Significance of Multitude

The term multitude is interpreted differently across various traditions. Vaishnavism sees it as a large group of cows or cowherd men and countless natural elements. Theravada Buddhism views it as a large gathering of people at a funeral. In Indian history, multitude relates to the Greek concept of counting units. Kavyashastra defines multitude as a large group of women drawn to Krishna's flute or a large collection of entities like bees, flowers, or beings, emphasizing abundance.1
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Synonyms: Abundance, Crowd, Host, Legion, Masses, Heap, Swarm, Throng

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Multitude'
Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Multitude signifies the numerous individuals at a funeral who could gain from the Buddha's teachings and presence, highlighting the potential for widespread spiritual benefit.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The large crowd of people who were delighted by the initial performance and later expressed strong disapproval towards Musila.[1] (2) The Bodhisatta woke to see the multitude after covering his face, and then lay down again before sitting cross-legged when the car stopped.[2] (3) To the rest of the multitude, the Master gave exhortations on charity, obeying Commandments, and observing fast days.[3] (4) The text refers to a large group of people who were delighted by a princess's miraculous power and her ability to deliver the king from his false doctrines.[4]

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) A certain group of individuals had made arrangements concerning the right to provide nourishment for the religious community, leading to observable behavior in the eating area.[5]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The large number of people attending the funeral who would benefit from the Buddha's presence and preaching.[6]

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) This refers to a large group of beings for whom the spiritual teachings are intended to bring benefit.[7]

Hindu concept of 'Multitude'
Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Multitude" signifies large groups, encompassing cowherds, natural elements, beings, women charmed by Krishna, flowers, cows, and bees, emphasizing abundance and diverse gatherings.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) This term suggests a large gathering or collection of various elements, such as pure qualities or devotional practices.[8] (2) A large number of beings or objects, specifically referring to a group of cows in this context.[9] (3) Referring to the large number of cowherd men ('parikarah') who came together.[10] (4) Refers to the countless beings and elements present in nature, highlighting abundance.[11]

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Multitudes of divine arrows were shot by the Devas at Tamra, overwhelming him.[12]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) This is a large group of people, who have forsworn food.[13]

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Multitude refers to a large group, and food belonging to such a group is forbidden.[14]

The concept of Multitude in local and regional sources
History Books

Multitude, as defined by regional sources and the Greeks, signifies a large quantity or number. The Greeks specifically linked it to counting, viewing number as a multitude of units.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)

(1) An innumerable multitude appeared before the master of shastras when the rock-cavern opened, though they seemed forgetful of the way to return.[15]

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The multitude, along with the King of the city, were frightened when the royal Prince went up in the Wooden Peacock machine and disappeared.[16] (2) The multitude refers to the group of people who accompany the Prince to Puttalam and become the courtesan woman's property due to the cat.[17]

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A multitude refers to a large number of people, and an artist addressing such a large audience could lead to confusion and distraction from their creative focus.[18]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Multitude refers to a large number of things, and the Greeks defined number as a multitude of units, which is related to their concept of counting.[19]

Classical concept of 'Multitude'
Various literature Books

Meaning of Multitudes in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) It refers to the general population, whose power Otanes proposed to increase, believing that everything is contained within them.[20] (2) Sesostris employed the multitude of those whose lands he had subdued to draw stones for the temple of Hephaistos and dig channels in Egypt.[21]

Meaning of Multitudes in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope

(1) A large number of people, likely worshippers or attendees, who gathered around the altar.[22]

Plural form: Multitudes.