Significance of Running away
Running away is a multifaceted concept explored across various texts, signifying actions driven by fear, danger, or the desire for freedom. In South Asia, it illustrates different scenarios, such as a Brahma-Rakshasa's response to failure or a mother's escape from threats. The Arthashastra contextualizes it as retreating from danger or fleeing captivity. In Vaishnavism, it conveys escaping theft or pursuit. Similarly, in Theravada and historical contexts, it highlights slaves seeking freedom or individuals fleeing perceived threats, emphasizing the instinctual drive to escape.
Synonyms: Fleeing
In Dutch: Weglopen; In Finnish: Juoksemassa karkuun; In Spanish: Huyendo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Running away'
In Buddhism, "Running away" symbolizes the quest for freedom from bondage, either through the literal escape of a slave seeking liberation or the anxiety over someone like Tissa potentially fleeing from control.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The act of a slave leaving their masters, seeking freedom or escaping from servitude.[1]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The concern expressed by the men about Tissa potentially escaping them during the night.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Running away'
In Hinduism, "Running away" can signify various forms of escape, including fleeing captivity, retreating from danger, and evading consequences. It reflects moral and spiritual implications tied to accountability and the consequences of actions.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of fleeing or escaping from a situation or location, often due to theft or fear of consequences.[3] (2) The act of fleeing or escaping from a situation, depicted here as the atheists attempting to elude pursuit.[4] (3) The physical action of fleeing or attempting to escape from a situation or entity, in this context, the Lord.[5]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The act of escaping from captivity, with specific outcomes for those who are mortgaged or enslaved, potentially leading to permanent slavery.[6] (2) Running away after making a person fall shall be punished with half of the above fines.[7] (3) The act of retreating from a fortified position when faced with overwhelming danger or an enemy force.[8]
The concept of Running away in local and regional sources
"Running away" encapsulates various actions rooted in fear, avoidance, and reluctance across different contexts, illustrating responses to conflict, ridicule, perceived threats, and emotional discomfort as portrayed in the provided scenarios.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The decision made by the bride to leave her husband after the ridicule he faces for becoming a donkey.[9] (2) The action taken by the dumb shepherd in response to what he perceived as an unreasonable request from the Raja.[10] (3) The action taken by the visitors out of fear, illustrating their misunderstanding of the father-in-law's intentions.[11]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The act of escaping with Bakula after compromising his integrity as a police officer by releasing her against official protocol.[12] (2) A phrase that suggests someone is trying to escape or distance themselves from another person, possibly in a relationship context.[13] (3) A phrase indicating avoidance or escape from emotional confrontation or commitment.[14]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The act of fleeing from a perceived threat or danger, in this case, prompted by fear.[15]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The action taken by the Brahma-Rakshasa after failing to straighten the hair of the landowner's wife.[16] (2) The action taken by both giants during their fight, showcasing their reluctance to engage in conflict.[17] (3) The action taken by the Leopard, symbolizing fear and the instinctual response to immediate threats.[18] (4) The Jackal's action of fleeing with the waist cloth, aimed at drawing attention away from the boy.[19] (5) The action taken by the mother and daughter to escape from the elder sister after realizing the danger she poses.[20]