Significance of Thick darkness
Thick darkness is a multifaceted concept derived from various texts, representing not only a physical phenomenon in battle but also profound metaphorical implications. It signifies overwhelming ignorance that obscures understanding, both in spiritual and emotional contexts. In Purana, it describes the chaos and confusion in battles and a spiritual blindness resulting from failing to fulfill auspicious duties. Similarly, in Vedanta and Theravada, thick darkness symbolizes ignorance in life, distorting judgment and perception. It ultimately highlights the challenges faced in achieving clarity and true self-knowledge.
Synonyms: Deep darkness, Profound darkness, Impenetrable darkness, Pitch darkness, Dense darkness, Gloom, Blackness, Obscurity, Shadow
In Dutch: Dikke duisternis; In Finnish: Paksua pimeyttä; In Spanish: Oscuridad espesa; In German: Dichte Dunkelheit
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Thick darkness'
"Thick darkness" in Buddhism symbolizes ignorance and misunderstanding, illustrating how these mental obstacles obscure judgment, particularly for individuals driven by lust and hatred, preventing them from attaining clarity and enlightenment.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A figurative description of ignorance and misunderstanding that clouds the judgment of those caught in lust and hatred.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Thick darkness'
In Hinduism, "Thick darkness" symbolizes overwhelming ignorance and spiritual blindness, obscuring true knowledge and understanding of reality. It represents the confusion and dire consequences faced by individuals who neglect their duties, particularly in chaotic situations like battles.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Thick darkness symbolizes the state of being enveloped in error and helplessness, from which Pancasikha sought to tranquillize King Janadeva through enlightening words.[2] (2) This is on the other side of a Being of transcendent effulgence.[3] (3) It descended when the deity of the clouds poured pure water like he does in the season of rains and compass points could no longer be distinguished.[4] (4) This phrase describes the environment, and it represents a state of obscurity or hardship, which is a characteristic of the path they are traversing.[5] (5) Thick darkness describes the night time when the frogs will be able to wander, despite their physical limitations, as a blessing from the deities.[6]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A thick darkness overspreads the face of the day, even when the sun is shining.[7] (2) A metaphor for ignorance that obscures true self-knowledge and understanding of reality.[8] (3) A description of the overwhelming obscurity of night that can be metaphorically grasped by one's hand.[9] (4) The heavy and impenetrable darkness that enveloped the area, obstructing light from lamps and creating a sense of foreboding.[10] (5) The overwhelming ignorance and misunderstandings that obscure the true knowledge of reality for the human soul.[11]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) This is a metaphor for the king's entanglement, from which he was lifted by Cudala, representing a state of ignorance or confusion.[12]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A figurative description of the profound ignorance surrounding individuals living in Samsara, making it difficult for them to find clarity.[13]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A setting that creates tension and confusion, leading to a misunderstanding between Mrigankadatta and a man who later reveals himself to be a thief.[14]
The concept of Thick darkness in local and regional sources
Thick darkness symbolizes deep despair or grief that envelops individuals but is temporary, lifting when divine light or hope emerges, signifying transformation and the restoration of clarity and positivity.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphorical representation of despair or grief that subsides when divine effulgence appears.[15]
Classical concept of 'Thick darkness'
From: The Book of Gates
(1) An area that requires illumination, which Ra provides by passing through a gate opened by AM-NETU-F.[16] (2) The thick darkness is illuminated by the light sent into the hidden abode, signifying the dispelling of ignorance or obscurity.[17] (3) A dense obscurity that is illuminated.[18] (4) It is where KHUTI is requested to send light, illuminating the hidden habitation.[19] (5) The thick darkness is dispersed by the morning star, with good will above and justice below, as part of the legend behind the pair of scales.[20]
From: The Book of Am-Tuat
(1) The great god taketh up his position in the circle, which is the uttermost limit of thick darkness, and his hands seal lip the Tuat at the end of the thick darkness.[21] (2) The thick darkness is where those whose forms live by their heads shed light upon the road of Ra.[22] (3) The image within the picture is in thick darkness, and the dawn in the horizon comes from the eyes of the heads of the great god.[23] (4) A dense and opaque area forming the boundary of Amentet, holding understanding of the souls of the Tuat and the secret souls.[24]
From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell
(1) The twelfth division, or HOUR, or CITY, is the uttermost limit of this, and is not a part of the Tuat proper.[25] (2) The IMAGE of Seker lives in thick darkness, and any light which is seen there proceeds from the eyes of the heads of the great god whose flesh sendeth forth light.[26]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The region through which the boat of Ra travels is full of thick darkness, and the light which the god usually emits is unable to penetrate it.[27]