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Significance of Annihilation

Annihilation, as explored in Tibetan Buddhism, Purana, and Theravada, embodies the cessation of existence and the negation of essence. Tibetan Buddhism sees it as the state where something has no character or continuity. The Purana describes annihilation as a destructive process occurring at the end of a cosmic cycle, leading to universal dissolution. Theravada beliefs assert that annihilation signifies complete destruction after death. In Indian history, it reflects the disastrous outcomes stemming from jealousy and ambition in the Kuru lineage.

Synonyms: Destruction, Extermination, Elimination, Total destruction, Extinction

In Dutch: Vernietiging; In Finnish: Tuhoaminen; In Spanish: ´¡²Ô¾±±ç³Ü¾±±ô²¹³¦¾±Ã³²Ô; In German: Vernichtung

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Annihilation'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Annihilation signifies the absence of essence, leading to a complete cessation of existence post-death, negating continuity and permanence, and reflecting the concept of non-production, indicating no new entities arise from it.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The state of having no positive form or essence, implying the absence of continuity and permanence.[1] (2) Annihilation refers to the concept of something that has no essence or character, indicating that it cannot come into existence immediately after a subject or thing.[2] (3) The negation of the nature of a thing, implying that when annihilation is referred to, it does not produce anything new and signifies the cessation of existence of the thing itself.[3]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) Beliefs regarding the complete destruction or cessation of existence after death.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Annihilation'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Annihilation can be interpreted as the culmination of anger (Manyu), the destructive process (Samhara), the universe's dissolution at cycle's end (Purana), and the final destruction of beings and elements after Manvantaras.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) The end result associated with anger, a quality represented by Manyu.[5]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Annihilation in local and regional sources

History Books

Annihilation signifies the dire outcomes stemming from jealousy and ambition within the Kuru lineage, reflecting the destructive nature of these traits and their potential to lead to ultimate downfall and chaos.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The ultimate demise and catastrophic consequences expected as a result of jealousy and ambition within the Kuru lineage.[6]