Significance of Perseverance

Perseverance, as explored across various philosophies, signifies the steadfast effort and determination to pursue goals despite challenges. In Jainism, it reflects a struggle against obstinacy, while Purana highlights it as essential for fulfilling vows. Kavya illustrates characters demonstrating perseverance through adversity, and Yoga emphasizes dedication in spiritual practices. Shaivism and Theravada similarly regard perseverance as crucial for navigating spiritual paths. India's historical context defines perseverance as a vital trait for achieving success, emphasizing its importance alongside purity and energy in overcoming obstacles.

Synonyms: Persistence, Determination, Tenacity, Diligence, Steadfastness, Resolve, Endurance, Commitment, Stubbornness

In Dutch: Doorzettingsvermogen; In Finnish: Sinnikkyyttä; In Spanish: Perserverancia; In German: Ausdauer; In Malay: Ketabahan; In Swedish: Uthållighet; In French: Persévérance; In Finnish: Sinnikkyys

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

Buddhist concept of 'Perseverance'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Perseverance embodies steadfastness in pursuing spiritual goals, exemplified by the Bodhisatta, and is essential for success, reflecting unwavering effort and determination amid challenges on the spiritual path.

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

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The quality of steadfastness in effort, particularly in the context of spiritual practice as illustrated by the Bodhisatta.[1]

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) A parami representing steadfastness in pursuing one's spiritual goals despite challenges.[2]

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

(1) The ongoing effort and determination to achieve a goal, noted as a crucial quality that leads to eventual success.[3]

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 'Perseverance'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Perseverance embodies unwavering determination in overcoming challenges for success, as illustrated by heroic tales, exemplified by Savitri's commitment, and is vital for continual spiritual growth and adherence to the eight pentads.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The quality Savitri emphasized as essential to successfully observing her vow, highlighting her strong will.[4]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) Perseverance is a quality unknown to Sugriva, as mentioned in the provided text describing the character's shortcomings and moral failings in the narrative.[5]

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.

Significance in Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy):
Shaivism Books

Shaiva or Shaivism (shaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)

(1) The crucial dedication to continue the struggle in spiritual practice despite failures.[6]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The quality demonstrated by characters striving for success despite difficulties, as depicted in various tales.[7]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Jain concept of 'Perseverance'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Perseverance signifies a steadfast commitment to goals amidst challenges. However, when tied to 'anabhinivishta', it acquires a negative connotation, implying obstinacy and a refusal to adapt.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) In the context of 'anabhinivishta', it has a derogatory connotation suggesting obstinacy.[8]

From: Naladiyar

(1) The steadfast effort and determination to continue pursuing a goal despite challenges.[9]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Perseverance in local and regional sources

History Books

Perseverance is vital for success, embodying the determination to overcome challenges over time. It combines with purity and patience, forming essential qualities for achieving goals and personal development, as emphasized in the text.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Continuing to strive with persistent effort and determination is necessary to attain any desired outcome or objective.[10] (2) The quality that, when combined with purity and patience, enables one to surmount any difficulties or hindrances that may arise during their pursuits, as indicated by the provided context.[11] (3) One of the three vital characteristics the author desires in individuals, alongside purity and energy, to achieve their objectives.[12] (4) This is a desired quality; it is essential for progress.[13] (5) Perseverance is a condition that the taught must possess, and it is the spirit with which a student sets out to find success and realization, even if it takes a long time to achieve.[14]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) It is the persistence and determination that, along with courage, enables individuals to conquer difficulties.[15]