Helplessness: 1 definition
Introduction:
Helplessness means something in Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve ReflectionsHelplessness (in Sanskrit: aśaraṇa) refers to one of the “(twelve) reflections” (bhāvanā), according to Śubhacandra’s Jñānārṇava.—There is no embodied soul in the entire cosmos who can escape Yama’s noose which cannot be resisted even by the chiefs of gods, demons, men and the lord of snakes. Not even the gods can stop a sentient being from falling into the path of Yama’s lion. Yama is the only conqueror in the cosmos and it is by his wish alone that the gods die. Fools are so confused that they mourn for relatives experiencing the results of their own actions but do not mourn the fact that they themselves face imminent death. If Yama cannot be stopped by hundreds of counter-measures taken by the gods, what chance of stopping him is there for insect-like men? [...] Whether it be in any of the three worlds, in the middle of the ocean, in a forest, on top of a mountain, in a place made inaccessible by fire, forest, cold, darkness, thunderbolts and swords, etc., wherever an embodied being resides they have no choice but to die.All the inhabitants of the cosmos are stupefied by lust and they are not aware that death is imminent. It is not possible to escape death without knowledge of what is beyond the senses.
Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+198): Lacari, Nirupaya, Anatha, Majaburi, Lachari, Nailaja, Natavani, Vivashata, Nacaragata, Kucambani, Asarana, Phem, Prapatti, Jikira, Nissahaya, Billabatha, Bicalli, Antarippu, Bijogi, Loprekana.
Relevant text
Search found 97 books and stories containing Helplessness; (plurals include: Helplessnesses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary (by S. Sitarama Sastri)
Verse 3.1.2 < [Mundaka III, Khanda I]
Maha Nirgrantha < [October 1953]
Maha Nirgrantha < [October 1953]
Truth Between Dream and Day < [July – September, 1993]
Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary) (by Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktivedānta Nārāyana Gosvāmī Mahārāja)
Verse 1.6.11 < [Chapter 6 - Priyatama (the most beloved devotees)]
Verse 1.4.83 < [Chapter 4 - Bhakta (the devotee)]
Verse 1.7.157-158 < [Chapter 7 - Pūrṇa (pinnacle of excellent devotees)]
Sanskrit dramas by Kerala authors (Study) (by S. Subramania Iyer)
3.2. Characterisation of Vijnanavati < [Chapter 12: Kamalinikalahamsa (Kamalini-Kalahamsa)]
6.1. Characterisation of Shri Rama < [Chapter 4: Ascaryacudamani (Ashcharya Chudamani) (Study)]
Jain Science and Spirituality (by Medhavi Jain)
4.3. Yoga and Barah Bhavana < [Chapter 4 - Main Theory and Practices in Jainism]
4.6. Yoga and Karmic Bondage < [Chapter 4 - Main Theory and Practices in Jainism]
Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)
Tattva 6: Saṃvara (methods of impeding karma) < [Appendix 1.4: The nine tattvas]