path of spiritual devotion.[12] (3) Spiritual beings who relate to the Supreme Lord through concepts of difference and non-difference.[13] (4) Beings that are overwhelmed by suffering in the material world, seeking relief from their struggles.[14] (5) All beings that exist, recognized as recipients of respect and kindness by devotees.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) All forms of life that exist and are capable of experiencing satisfaction through offerings.[16] (2) All beings that require sustenance, emphasizing the necessity of Shri Krishna for their survival.[17] (3) Refers to all sentient beings that possess a sense of ego and desire, highlighting their struggles with false identity.[18] (4) All beings that are described as eternal associates of Shri Krishna, embodying various forms for the purpose of experiencing joy in divine service.[19] (5) Refers to all beings with life that exist within the material world.[20]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) All forms of life that exist and are affected by spiritual and material situations.[21] (2) All beings that exist, which are ultimately part and parcel of the Supreme Lord.[22] (3) All beings in the world that are affected by worship and auspiciousness.[23] (4) All beings that inhabit the universe which are affected by the actions of Krishna's universal form.[24] (5) Refers to all sentient beings that can experience pain and suffering in the context of compassion.[25]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Living entities include all forms of life, categorized as demigods, human beings, and demons, each engaged in distinct modes of existence.[26] (2) Sac-cid-ananda beings who are manifestations of Lord Vishnu, having the potential for liberation and transcendental existence.[27] (3) Conscious beings who are subject to the effects of karma and are seeking liberation.[28]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The four groups of beings created by Brahma, namely the Devas, Asuras, Pitris, and human beings.[29]