Significance of Mortal
Synonyms: Human, Earthly, Living, Ephemeral, Transient, Perishable, Finite
In Spanish: Mortal; In Portugese: Mortal; In Dutch: Sterfelijk; In Finnish: Kuolevainen; In German: Sterblich; In Swedish: Dödlig; In Malay: Fana; In French: Mortel; In Italian: Mortale; In Polish: Śmiertelny
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mortal'
In Buddhism, "Mortal" denotes human beings who face life's limitations and uncertainties, highlighting that external rituals alone cannot lead to purification, and also reflects the inherent nature of humans concerning the inevitability of death.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Refers to human beings who are subject to the limitations and doubts of life; the text emphasizes that mere external practices do not purify mortals.[1]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A term used to describe the nature of human beings in relation to death.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Mortal'
In Hinduism, "Mortal" signifies beings subject to death and transience, emphasizing humanity's temporary existence, moral standings, and duality in relation to the divine, contrasted with the eternal nature of the Brahman or immortality.
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Individuals among humanity who engage in the practice of meditating on the syllable 'Om' throughout their lives.[3]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A being subject to death who, after approaching a certain divine presence, would not experience poverty or a brief existence.[4] (2) The individual is described as perceiving both dream and waking states, and the understanding of this perception is key to the verse's meaning.[5] (3) A human being subject to death, who must navigate choices between the good and pleasant throughout life.[6]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) People prone to death, lacking in discrimination, who do not perceive Prajapati.[7] (2) The condition of being subject to death and impermanence, associated with those who hold onto dualistic ideas.[8]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The text describes this as not becoming immortal, implying a state lacking the qualities of permanence and unchangeability, contrasting with the unchanging nature.[9]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The term mortal is associated with the finite state, where alpa exists, and it signifies the state of being subject to death or decay, in contrast to the immortal.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The mortal becomes immortal when all desires which once entered his heart are undone, and then he obtains Brahman, as described in scriptural passages cited in the text.[11] (2) Describes beings or states of existence that are subject to death and decay, opposed to the concept of immortality associated with the highest Brahman.[12]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Referring to everything else besides the Internal Ruler, implying that all beings experience birth and death.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A mortal is identified as the one who single-handedly slaughtered all of Kuvera's Rakshasas, causing great consternation among the surviving beings.[14] (2) Mortals are explicitly stated as having no access to the sporting-region of the celestials, which lies beyond the mountain summit.[15]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) This describes the individual who killed the hero, emphasizing the unexpected nature of his death at the hands of someone ordinary.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Referring to Rama’s human nature, which contrasts with the supernatural abilities of Ravana.[17] (2) A reference to Rama, distinguishing him as a human being in contrast to divine or supernatural beings.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The people affected by the Bindhya mountain obstructing the Sun, some of whom suffered severe consequences.[19] (2) The state of beings, including the Devas, who are subjected to birth, decay, and death despite their divine status.[20]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Describes an element or aspect that is subject to decay and death, exemplified by components such as marrow, bones, sinews, flesh, fat, blood, and skin.[21] (2) The text states that a god shall extol the mortal, as the text says "Verily thou, a god, shalt extol the mortal, O most mighty!".[22] (3) Refers to human beings in the context of the Earth’s warning about the consequences of the sacrifice performed by Vishvakarman Bhauvana.[23] (4) Refers to the transient nature of beings, which is also encompassed within Prajapati's essence.[24]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The term mortal means subject to death, a characteristic of human beings, in contrast to the perceived extraordinary nature of the individual being discussed.[25]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Refers to human beings, whose perception of time is being contrasted with Brahma's divine understanding.[26]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The mortal refers to beings like Nala and Damayanti, who are subject to human emotions and limitations, contrasting with the divine nature of the gods and highlighting the significance of their choices and actions.[27]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Mortals are affected by purity and impurity, which have their origin and end in the worldly regions.[28] (2) This is a person who is subject to death, and when they abandon all desires, they become immortal.[29]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Mortals are mentioned as a subject within the scope of painting, signifying that representations of human beings and their lives are a key component of the artistic expression.[30]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) This is a being to whom one of the three fire-sticks was given for use.[31]
Jain concept of 'Mortal'
In Jainism, "Mortal" signifies human beings, highlighting their fleeting existence and the inevitability of death, underscoring the temporary nature of life on Earth.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Mortals, alongside the celestial Khecaras, directed numerous requests to Bana seeking permission to marry his stunning daughter Usha, requests which the proud father invariably denied.[32] (2) Referring to human beings, particularly emphasizing their transient nature and the finality of death associated with life on Earth.[33]
The concept of Mortal in local and regional sources
The term "Mortal" denotes a person's physical existence, highlighting their finite nature. However, understanding the concept of immortality can lead individuals to recognize a deeper, enduring essence beyond their mortal state.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A mortal, according to the text, is rudely shocked when facing death, unlike a yogi who voluntarily gives up their life.[34] (2) Mortals are half-fed beings who are reminded by melodies of something open and full of feeling.[35] (3) This phrase is used to describe the human state of being, and despite being mortal, a person can still realize immortality.[36] (4) This describes a person's physical state, but the knowledge of the Idea allows a person to realize that they are also immortal.[37]
The concept of Mortal in scientific sources
According to regional sources, "Mortal" refers to beings who, when prioritizing personal desires over the common good, are susceptible to succumbing to envy and sensual pleasures, ultimately tending towards darkness.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It relates to the condition of being subject to death, explored in relation to morality within the context of Star Trek: The Original Series.[38] (2) Mortals tend towards darkness when forsaking the common domain for the private sphere, succumbing to envy and sensual pleasure, according to the provided text.[39]
Classical concept of 'Mortal'
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) Mortals go round about thee, suggesting a presence or figure that is surrounded or observed by humans.[40]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) It is described as struggling and hoping to attain resurrection from the dead, pressing on towards perfection.[41] (2) The mortal enters Amenta in the likeness of Osiris, who had been bodily dismembered in his death, and who had to be reconstituted to rise again as the spirit that never died, showing the process of transformation.[42] (3) According to the text, men are 'mortal' since the time of Ra, which is when a father in heaven or in Amenta was depicted in the image of man.[43] (4) It is a term referencing those who are not immortal, contrasting with the spirit or immortal ka, and the focus of rituals surrounding death and preservation.[44]
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) Mortal is used to describe Hector, emphasizing his human nature in contrast to Achilles' divine parentage, as Juno argues against giving them equal honor.[45]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) Humans who are prone to blaming external forces for their misfortunes, even when they are responsible for them.[46] (2) A being that the bee wished to protect its honey from by requesting a sting from Jupiter, even though Jupiter himself had a fondness for the race of man.[47]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) Beings who tread the path of delight with uncertainty, highlighting the human condition and the constant presence of affliction alongside joy.[48] (2) Mortals are beings susceptible to ruin from transgressions, with hearts that rush swiftly towards it, as the speaker believes the queen might be.[49]