Significance of Tears of joy
Tears of joy in various religious and cultural contexts symbolize profound emotional responses that arise from happiness and relief. In Jainism, these tears express overwhelming joy during reunions or significant achievements, depicting deep bonds, emotional releases, and divine encounters. Similarly, Vaishnavism associates tears of joy with blissful spiritual experiences and deep connections, showcasing devotion and love between individuals and deities. In Purana and Kavya, such tears highlight emotional responses during reunions, reflective of relief and happiness. Overall, tears of joy embody the essence of emotional release intertwined with happiness across diverse narratives.
Synonyms: Tears of happiness, Joyful tears, Blissful tears
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tears of joy'
In Buddhism, Tears of joy symbolize an emotional release signifying profound gratitude felt by Ananda for the Buddha's teachings, reflecting the overwhelming relief and liberation from suffering.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The emotional release experienced by Ananda as an expression of gratitude for the Buddha's teachings and the escape from suffering.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Tears of joy'
In Hinduism, "tears of joy" symbolize profound emotional responses, such as love and relief, during divine encounters, reunions, and celebrations, highlighting deep spiritual connections and the ecstatic experiences of devotion among various figures.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Emotional expression of Hanuman upon seeing Rama, symbolizing love and loyalty.[2] (2) The emotional response of the Gandharva upon visiting Someshvara, illustrating the spiritual connection and fulfillment experienced.[3] (3) An expression of profound happiness experienced by King Indradyumna as he prayed to the Lord.[4] (4) Emotional expression displayed by the Lord due to the realization of certain desires.[5] (5) Emotional expression of happiness experienced by Indradyumna in response to the divine promise and blessings.[6]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Aditi's eyes were overflowing with tears of joy, indicating her overwhelming love and emotional response upon witnessing the Lord.[7] (2) The emotional response of Krishna's mothers as they embraced him, symbolizing deep affection and happiness.[8] (3) Soma is said to have been born from the tears of joy of god Brahma, making him an embodiment of nectar.[9] (4) Expression of overwhelming happiness often associated with profound spiritual experiences and realizations.[10] (5) An emotional response experienced by people during heartfelt reunions and expressions of affection.[11]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Expressions of emotional turmoil as Queen Kaushalya embraces her son, embodying love and concern.[12] (2) Emotionally expressive tears that result from happiness and relief.[13] (3) The emotional response from the inhabitants of the forest upon witnessing the reunion of the four princes.[14] (4) Represents the emotional response of Hanuman upon seeing Sita, showing a mix of happiness and sorrow.[15] (5) Emotional expressions from the assembly members moved by Bharata's righteous words.[16]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Emotional expression in response to reunion or positive events following a period of conflict.[17] (2) Expresses the emotional response expected from the kings upon witnessing a reunion and reconciliation.[18] (3) The physical manifestation of happiness displayed by the pigeon as it reacts to emotional words.[19] (4) The expression of overwhelming happiness experienced by the Kuru king upon receiving good news about Arjuna.[20] (5) An expression of deep emotional relief and happiness experienced by Yudhishthira upon seeing his brothers' safe return.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Emotional expressions exhibited by the deities in response to witnessing Vishnu's divine form.[22] (2) The emotional response of the gods after witnessing the union of Lakshmi and Vishnu, leading to praises and worship.[23] (3) Expressions of happiness shown by Rama when embracing Suratha, which reflects the emotional bond between them.[24] (4) The emotional reaction of Bharata upon receiving the news of Rama's arrival, highlighting the joy mingled with grief.[25] (5) The emotional response of the gods upon seeing Vishnu, indicating their relief and happiness at his promised assistance.[26]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Emotion expressed by Devaki upon witnessing Krishna's valor against Kamsa.[27] (2) An emotional response exhibited by Devaki, Revati, and Rukshmini upon seeing Usha, indicating happiness.[28] (3) Emotional expression during the festivities, often bringing forth both happiness and deeper connections among the characters.[29]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Expressions of overwhelming happiness and divine love often experienced in a devotional setting.[30] (2) The emotional response of the Devas upon witnessing the lord, indicating relief and happiness.[31]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The emotional expression of happiness that Manki demonstrates when he falls at Vasishtha's feet in salutation.[32]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The emotional response of Savitri upon hearing about the supreme nature of Mula Prakriti, indicating deep rapture and ecstasy.[33]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Emotional expressions of happiness shown by Rama's parents upon hearing his desires.[34]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The emotional relief and happiness exhibited by Krishna’s companions upon his survival from the serpent's grasp.[35]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The emotional response of Karandhama when he embraces his grandson, demonstrating profound happiness at the reunion.[36]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The emotional response of the cowherds as they rejoiced upon Krishna's rescue from the serpent.[37]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The blessed tears expressing happiness that arise from the recognition and vision of God.[38] (2) Emotional tears that swell in the daughter's eyes, reflecting her happiness.[39] (3) The emotional outpouring experienced by the Nayaki when contemplating the Lord's auspicious traits.[40] (4) An expression of deep emotional happiness that is often associated with spiritual experiences.[41]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The emotional expression of Giri-Govardhana showcasing his ecstatic sentiments when witnessing Krishna's activities.[42] (2) An external symptom reflecting the inner melting of the heart during genuine devotional practice.[43] (3) The emotional response of family elders when they see the devotion of their descendants to Krishna.[44] (4) Cool tears that arise from the influence of jubilation and happiness, contrasting with warm tears that stem from anger or distress.[45]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Tears of joy symbolize profound emotional responses, expressed by Devaraja Indra from his one thousand eyes due to his deep affection and gratitude.[46] (2) Emotional expression that flowed from Shri Brahma's eight eyelids while he engaged in worship.[47] (3) Emotional response exhibited by Shri Hanuman as he experienced bliss while engaging with the stories.[48]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Emotional expressions from Sanatana Pandita during the wedding, showcasing a mix of happiness and sorrow.[49] (2) A physical manifestation of intense emotions from both devotion and love expressed by devotees.[50] (3) The tears shed by Shaci and Jagannatha Mishra due to overwhelming love and emotion for their son.[51]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A specific expression of emotional release that accompanies the experience of profound happiness.[52] (2) Brimming eyes and crying profusely as a manifestation of overwhelming happiness during the reunion.[53]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Emotions expressed through tears that arise from happiness and a profound emotional experience.[54]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Emotional expression of happiness signified by shedding tears.[55]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) An expression of overwhelming happiness experienced by Nanda when he reunited with Balarama.[56]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Emotional expressions that arise from feelings of overwhelming happiness, often occurring during reunions or moments of great relief.[57] (2) The emotional expression of King Kanakavarsha and Queen Madanasundari upon their reunion after a long separation.[58] (3) Emotional expressions of happiness often seen in moments of reunion and bliss.[59]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Expressions of happiness during celebratory events, signifying a deep emotional connection among the parties involved.[60] (2) The tears shed by Damayanti that signify her emotional release and happiness.[61] (3) A symbol of relief and celebration from the bird after being freed by Nala, highlighting the contrast between grief and happiness.[62]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) Emotional expression of happiness observed in Brihadratha upon seeing his grandson's future.[63]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) An emotional expression often reflecting a strong reaction of wonder.[64]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Tears that may arise from happiness, which are not prohibited during Shraddha, unlike tears that stem from grief.[65]
Jain concept of 'Tears of joy'
In Jainism, "Tears of joy" symbolize profound emotional expressions reflecting relief and happiness, marking significant reunions and connections, while also signifying purification from worldly distractions and deep spiritual experiences with revered figures.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The emotional response of Rukmini upon reuniting with her son Pradyumna, showcasing her relief and happiness at their reunion.[66] (2) Represents the overwhelming happiness of Naga as he interacts with his sons, showcasing the bond between them.[67] (3) Describes Sita’s emotional response upon reuniting with her sons, symbolizing her relief and happiness.[68] (4) Tears of joy are the emotional outpouring experienced by Mahendrasimha upon seeing Sanatkumara in the forest.[69] (5) Emotional expression intended to signify the purification from worldly distractions.[70]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The emotional response Devananda experienced during her encounter with Bhagavan Mahavira, indicating profound happiness.[71]
The concept of Tears of joy in local and regional sources
"Tears of joy" encapsulates profound emotional responses, ranging from love and gratitude to relief, happiness, and sorrow, as illustrated by various characters experiencing deep connections and significant moments throughout the text.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The expression of emotion Ramdas experienced when he embraced Shri Rama and felt comfort.[72] (2) An emotional response that illustrates the depth of happiness and gratitude during a moment of reconnection.[73] (3) An emotional response from Keshav Swami reflecting gratitude and overwhelmed happiness.[74] (4) Emotional expression of happiness and gratitude shown by Keshav Swami upon hearing about Krishna's mercy.[75] (5) Expressions of deep emotional connection and happiness experienced by listeners during the kirtans performed by Bhanudas.[76]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Emotional expression from the parents after their child’s successful surgery, indicating relief and gratitude.[77] (2) The mother's emotional response to her son's admission to medical college, highlighting the parents' pride.[78] (3) Emotional happiness expressed by Meenakshamma as she watched Gouri leave.[79] (4) The emotional release that Kousalya experiences in anticipation of her son's glorious return, contrasting her previous grief.[80] (5) Emotional release expressed through crying, stemming from feelings of relief, triumph, or profound happiness.[81]