Significance of Passage of time

The passage of time is interpreted in various ways across different philosophical and religious traditions. In Vaishnavism, it encompasses both the emotional impacts of time and its metaphorical presence in divine pastimes. Purana signifies time's long duration for unfolding events, while Vyakarana highlights the evolution of dharma and the transformation of substances. Mahayana views time as a dimension for contemplation, and Theravada emphasizes patience during the Bodhisatta's fasting. Additionally, India’s historical perspective reflects societal changes over time, showcasing its multifaceted significance.1
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Synonyms: Flow of time, Advancement of time, March of time, Course of time, Passing time

In Dutch: Verstrijken van de tijd; In Finnish: Ajan kuluminen; In Spanish: El paso del tiempo; In German: Lauf der Zeit; In Malay: Peredaran masa; In Swedish: Tidens gång; In French: Le passage du temps

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

Buddhist concept of 'Passage of time'

Buddhism Books

The Passage of time in Buddhism emphasizes the importance of patience and endurance as exemplified by the Bodhisatta's fasting, while also serving as a reflective dimension during contemplation of the world.

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

(1) Regarded as a dimension to reflect upon during contemplation of the world.[1]

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.

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

(1) Refers to the several days that elapse as the Bodhisatta fasts, highlighting patience and endurance.[2]

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 'Passage of time'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Passage of time signifies the continuous flow from past to future, influencing experiences and emotions, shaping events, and affecting impermanence, dharma, and even sensory qualities, ultimately encapsulating both challenges and spiritual insights.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

(1) Indicates the ongoing nature of time which brings about various challenges and circumstances that must be dealt with.[3] (2) The metaphorical concept of time that exists to accommodate the sweet pastimes of Shri Bhagavan in Vaikuntha.[4] (3) The continual movement from the past, through the present, and into the future, often unnoticeable in moments of joy.[5]

(1) The evolution of emotions related to loss, with time offering relief from acute pangs of bereavement.[6] (2) The continuous flow of time which influences the impermanence of earthly things.[7] (3) The natural progression of time which typically affects feelings of sorrow or longing, but not in this context.[8]

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 Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

(1) The process by which objects, particularly substances like wine, become altered in taste and fragrance, leading to the development of unique characteristics.[9] (2) Indicates that certain powers, like dharma and adharma, are manifested and evolve as time progresses.[10]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

The concept of Passage of time in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Passage of time" encapsulates the concept of historical evolution in cities, character developments in literature, personal experiences of time, and the changing relevance of books over time.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) The duration over which the reception of books is evaluated, indicating that some become less known while others last.[11] (2) A key theme in Faust indicating the development and changes that characters undergo over the years.[12] (3) The passage or flow of time as experienced by the speaker, reflecting a sense of timelessness.[13] (4) Refers to the historical changes and developments that occur in the city, including the construction of infrastructure and the evolution of society.[14]

(1) This concept does not affect the dial of eternity, implying that it has no impact on the eternal nature of existence.[15]