Significance of Pondering

In Jainism, pondering involves the contemplation of spiritual knowledge aimed at gaining insights and reducing the influence of negative karmas. This reflective practice is essential for spiritual growth and understanding, as it encourages individuals to delve deep into their beliefs and experiences, ultimately leading to personal transformation and liberation from negative influences. Through sincere pondering, practitioners can enhance their awareness and cultivate a more profound connection to their spiritual path.

Synonyms: Reflecting, Contemplating, Considering, Musing, Thinking, Speculating, Meditating., Meditating

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

Hindu concept of 'Pondering'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Pondering encompasses deep contemplation, often triggered by impatience, and can result in distraction from external elements, highlighting the significance of Cinta for insightful reflection.

Significance of Pondering in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Engaging in serious thought about something, known as cinta.^[1] (2) A state of deep thought or reflection, indicating intense mental activity often linked to emotional experiences.^[2] (3) Cinta; the act of thinking deeply or carefully about something.^[3] (4) The act of deeply thinking or contemplating, which can lead to a state of distraction from external stimuli.^[4] (5) The act of thinking deeply about something, often occurring in the state of impatience.^[5]

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 of Pondering in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):

Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) The act of thoughtful consideration or deliberation that occurs when facing uncertainty about a subject, leading to the state of doubt.^[6]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Significance of Pondering in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):

Kavyashastra Books

From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana

(1) Cinta, the act of deep thinking or contemplation.^[7]

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Jain concept of 'Pondering'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Pondering involves deep contemplation of spiritual knowledge, aimed at gaining insights that help diminish the influence of negative karmas, fostering personal growth and enlightenment.

Significance of Pondering in Jainism (general):

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) The act of contemplating on spiritual knowledge to gain insights and lessen the hold of negative karmas.^[8]

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.

Last Updated: 28 September, 2024