Significance of This world
In Hinduism and various philosophical traditions, "this world" is understood as the physical realm inhabited by human beings, characterized by tangible existence and diverse experiences. It encompasses the material universe where desires, actions, and interactions occur amid spiritual truths. The concept is explored across several frameworks, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Vedanta, each emphasizing the significance of human experience within this earthly reality. Overall, "this world" underscores the immediate, physical existence that individuals navigate while seeking spiritual understanding and fulfillment.
Synonyms: This planet, This earth, This realm, This universe, Earth, Globe, Planet, Human society, Human civilization
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'This world'
In Buddhism, "This world" signifies a state of worldly existence marked by ignorance of true reality and encompasses our current experience discussed in philosophical terms. It highlights the challenges of perception and understanding inherent in life.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A reference to the worldly existence that is characterized by ignorance and blindness to the true nature of reality.[1]
From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)
(1) Refers to the current realm of existence or experience as understood in philosophical discourse.[2]
Hindu concept of 'This world'
In Hinduism, "This world" denotes the tangible, physical realm where individuals pursue spiritual growth and face life's burdens, contrasting with divine realities. It embodies the material existence surrounding human experiences and the need for spiritual connection.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The current realm of existence where fallen souls reside and are in need of spiritual assistance.[3] (2) Refers to the physical and existential realm in which individuals experience life, often contrasted with spiritual truths.[4] (3) Refers to the current state of existence or reality that the speaker inhabits, implying a desire for acknowledgment or connection.[5] (4) The physical realm where living entities exist and interact, often contrasted with spiritual or divine realms.[6] (5) Refers to the earthly realm where the speaker and Puri Gosvami exist, highlighting the context of their interaction.[7]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the material realm or earthly existence experienced by living beings.[8] (2) The material realm, as opposed to spiritual dimensions, where transcendental knowledge exists as the purest form.[9] (3) Refers to the physical realm of existence where humans live, emphasizing the relevance of spiritual practices in daily life.[10] (4) Refers to the earthly realm where the devotees exist and experience the Lord's love.[11] (5) The physical realm where individuals live and seek to attain their desires and goals in life.[12]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the current physical existence or reality where the principles of devotion and spiritual practices are applied.[13] (2) Refers to the current state of existence or the realm within which the teams and their comparisons are made.[14] (3) Refers to the earthly realm where the act of offering and purification takes place.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The material existence as experienced here and now.[16]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The material world that taints individuals, filled with miseries and sudden death, leading to an attachment to possessions and grief over loss.[17]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to the material realm where one becomes famous through the worship of Brahman.[18] (2) The current existence or realm in which beings live and experience life.[19] (3) The current state of existence where hungry children seek food from their mother.[20] (4) The current life and existence where individuals perform actions that influence their future reincarnations.[21] (5) A term indicating the current societal context in which material wealth and possessions are measured and valued.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The domain of existence where knowledge and its effects are observable and tangible, as indicated by the phrase 'what belongs to this world.'[23] (2) The current physical realm from which the Self departs and to which it eventually returns for actions.[24] (3) Refers to the physical reality or existence that individuals inhabit.[25]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) This world refers to the tangible realm and the reality that is experienced by beings, characterized by diversity and manifestation, as opposed to the unmanifested state.[26] (2) This term reflects the entirety of existence as recognized in the philosophical context of the verse, emphasizing its dual nature.[27] (3) An aspect of the Vyahriti Bhuh that signifies the physical realm and tangible existence.[28]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Referring to the current physical existence and reality that individuals navigate while pursuing philosophical understanding and spiritual growth.[29] (2) Refers to the physical realm and life experiences that a person occupies, representing immediate goals and desires.[30]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the physical, material world as perceived by the senses, which the ignorant man believes to be the only reality.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The current realm of existence where actions can have immediate effects, such as the Kariri which brings on rain.[32] (2) The current, earthly existence in which the king gains fame during his lifetime.[33] (3) The current earthly existence and life that an individual experiences.[34] (4) The physical realm that exists when the divine being is awake and active.[35] (5) The current physical existence as opposed to the spiritual or eternal realm referenced in the text.[36]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) Refers to the moral and physical universe populated with various beings and entities observed in the discourse.[37]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers specifically to the physical realm inhabited by human beings.[38]
Jain concept of 'This world'
In Jainism, "This world" encompasses the entire physical universe, the monk's current reality, and the realm of human life characterized by desires and the pursuit of wealth and pleasure.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The current existence or physical reality in which the monk lives.[39]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The physical universe and existence in its entirety, often discussed in terms of its temporality and nature.[40]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Refers to the realm of human life where desires and the pursuit of wealth and pleasure take place.[41]
The concept of This world in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "This world" refers to the broader context of individuals, specifically highlighting the many others besides the girl the nurse is seeking, emphasizing a sense of isolation or contrast within the narrative.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the numerous others who are not the girl the nurse is searching for.[42]