Significance of Previous life
Synonyms: Past existence, Former life, Previous existence, Reincarnation, Prior life, Former existence
In Dutch: Vorig leven
In Finnish: Edellinen elämä
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Previous life'
In Buddhism, "Previous life" signifies past existences affecting current conditions through karma, emphasizing the continuity of cognition and experiences that shape an individual's present circumstances through past actions, such as lacking generosity.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The life one has lived before the current existence, which is linked to past kamma.[1] (2) A past existence in which an individual's actions influence their current circumstances, highlighted by Mendaka's past lack of generosity.[2]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The life before the current one, significant in Buddhist thought regarding the concept of karma and rebirth.[3]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The life or existence prior to the current one, in which cognitions are said to maintain continuity through shared characteristics.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to the incarnations one has experienced before their current existence.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Previous life'
In Hinduism, "Previous life" encompasses past existences that significantly influence one's current spiritual state and actions, emphasizing the karmic connections between lives and the continuity of consciousness across reincarnations.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A reference to Lakshmi's past existence, indicating the continuity of her spiritual journey and the repercussions of her past actions on her current state.[6] (2) Refers to the life that Satyabhama lived before her current existence, marked by her questions about past conduct and identity.[7] (3) Refers to the concept of past karma affecting one's current life, as acknowledged by Mandavya regarding his current suffering.[8] (4) Refers to past existences which can influence the current life, especially concerning karmic actions and spiritual lessons.[9] (5) The life that existed before the current one, which was heard completely by the king regarding the two boys.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The reference indicating that Anga's current predicament in missing progeny is rooted in a sin from his past existence.[11]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The past existence of the goat, which it recalls, highlighting its previous virtuous actions as a brahmana.[12]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The prior existence that influences the conditions and actions of the current life.[13]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the life that occurred before the current existence, often discussed in the context of reincarnation.[14] (2) Signifies a past existence that is relevant to the current discussion, particularly regarding the actions that impact present circumstances.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A time that occurred before the current life, referred to in the context of past experiences or actions.[16]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A past existence that may influence a person's current spiritual state and experiences.[17]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Refers to the gopis' speculation that the flute had performed exceptional austerities in a past existence to attain its current fortune.[18]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The concept that actions (karma) performed in earlier existences influence the current experience of self and emotional states.[19]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The life lived before the current one, from which impressions and experiences are carried forward.[20]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Inferred experience from former existences due to the current maintenance of the body, senses, and mind, suggesting a continuity of consciousness across births.[21]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A belief that practices and traditions can be inherited from lives lived before this one.[22]
Jain concept of 'Previous life'
In Jainism, "Previous life" signifies the concept of reincarnation, illustrating how traits and connections from past existences can affect one's current status and experiences in the celestial realm.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) An aspect of reincarnation referenced to explain how attributes and affinities may be carried over from past existences and influence current celestial standings.[23]
The concept of Previous life in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Previous life" pertains to Viswanatha's past existence, marked by a tragic event that impacts the understanding of his current life circumstances, as noted by regional sources.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Referring to a past existence or incarnation, often associated with ideas of reincarnation.[24] (2) A reference to claimed past lives, as mentioned by the old woman during her blessing.[25] (3) The life before this one that Viswanatha presumably had, characterized by a tragic event.[26]