Significance of Mundane existence
Mundane existence, as interpreted across various spiritual traditions, refers to the ordinary cycle of life filled with attachments, desires, and suffering. In Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and other philosophies, it encompasses the recurring patterns of birth, life, death, and rebirth, often described as distractions from spiritual pursuits. This state is typically viewed as transient and filled with material concerns, emphasizing the importance of spiritual emancipation and the quest for liberation from this cycle.
Synonyms: Ordinary life, Everyday living, Ordinary existence, Normal life
In Dutch: Alledaags bestaan; In Finnish: Maallinen olemassaolo; In Spanish: Existencia mundana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mundane existence'
Mundane existence in Buddhism signifies the repetitive cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth within the material realm, emphasizing the ordinary, often unremarkable nature of human experience and the transient nature of worldly life.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The ordinary cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in the material world.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Mundane existence'
Mundane existence in Hinduism represents ordinary life filled with distractions, suffering, and material attachments. It contrasts spiritual truths and emphasizes the cycle of birth and death, urging individuals toward transcendence and liberation through knowledge and devotion.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The earthly life filled with suffering and challenges that individuals seek to transcend.[2] (2) Refers to the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in material reality, from which spiritual aspirants seek liberation.[3] (3) The earthly and material world that is filled with suffering and torments, contrasting with spiritual refuge.[4] (4) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in the physical world, considered a state of suffering.[5] (5) The temporary and material life that individuals experience, filled with suffering and challenges.[6]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A life characterized by misery, grief, and terror, from which one can be liberated through devotion.[7] (2) The cycle of worldly life filled with miseries, often referred to as the trap of Samsara.[8] (3) Refers to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that one seeks to escape through spiritual practice.[9] (4) The worldly life that Karttikeya seeks to rise above through knowledge.[10] (5) The cycle of worldly life that Vasuki seeks to be freed from through penance and blessings.[11]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Refers to the temporary, material aspects of life that distract from spiritual knowledge and self-realization.[12] (2) The ordinary state of being characterized by attachment and ignorance before realizing the true nature of the soul.[13] (3) The earthly, material life that individuals may seek to transcend through proper rituals.[14] (4) The earthly life that is characterized by various forms of suffering.[15] (5) The everyday life and struggles faced by humans, which can be transcended through devotion and the installation of Vishnu's image.[16]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The temporal and often painful reality inhabited by beings, full of relationships and experiences, ultimately leading to liberation through wisdom.[17] (2) The earthly life characterized by material attachments and sufferings, which should be shunned according to the teachings conveyed.[18] (3) The cyclical experience of birth, death, and rebirth in which beings find themselves bound to physical existence.[19] (4) The cycle of life and death, which can be transcended through spiritual practice and understanding of Om.[20] (5) The reality of life and suffering on Earth, from which the souls seek emancipation as described in the narrative.[21]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The state of living within the material world, filled with suffering and attachments, which the five-syllabled mantra helps to transcend.[22] (2) Worldly attachments and influences that hinder the acquisition of Yogic powers.[23]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the common worldly life marked by material attachments which the characters seek to transcend.[24] (2) The worldly life filled with attachments and distractions, from which sages seek emancipation through devotion and knowledge.[25]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The material and physical life in which beings are entangled, contrasting with spiritual or celestial life.[26] (2) The worldly life characterized by suffering and distraction, which can be transcended through knowledge of the Gita.[27]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The ordinary and often burdensome life that individuals experience, marked by ignorance, attachment, and the resultant pain.[28] (2) Refers to the worldly life filled with material concerns and distractions, as opposed to spiritual or transcendental realms.[29]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The everyday life and concerns that often distract individuals from deeper spiritual truths.[30]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ordinary and temporary state of being, which is seen as separate from the eternal Brahman.[31] (2) Mundane existence refers to the ordinary, temporal life that individuals seek to transcend through spiritual practices.[32] (3) The common state of being occupied with worldly matters and material concerns.[33]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The commonplace experience of life that is characterized by sorrow, delusion, and the challenges of material reality.[34]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The transient nature of worldly life, addressed by Lord Shiva in Shiva Gita to guide the disciples toward higher consciousness.[35]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The transient experience of life that one must reflect upon according to the teachings discussed.[36] (2) The ordinary, worldly life that is characterized by suffering and the pursuit of temporary pleasures.[37]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The state of being attached to material life, which leads to the pursuit of temporary pleasures.[38]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The ordinary, material life characterized by physical perceptions and existence devoid of spiritual insight.[39]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The worldly life from which the self seeks to be liberated in the state of moksha.[40]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The everyday reality characterized by material concerns and attachments that hinder spiritual growth.[41]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The worldly life characterized by suffering and the alternation between opposites.[42] (2) The worldly life that is characterized by material concerns and attachments, from which the gambler sought to break free.[43]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The state of being characterized by worldly attachments and experiences, which the afflictions work to reinforce.[44]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The continual cycle of pain, birth, and activity driven by ignorance.[45]
Jain concept of 'Mundane existence'
Mundane existence in Jainism is characterized by the cycle of birth and rebirth, attachment, and worldly distractions. It hinders spiritual progress, compelling followers to seek liberation through ascetic practices and the Law.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A world existence that the ascetic Shatabahu expresses fear of, emphasizing the struggle for spiritual emancipation.[46] (2) A life characterized by attachment and involvement in worldly affairs, typically contrasted with spiritual pursuits.[47]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The ordinary life governed by desire and attachment, from which followers seek to be liberated through the Law.[48] (2) The ordinary, worldly life characterized by attachment, suffering, and distractions from spiritual pursuits.[49]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The state of being involved in the cycle of birth and rebirth, characterized by attachment and the weight of karmas, hindering spiritual progress.[50]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) The ordinary, everyday experiences that can detract from spiritual growth and understanding.[51]
The concept of Mundane existence in local and regional sources
Mundane existence refers to the common, everyday experiences that often lack excitement or deeper meaning, emphasizing a life characterized by routine and simplicity rather than poetic or significant moments.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ordinary and daily life that typically lacks poetic or significant attributes.[52]