Significance of Lamentation
Lamentation, as explored across various traditions including Jainism, South Asia, and Purana, encompasses a wide range of expressions of deep sorrow and grief following loss. It includes mourning practices by families and communities, such as the cries of women for deceased loved ones, and the reflective sorrow of characters like Yudhishthira and Satrajit鈥檚 family. Each tradition highlights different contexts for expressing lament, revealing the emotional turmoil and collective mourning experienced by individuals in the face of tragedy and loss.
Synonyms: Mourning, Grief, Sorrow, Wailing, Lament, Weeping, Sadness, Regret, Anguish
In French: Lamentation; In Dutch: Klaagzang; In Finnish: Valitus; In Spanish: 尝补尘别苍迟补肠颈贸苍; In German: Wehklage; In Swedish: Klagan; In Malay: Ratapan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Lamentation'
Lamentation in Buddhism encompasses vocal expressions of grief and sorrow tied to loss, as demonstrated through various characters' deep mourning, reflecting the emotional impact of death and separation within the Buddhist experience of suffering.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The expression of grief shown by Sutasoma's mother, wives, and children upon his decision to become an ascetic.[1] (2) Expressions of grief or sorrow, which the individuals in the story avoided demonstrating.[2] (3) The expression of deep sorrow and mourning displayed by the aged Brethren upon the death of their benefactress.[3] (4) The expressions of deep sorrow and mourning that the man conveys in his final moments.[4] (5) A collective expression of sorrow by the women present upon the Master鈥檚 arrival.[5]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Lamentation is the vocal expression of grief, characterized by crying and distressed communication about loss.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The expression of deep sorrow or mourning, particularly in relation to the loss of a loved one.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The expression of sorrow often associated with experiences of loss and suffering.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Lamentation'
In Hinduism, Lamentation encompasses various expressions of deep sorrow and grief, often triggered by personal loss, rituals, and emotional experiences, reflecting the universal themes of mourning, regret, and longing for divine connection.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The expression of grief or sorrow, often associated with loss and suffering.[9] (2) The expression of sorrow or regret, particularly in relation to the speaker's inability to see the Lord.[10] (3) The expression of sorrow and grief that Gopa-kumara is advised to give up in his pursuit of spiritual realization.[11] (4) Expressing deep sorrow or grief, which is advised to be relinquished.[12]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The expression of deep sorrow or grief exhibited by the house owner in reaction to the situation.[13] (2) The expression of sorrow or grief that the people of Utkala did not demonstrate.[14] (3) The emotional expression of sorrow as exhibited by Vidyanidhi after regaining consciousness.[15] (4) A deep expression of sorrow or grief that Shaci displays in response to her perceived losses.[16]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An expression of deep sorrow or grief.[17] (2) Expression of sorrow or regret, indicating a state of sadness.[18]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The overarching theme of sorrow and mourning expressed in this text, showcasing the emotional state of the characters.[19] (2) An expression of grief or sorrow, associated with the effects of ignorance.[20]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The expression of sorrow and mourning for the absence of Kannan, reflecting the emotional state of the speaker.[21]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Expressions of grief and sorrow exhibited by Satrajit鈥檚 wife and family after his death.[22]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A deep expression of sorrow and regret often felt by a devotee regarding their separation from or neglect of Shri Krishna.[23]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Expressions of deep sorrow and grief, which Yudhishthira is experiencing due to the loss of his brother's son on the battlefield.[24] (2) Expressions of grief and sorrow, particularly articulated by the she-pigeon as she reflects on the loss of her husband.[25] (3) Expressions of grief and sorrow made by the mother over the dire situation she faces with her chicks.[26] (4) Expressions of deep sorrow, typically conveyed through wailing or mourning rituals during the funeral rites.[27] (5) The expressions of grief by King Bhangasvana after learning of his sons' deaths.[28]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Public expressions of sorrow and mourning, particularly following the death of a monarch.[29] (2) The expression of deep sorrow and mourning displayed by Dashagriva in reaction to his son's demise.[30]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Expressions of deep sorrow and mourning, particularly depicted through queen Madhavi's cries for her deceased son.[31]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The expressions of grief and distress from beings affected by the turmoil caused by the battle.[32]
Jain concept of 'Lamentation'
In Jainism, Lamentation signifies profound sorrow showcased by Vishnu after his father鈥檚 death and the mourning of women and family for Lakshmana, reflecting emotional turmoil and deep familial bonds in times of grief.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Expressions of deep sorrow, particularly the cries and mourning of women and family members for Lakshmana.[33] (2) Expressions of deep sorrow or mourning that Vishnu exhibited after his father鈥檚 death, emphasizing the emotional turmoil of the characters.[34]
The concept of Lamentation in local and regional sources
Lamentation encompasses expressions of grief and sorrow experienced by various characters in the text, including family mourning a loss, an old woman and princess grieving, a herd boy's realization of his wife's absence, and a blind man's recollection of misfortune.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Expressions of sorrow, especially exhibited by the old woman and the Princess upon the Prince's death.[35] (2) Expressions of sorrow and grief made by the blind man as he recounts his misfortune.[36] (3) Expressions of grief and sadness displayed by the family during the mourning process, particularly for the deceased.[37]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Expressions of deep sorrow that the herd boy makes upon realizing that his wife is missing.[38]