Significance of Short-lived
The term short-lived encompasses several meanings across different texts. It signifies a brief lifespan, often influenced by negative actions or behaviors, suggesting urgency in worship and sincerity in life. According to Purana, it pertains to individuals whose lives may be curtailed by their deeds or cosmic factors, as seen with figures like Ikshvaku and Nandin. Dharmashastra links short-lived to certain roles while Theravada highlights the fleeting nature of existence itself, comparing it to ephemeral phenomena like dew.
Synonyms: Transitory, Ephemeral, Momentary, Passing
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Short-lived'
In Buddhism, "short-lived" signifies the transient nature of all phenomena, akin to dew-drops or bubbles, emphasizing their fleeting and impermanent qualities that encourage detachment and acceptance of life's temporality.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The description of phenomena as fleeting and temporary, similar to dew-drops or bubbles.[1]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Describes individuals who have a shorter lifespan compared to others.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Short-lived'
In Hinduism, "Short-lived" signifies a brief lifespan often linked to negative actions, urging sincere worship. It highlights human life's transient nature, predicting a person's fate based on behaviors and celestial influences.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A characteristic attributed to individuals in all Yugas (ages), indicating the challenges faced in performing extensive spiritual practices.[3] (2) Destined to have a brief lifespan or existence.[4]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A term referencing the initial prophecy concerning Markandeya's life span of only six months.[5] (2) Describes a life span that is brief, which is asserted for Ikshvaku when his life is assessed.[6]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A prediction concerning Nandin's life span, indicating the tension between divine potentiality and mortal reality.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term describing individuals whose lives may be cut short due to negative deeds or actions.[8]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A condition indicating a person likely to have a brief lifespan, based on the star's position at the foot.[9]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Refers to the temporal nature of human life, implying that worship should be urgent and sincere.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Describing someone who has a brief lifespan, often linked to negative behaviors or actions.[11]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Referring to one of the Udgatris who gazes at the clarified butter with a specific verse, indicating a shorter lifespan.[12]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A term describing someone who does not live long, which highlights the futility of worldly possessions if one cannot enjoy them.[13]
The concept of Short-lived in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Short-lived" emphasizes the fleeting essence of life and experiences, as portrayed in the poem, reflecting on the temporary nature of existence and the importance of cherishing moments.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the transient nature of life and experience as conveyed in the poem.[14]