Significance of Middle of the night
The term Middle of the night holds various meanings across different philosophies and historical contexts. In Jainism, it signifies the moment when Palaka honors the Lord. Vaishnavism interprets it as approximately halfway through the night, while Mahayana associates it with symbolic events in the Buddha's life, representing transition and balance. Historical references in India describe it as a time of stealth, such as a man removing a door or Eknath experiencing a significant transcendental event while writing.
Synonyms: Midnight, Dead of night, Late night, Deep night, Wee hours, Midnight hour, Early morning hours
In Dutch: Midden in de nacht; In Finnish: Keskellä yötä; In Spanish: En mitad de la noche
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Middle of the night'
In Buddhism, "Middle of the night" symbolizes significant transitions in the Buddha's life, representing moments of balance and change, highlighting the importance of timing in spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Symbolic timing associated with key events in the Buddha's life, indicating transition and balance.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Middle of the night'
In Hinduism, the Middle of the night signifies a period roughly halfway through the night, symbolizing late night hours, which may hold spiritual significance during meditation, rituals, or transitions between day and night.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A time referred to in the text, highlighting the need for protection during darkness.[2] (2) The specific time setting in which the forest fire manifested and began to consume.[3] (3) The time when the incident occurs, indicating darkness and perhaps a sense of fear.[4] (4) The time specified when the celestial events described occurred, emphasizing the mystical nature of the setting.[5] (5) Refers to the time during the night when the events in the text take place.[6]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to a time that is approximately halfway through the night, indicating late night hours.[7]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A time period during which studying or teaching is generally prohibited.[8]
Jain concept of 'Middle of the night'
In Jainism, the "Middle of the night" symbolizes a moment of reverence, as it marks the time when Palaka rose to honor the Lord, underscoring the significance of devotion during this sacred period.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The time when Palaka arose to pay homage to the Lord.[9]
The concept of Middle of the night in local and regional sources
The phrase "Middle of the night" signifies a pivotal moment for Eknath, marking both a transcendental writing experience and a covert action as a man stealthily removes a door during late hours.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The period of time in the late night hours, typically considered as the time when most people are asleep.[10] (2) The late hours after dark, when the man stealthily removed the door.[11]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The time when Eknath experiences a transcendental event while writing.[12]