Significance of Melancholy
Melancholy, as depicted in various contexts, represents a profound sadness connected to life's inevitable sorrows. In Vaishnavism, it is linked to feelings of despair related to Sita’s separation from the Lord. The Purana describes Prince Bharata’s deep sadness despite support from friends. Mahayana highlights King Bimbisara's sorrow, generating concern among his counselors. Indian literature also portrays melancholy as a persistent sadness in the works of Arnold and Krishna Sastri, expressing personal struggles and reflective sorrow due to various life experiences.
Synonyms: Sorrow, Sadness, Gloom, Despondency, Wistfulness, Despair, Gloominess, Blue, Depression, Dejection., Dejection
In Dutch: Melancholie; In German: Melancholie; In Finnish: Melankoliaa; In Spanish: ²Ñ±ð±ô²¹²Ô³¦´Ç±ôò¹
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Melancholy'
In Buddhism, Melancholy reflects a deep sadness experienced by King Bimbisara, indicating the emotional challenges faced even by rulers, which prompts his counselors to express concern for his well-being and mental state.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A state of sadness that has overtaken King Bimbisara, prompting concern from his counselors.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Melancholy'
Melancholy in Hinduism embodies deep sadness linked to Sita's captivity, the inescapable sorrows of life, and Prince Bharata's despondency, reflecting profound emotional states stemming from separation and life’s challenges.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A deep sense of sadness and gloom, particularly in relation to Sita’s feelings due to her captivity and separation from the Lord.[2]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A profound sadness or depression that arises from the inevitable sorrows of life.[3]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A state of deep sadness that Prince Bharata experiences despite the efforts of his friends.[4]
The concept of Melancholy in local and regional sources
Melancholy in the text highlights a deep, personal sorrow across various poets' works, reflecting inner struggles and emotional experiences, from love and separation to longing for companionship and grappling with societal perceptions of sadness.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A pervasive mood in Krishna Sastri's poetry, described as intensely personal, often reflecting the poet's inner emotional struggles.[5] (2) Describes a deep, reflective sadness, revising perceptions traditionally associated with this emotional state.[6] (3) A feeling of deep sadness that a real friend helps to alleviate.[7] (4) A persistent sadness or reflective sorrow that permeates Arnold's poetry as a result of his experiences in love, particularly after separation from his beloved.[8]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A deep, persistent sadness that overcomes the daughter due to her inability to have children.[9]