Significance of Longevity
Longevity, the key concept explored across various traditions, signifies a long lifespan. In Ayurveda, it is achieved through practices like Rasayana therapy, proper diet, and sleep. Historically, in India, longevity is a benefit of rasayana treatments, alongside memory and health. Health Sciences views longevity as the primary goal of Rasayana, emphasizing a long and healthy life through lifestyle choices and interventions. The text suggests that longevity is also influenced by practices such as Achar rasayana and Dincharya.
Synonyms: Durability, Permanence, Endurance, Lifespan, Long life, Persistence, Continuity
In Dutch: Levensduur; In Finnish: Pitkäikäisyys; In Spanish: Longevidad; In German: Langlebigkeit; In Malay: Panjang umur; In Swedish: Långt liv; In French: Longévité
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Longevity'
In Buddhism, longevity is multifaceted. It encompasses a long life achieved through respecting elders, a quality desired by Mara, and a positive outcome of good deeds. It is also seen as a reward for offering life, leading to extended existence in either the deva or human realms.
(1) The quality of living a long life, which Mara suggests as desirable, contrasting with the Bodhisatta's pursuit of Nibbana regardless of physical survival.[1] (2) The result attributed to the offering of life, ensuring a longer existence in either the deva or human realm.[2]
(1) Longevity is an anisamsa, or concomitant advantageous to material conditions, and is associated with the positive results of good actions, according to the text.[3] (2) The ability to live a long life, which is emphasized as attainable through the act of respecting and honouring elders.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Longevity'
In Hinduism, longevity is a multifaceted concept. It encompasses a long life, influenced by factors like sleep, diet, selfless service, and spiritual practices. It is also promoted through Rasayana herbs, Ayurvedic principles, and righteous conduct.
(1) Consumption of proper, amount of food brings strength, complexion, happiness and longevity, suggesting that food plays a key role in overall health and life span.[5] (2) Longevity is promoted by Goghrita, which is good for children and the elderly, promoting longevity and reproductive fluid.[6] (3) This is positively impacted by selfless service, highlighting its positive impact on overall health and well-being.[7] (4) Clothes promote this, and they also enhance charm and personality of an individual, according to the provided text, which also mentions other benefits.[8] (5) This refers to the state of having a long life and is promoted by Rasayana therapy, which aims to improve physical and mental vitality, thus contributing to a healthier and extended lifespan.[9]
(1) This is one of the effects of Rasayana, and is achieved through rejuvenation therapy, along with memory, intellect, and freedom from diseases.[10] (2) Suvarnaprashana is traditionally practiced to promote this, as well as child growth and memory enhancement. This is one of the main reasons why this practice is followed.[11] (3) This refers to the length of life, which is a central goal of Rasayana practices, as described in the text.[12] (4) This describes the lifespan of an individual, which can be positively impacted by the use of Agada Yogas, as mentioned in the text.[13]
(1) The main goal of Ayurveda, aimed at curing and preventing illness to promote long life.[14]
(1) A desired state of long life that can be achieved through Right Conduct.[17] (2) A term referring to a long life, which is shown to be jeopardized due to the act of performing improper sacrifices.[18] (3) The quality of a long life that flourishes in a man if he avoids the woman covered with impurity.[19]
(1) This quality is increased by the act of taking a bath, as stated in the provided text.[20] (2) A state of long life that is lessened by the practice of sleeping during the day.[21]
(1) A long life or life span, which is said to be increased by pearls.[22]
The concept of Longevity in local and regional sources
Longevity, as described in the text, is a crucial aspect of rasayana practices. It is achieved through rejuvenation, the preservation of life, and specific practices. Longevity is a desired outcome of these formulations and one of the four blessings of life.
(1) The provided text mentions longevity as one of the effects of rasayana treatments, and it is a desired outcome of these formulations.[25] (2) Longevity is a key aspect of rasayana, as stated in the Carakasamhita, and it is gained through the process of rasayana, along with memory, mental power, health, youthful vigor, radiance, complexion, voice, a strong body, and keen senses.[26] (3) Longevity is one of the mundane benefits that result from the recipes in the Khecarividya, and it is also promised by Yoga itself.[27] (4) The main benefit of ayurvedic rasayana according to the Carakasamhita and the Sushrutasasamhita, in addition to generating health, cognitive powers, virility, and superpowers.[28] (5) This is a state that can be achieved through certain practices, as well as rejuvenation and the power to remain deathless, as suggested in the literature.[29]
(1) This noun refers to one of the four blessings of life, as mentioned in the provided text.[30]
(1) The first Veda Sastra, Shau, concerning the preservation of life and natural conditions.[31]
The concept of Longevity in scientific sources
Longevity, as defined in the text, is the duration of life. It's a central concept in various medical traditions like Ayurveda and Siddha, often pursued through practices like Rasayana therapy, lifestyle changes, and medicinal interventions. The aim is to extend lifespan and improve health.
(1) This is the lifespan of an individual, and eliminating major diseases on life expectancy are not dramatic, but advances in medical treatment more than improvements in risk factors may be allowing the elderly who are frail and who suffer from fatal degenerative diseases to survive longer after the onset of the disease than was the case in the past.[32] (2) This is the long life of an organism, and various factors, such as diet restriction, can contribute to increased longevity.[33]
(1) Sirtuins are linked to this concept through their roles in epigenetics and aging, indicating their potential to influence lifespan.[34]