Significance of Past lives
Past lives encompass the concept of previous existences that significantly influence an individual's current circumstances, actions, and spiritual journey. Various religious philosophies, including Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shilpashastra, and others, highlight the idea that these previous incarnations shape one's experiences, behavior, and understanding of life. In contexts like Vedanta and Mahayana, past lives are viewed as essential to understanding karma, reincarnation, and the continuity of actions across lifetimes. This notion illustrates the interconnectedness of existence and spiritual progress across different iterations of life.
Synonyms: Former lives
In Dutch: Vorige levens
In Finnish: Menneet elämät
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Past lives'
In Buddhism, past lives signify the cycle of rebirth influencing current karma and life circumstances. These previous existences shape spiritual growth, relationships, and moral lessons, reflecting the continuity of actions across lifetimes and fostering a deeper understanding of existence.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Previous existences where one accumulated karma that influences their current state and circumstances.[1] (2) The knowledge of previous existences that one seeks to understand, often associated with spiritual growth and inquiry into the nature of existence.[2] (3) Previous incarnations that influence current behaviors and spiritual progress.[3] (4) Refers to the time when the river-spirit had been Pilindavatsa's servant, affecting how he addressed her in the present.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Previous incarnations or existences that provide wisdom (purvanivasa) and understanding, integral to a bodhisattva's development.[5] (2) The concept of previous existences, which are referenced in the context of understanding karma and the consequences of actions across lifetimes.[6]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The concept of past lives is explored in the narrative, illustrating how repeated existences shape the relationships between characters, such as Nalini and Ekashringa.[7] (2) A reference to the belief in reincarnation and previous connections, exemplified by the relationship between Vajrasena and Shyama.[8]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The previous incarnations of beings, which influence their current karmic status and life circumstances.[9] (2) Previous existences that inform a being's current circumstances and actions, emphasizing the continuity of karma across lifetimes.[10]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The concept in Buddhism indicating that the actions and experiences of previous existences influence present circumstances and understanding.[11]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Previous incarnations or existences of an individual, influencing their current spiritual journey.[12]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) The various existences one has gone through before the current life, influencing one's karma and current state.[13]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The previous existences individuals lived before their current life. The text illustrates how arhats are unable to see far back into individuals' past lives, unlike the Buddha.[14]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A reference to the Bodhisatta’s previous existence, indicating the concept of rebirth and moral lessons learned through various incarnations.[15] (2) References to the Bodhisatta's former existence as a Brahmin and his subsequent birth as a golden mallard, emphasizing the cycle of rebirth.[16] (3) The previous existences that a being has lived, which influence their current state and experiences.[17]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The lives that a being has lived before their current existence, which can be remembered by certain bhikkhus like Sobhita.[18]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Previous existences that individuals have experienced, which can be recalled through practices such as samathajhana or vipassana.[19]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The period before the current life during which a person has formed impressions through experiences that impact their current capabilities and associations.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Past lives'
In Hinduism, "Past lives" encompass previous existences influencing an individual's experiences, actions, and spiritual journey through the cycle of samsara, affecting current circumstances and decisions based on prior actions and incarnations.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The belief that previous incarnations affect current circumstances and decisions.[21] (2) Previous existences that influence one's current life experiences through the actions performed.[22] (3) Previous incarnations of a soul, which can influence one's current circumstances or behaviors.[23] (4) Previous incarnations that influence a person's current spiritual journey and understanding.[24] (5) Previous existences that influence an individual's current life based on the actions (acts) performed during those times.[25]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Past lives signify the numerous incarnations that the Brahman boy has experienced, illustrating the concept of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.[26] (2) The states of existence prior to the current life, which become obscured after death, akin to memories lost in dreams.[27] (3) The previous existences and actions of beings that significantly influence their current state and choices.[28] (4) The experiences and memories of the prince's existence prior to his current state.[29] (5) Previous incarnations that influence current actions, leading to a lack of fruitful outcomes in Manki's present existence.[30]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to previous incarnations or existences that are believed to influence one's current circumstances and spiritual status.[31]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Previous incarnations that can affect an individual's current life and spiritual journey.[32]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Past lives refer to previous incarnations or existences that have contributed to an individual's present circumstances, particularly in relation to Prarabdha work.[33]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Collective experiences from prior incarnations that influence current existence and actions.[34]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Previous existences of an individual which contribute to the accumulation of experiences and afflictions influencing their current life.[35]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Buddhist concepts represented in art that explore themes of reincarnation and the cycle of life.[36]
Jain concept of 'Past lives'
In Jainism, past lives are understood as memories of prior existences that can amplify current animosities, suggesting that unresolved emotions and conflicts from previous reincarnations impact present relationships and behaviors.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Recollections of previous existences that intensify their animosity.[37]