Significance of Time of death
The concept of Time of death is significant across various philosophical, religious, and scientific perspectives. In Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and other spiritual traditions, it represents the moment when life ends, often emphasizing detachment from physical existence and the importance of spiritual preparation. Philosophies like Vedanta and Theravada highlight critical reflections and transitions of consciousness at this juncture. In contrast, science approaches Time of death by measuring biological markers, such as motility in earthworms after exposure to certain substances, providing a tangible understanding of mortality.
Synonyms: Time of passing, Moment of death, Time of demise, Hour of death, Time of departure, Time of decease
In Dutch: Tijdstip van overlijden; In Finnish: Kuoleman aika; In Spanish: Hora de la muerte
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Time of death'
In Buddhism, Time of death interprets as the pivotal moment of consciousness transition, signifies abbot calendar years for historical insight, relates to Kalacakrayana's views on mortality, and represents the inevitable release of attachments and the physical body.
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) A significant concept in Kalacakrayana relating to mortality and the spiritual journey thereafter.[1]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The crucial moment when consciousness transitions, and certain material qualities produced by kamma cease to arise.[2]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) An inevitable moment when all attachments and the physical body become irrelevant.[3]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The specific calendar years marking when each abbot passed away, essential for understanding the historical context.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Time of death'
In Hinduism, the Time of Death is a profound moment marking physical cessation, spiritual transition, and reflection, significantly influencing the soul's next journey, spiritual liberation, and the importance of remembrance and devotion to divine entities.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The specific moment when prana is called 'svara' as it is going out.[5] (2) The moment when the individual self is believed to leave the body, linked to the udana.[6] (3) This refers to the moment when a person is nearing the end of life, which is significant in the context of the teachings.[7] (4) A moment when the chief prana ceases to eat or drink, leading to the dysfunction of the sense organs.[8] (5) Refers to the critical moment when life ceases, and the transition of energy patterns occurs, marking a significant change in existence.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A significant moment when all pranas, or life forces, are said to depart towards the Self of a person who is about to die.[10] (2) Refers to the specific moment of dying, which the text indicates should not be the focus for those about to die.[11] (3) The specific moment or period during which a person dies, which is believed to determine their spiritual journey afterwards.[12]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The moment or period when a person's life comes to an end.[13] (2) A crucial moment when an individual reflects on their actions, which can evoke feelings of remorse if they are aware of their omissions and commissions.[14] (3) The moment when a person dies, which is significant in the context of experiencing remorse.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A specific moment when the physical functions cease and the roles of the organs are transferred to the mind.[16] (2) The moment when the soul exits the physical body, marking the beginning of the transition to a new state of existence.[17] (3) The time of death is the moment when the soul departs from the physical body, during which the soul's processes and experiences are significant in determining its next life.[18]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) A critically dangerous period in life where the firm refuge of Parabrahman becomes essential for hope and guidance.[19]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The moment in samsara when the seekers transition to the higher realms of Brahman upon physical demise.[20]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The critical moment when a person's life force transitions and the nature of their thoughts during this time affects their subsequent spiritual path.[21]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The moment when an individual dies, which is associated with the relinquishment of material desires and relationships.[22] (2) The moment at which life ends, during which the presence of Lord Gauracandra's appearance is said to provide comfort.[23] (3) The specific moment when a living entity ceases to live and exits the physical world.[24] (4) The moment marking the end of physical existence, referred to as vijaye in the context of loss and separation.[25]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The critical moment when individuals transition from physical existence and may achieve spiritual liberation.[26] (2) The critical moment when a person leaves their material body, influencing their spiritual destination.[27] (3) The moment when a person is nearing the end of their life; in this context, it refers to when devotees may chant or hear the holy name.[28]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The critical moment when a living entity can invoke Krishna's mercy through chanting, leading to liberation.[29] (2) The critical moment when a person leaves their physical body, emphasized in the context of remembering Krishna's name.[30]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A critical moment in life where devotion and remembrance of the divine are emphasized as crucial.[31]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A significant moment where remembrance of Lord Krishna is emphasized as an essential duty by friends and family.[32]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The anticipated moment when a person's life comes to an end, urged to be contemplated fearfully.[33] (2) The critical moment when worldly attachments such as wealth and family become irrelevant, highlighting the importance of Dharma as the only true friend.[34] (3) Metaphorically used to describe the cosmic implications of the battle and the fateful outcomes tied to the celestial timing affecting the Devas and Daityas.[35]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A critical moment that determines the future of the soul, where the nature and location of the passing can affect spiritual outcome.[36] (2) The moment when Somasharman experiences imminent death, marked by fear from demons.[37] (3) The moment an individual passes away, significant for performing last rites.[38]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A significant moment when offerings or consumption of Tulasi leaves are believed to confer liberation.[39]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The predicted moment when a person will die based on various signs, as elaborated by Lord Shiva.[40]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The critical moment when a person feels the approach of death and prepares for the final transition.[41]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A critical moment for reflection and devotion, highlighting the importance of spiritual thoughts at the end of life.[42]
Jain concept of 'Time of death'
In Jainism, the Time of death signifies the precise moment life ceases, emphasizing the importance of approaching this transition with mindfulness and preparation to align with spiritual beliefs.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The moment when an individual's life comes to an end, which can be approached with awareness and preparation.[43]
The concept of Time of death in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Time of death" refers to the precise moment an individual passes away, as highlighted by the woman's desire to observe the moment souls depart from the body.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The moment at which an individual dies; the woman wanted to witness how souls escape from the body.[44]
The concept of Time of death in scientific sources
Time of death in this context pertains to the period until earthworms exhibit loss of motility and body color following exposure to anthelmintic agents, signifying their biological cessation and marking the endpoint of life.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) The duration it takes for worms to cease all movement, indicating their death following treatment with extracts.[45] (2) The time recorded for worms to succumb after treatment with anthelmintic extracts, providing insights into the effectiveness of the tested compounds.[46] (3) The duration taken for the earthworm to die after exposure to the extracts, indicating the lethal effect of the substance.[47] (4) The time taken for the worms to lose all motility, indicating death, also used as a critical endpoint in assessing the anthelmintic efficacy of the extracts being tested.[48] (5) The duration it takes for the worms to die after treatment with the extracts, another important parameter for assessing anthelmintic efficacy.[49]