Significance of Previous lives
Previous lives refer to the concept of reincarnation and the belief that an individual's past existences significantly influence their current life circumstances and spiritual journey across various spiritual traditions. In Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others, previous lives encompass the notion that actions and karma from earlier incarnations shape present experiences, spiritual development, and relationships. These teachings emphasize the continuous cycle of life and the impact of past lives on one's current state, highlighting the interconnectedness of existence.
Synonyms: Past lives, Former lives, Earlier lives, Past incarnations, Earlier lives.
In Dutch: Vorige levens; In Finnish: Edelliset elämät; In Spanish: Vidas anteriores
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 lives'
In Buddhism, Previous lives denote past existences that shape an individual's current circumstances, influencing spiritual development and experiences, as interconnected through karma and the cycle of rebirth, ultimately guiding one towards enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to past existences of individuals, the moral implications of which lead to their current suffering in hell, enforcing the law of karma.[1] (2) Refers to past existences that shape the current state of beings, influencing their sufferings and capabilities.[2] (3) The past lives of individuals which influence their current circumstances and spiritual development.[3] (4) The history of rebirths and past experiences of the disciple Lavanabhadrika, summarized in the Anavataptagatha.[4] (5) Refers to the concept of past incarnations or existences that individuals have lived prior to their current life.[5]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Refers to the past existences of the Buddha, showcasing the journey and experiences leading to his enlightenment.[6] (2) The concept of past existences that connect individuals to their family and relationships in the context of rebirth and karma.[7]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Earlier existences experienced by a living being before their current life, as described in Buddhist literature.[8] (2) The concept of previous lives refers to the belief in Buddhism that individuals go through multiple existences before attaining enlightenment, with the implications of past actions (kamma) affecting their current life.[9]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Refers to past existences, suggesting that prior meditative practice can influence the experience with water kasina in the present life.[10]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The belief in Buddhist philosophy that consciousness and experiences persist beyond a single life, influencing the current life.[11]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Concepts involving the continual cycle of life and rebirth which scholars and spiritual figures in the text often reference.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Previous lives'
In Hinduism, "previous lives" denotes past existences shaping current experiences, actions, and spiritual journey, influenced by karma. It reflects the continuity of the soul and impacts individual circumstances and spiritual development through reincarnation.
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Previous lives signify the past existences that influence the current life’s circumstances and experiences through karma.[13] (2) The past existence or experiences that influence current habits and energy levels in spiritual pursuits.[14] (3) The concept of past existences that contribute to the current experiences and memories of an individual.[15]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Refers to the lives lived before the current one, suggesting continuity and influence on the present.[16]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the concept of reincarnation where an individual's past actions in former existences influence their current situation, interpreted as Destiny.[17] (2) The past existences of an individual that influence their current actions and understanding.[18]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the past incarnations of individuals whose sins are erased upon visiting Dvaraka.[19]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Earlier existences that a soul has experienced, which shape its current circumstances and spiritual journey.[20]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The past existences of individuals that influence their current circumstances and spiritual standing.[21]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to past existences that may influence current circumstances, particularly in relation to spiritual liabilities and defects.[22]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) A concept often referenced in relation to the Ullokita glance that involves the understanding of one's past existence.[23]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The concept that experiences or traits may be inherited from past existences.[24]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The idea in Shaivism that past actions and devotion can influence a being's present role and status, as seen in Brahma and Vishnu's relationship with Shiva.[25]
Jain concept of 'Previous lives'
In Jainism, "Previous lives" signifies the belief in soul rebirth and the awareness of previous existences, emphasizing the importance of past actions in shaping one's current and future lives.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The concept explored in the latter part of the text concerning the rebirth of souls and knowledge of prior existences.[26]
The concept of Previous lives in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Previous lives" pertains to the idea that current life experiences and circumstances are shaped by actions from past incarnations, emphasizing its connection to Karma and the consequences of one's previous actions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The concept that one's current existence is influenced by actions taken in former incarnations, fundamental to the understanding of Karma.[27]