Significance of Opportunity

Opportunity is understood across various contexts in Vaishnavism, Purana, and Theravada, as well as in Indian history. In Vaishnavism, it encompasses favorable conditions for divine worship and moments for spiritual teachings during meals. The Purana highlights opportunities linked to strategic advantages in warfare, while Theravada emphasizes the importance of seizing chances for good deeds. Additionally, in Indian history, opportunity represents moments for the underestimated to showcase their potential, reinforcing the multifaceted nature of the concept of opportunity.1
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Synonyms: Chance, Possibility, Option, Opening, Shot, Circumstance, Moment., Occasion

In Dutch: Mogelijkheid; In Finnish: Mahdollisuus; In Spanish: Oportunidad; In German: Gelegenheit

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

Buddhist concept of 'Opportunity'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Opportunity signifies the chance to engage in virtuous actions or make positive choices, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting upon these moments, as illustrated by the rich man's failure to take advantage of them.

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

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A chance to perform good deeds or make beneficial decisions, which the rich man failed to seize.[1]

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).

Hindu concept of 'Opportunity'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Opportunity encompasses chances for divine teachings at meals, strategic advantages for invasion, and favorable conditions for worship, reflecting the significance of divine connection and favorable circumstances in spiritual and worldly matters.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A favorable circumstance that allows one to worship or serve the divine, as highlighted in the phrase kala pai.[2] (2) A chance for the Lord to convey teachings and insights to His devotees during the meal.[3]

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’).

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) An advantageous situation perceived by Susarman that could allow the Trigartas and Kauravas to successfully invade Matsya.[4]

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.

The concept of Opportunity in local and regional sources

History Books

Opportunity signifies a chance for individuals who have been overlooked or underestimated to showcase their skills and abilities, allowing them to demonstrate their true potential and capabilities in various contexts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas

(1) A chance that might arise for the underestimated to prove their worth or ability.[5]

From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages

(1) This term describes a specific point in time that is predetermined or established, signifying an opportunity or an occasion.[6]