Significance of Giving up
Giving up, as interpreted across various philosophies and religions, involves a multitude of acts centered on relinquishing attachments, desires, and worldly pleasures. In Jainism and Vaishnavism, it encompasses renouncing both internal and external attachments, emotional sacrifices, and the letting go of life itself. Other traditions like Vedanta and Purana emphasize the importance of relinquishing temporary pleasures for spiritual truth and well-being. The overarching theme is the transformative act of surrendering for higher purposes, capturing the essence of giving up in a spiritual context.
Synonyms: Surrendering, Relinquishing, Abandoning
In Dutch: Opgeven; In Finnish: Luovuttaminen; In Spanish: Darse por vencido; In German: Aufgabe
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Giving up'
In Buddhism, "Giving up" signifies the relinquishment of certain beliefs or behaviors, fostering spiritual growth and alignment with community values, particularly as encouraged by the community of nuns to enhance personal development.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The act of relinquishing or discarding a particular belief or viewpoint.[1] (2) The act of relinquishing or abandoning a particular belief or view.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) The act of relinquishing inappropriate behavior as encouraged by the community of nuns.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Giving up'
In Hinduism, "Giving up" entails relinquishing attachments and desires, including religious symbols and worldly pleasures, emphasizing both emotional sacrifice and the importance of focusing on spiritual growth while leveraging the transformative aspect of surrender.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The act of relinquishing or abandoning something, in this context specifically referring to life itself.[4] (2) The act of relinquishing worldly attachments or pleasures, emphasized in Shiva's transformation.[5] (3) The act of relinquishing or laying aside, as seen when the boys set down their ropes.[6] (4) The act of relinquishing or letting go of attachment or desires.[7] (5) The act of abandoning or relinquishing something, in this context referring to the individuals on the verge of giving up their lives.[8]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Abandoning or renouncing; highlights the choice to leave behind the exalted realm for other experiences.[9] (2) The act of releasing or surrendering distress and lamentation, as advised in the text, emphasizing a focus on worship.[10] (3) the act of renouncing the false ego to attain self-satisfaction.[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of relinquishing or forgoing something, in this case referring to the loss of one's shikha and brahmana thread.[12] (2) The act of relinquishing or abandoning something, in this context referring to the abandonment of religious symbols like the shikha and brahmana thread.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The act of relinquishing or letting go of something, particularly in the context of ceasing to chase after transient material desires.[14] (2) The act of relinquishing or abandoning something of great value, highlighting a significant emotional sacrifice.[15]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The act of relinquishing or letting go of attachments to temporary pleasures and experiences.[16] (2) The act of relinquishing or letting go of attachment to egoism and other trivial matters.[17] (3) The act of relinquishing or abandoning thoughts of the non-Self that are deemed evil and cause misery.[18]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The act of surrendering or relinquishing; persisting in a state without thought leads to neither taking up nor giving up.[19]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The act of relinquishing an established meaning, which is deemed undesirable in the context of how words function.[20] (2) The act of relinquishing or altering one's original form or identity, which is not applicable to the objects discussed.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Giving up references the act of abandoning an afflicted creature in danger, which is portrayed as a bad decision with dire consequences.[22] (2) The act of renouncing worldly desires and attachments, particularly those that satisfy bodily pleasures.[23]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of relinquishing or forsaking one's possessions and lifestyle.[24]
Jain concept of 'Giving up'
In Jainism, "Giving up" signifies the renunciation of attachments, encompassing both external possessions and internal desires, fostering a path toward spiritual liberation and detachment from worldly influences.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The act of renouncing attachments to both external and internal aspects.[25]
The concept of Giving up in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Giving up" describes relinquishing worldly pleasures to pursue truth and spiritual goals, reflecting a philosophical stance shared by Swami in the West, emphasizing dedication and commitment necessary for true advancement.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This phrase describes the act of abandoning or relinquishing something, suggesting the end of a practice or belief.[26] (2) This action involves renouncing both the conventional and scriptural practices of worship, signifying a shift in spiritual focus.[27] (3) The text mentions that the individual cannot give up the world, despite being aware of its vanities and dangers, such is the power of delusion.[28] (4) Giving up everything else is a part of the dedication needed to reach the goal, emphasizing the commitment required for spiritual advancement.[29] (5) This is the act of giving up the search for pleasure, knowing it to be pain in another form, and seek for truth, which is one of the two ways.[30]