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Significance of Stream

The concept of Stream varies across different traditions, each providing unique meanings. In Tibetan Buddhism, it symbolizes life challenges, while in Vaishnavism, it represents smaller flowing water bodies. The Purana mentions streams in relation to sacred rivers, and Mahayana views the Stream as a metaphor for an individual's spiritual progression towards enlightenment. Theravada describes it as a waterway disturbed by numerous carts, while historically, it signifies a natural flow of water influencing emotions and actions.1
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Synonyms: Current, Brook, Creek, River, Channel, Course, Watercourse, Rill

In Dutch: Stroom; In Finnish: Striimaa; In Spanish: Arroyo

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

Buddhist concept of 'Stream'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Stream" symbolizes an individual on the path to enlightenment, reflecting a pivotal transformation in their spiritual journey. It also metaphorically represents the challenges and dangers encountered along this path.

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

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) A body of flowing water that had been crossed by five hundred carts, leading to its disturbed state.[1]

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).

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

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) Metaphorically indicates danger or life challenges, which the newcomer faced.[2]

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 Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) This signifies an individual who has embarked on the path to enlightenment, suggesting a significant shift in their spiritual journey, and their trajectory.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Stream'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Stream" signifies both major rivers, like the noble Kaushiki, and smaller water bodies, or nadah, which are associated with fluidity and musical influence, reflecting the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) nadah indicates smaller, flowing water bodies, also influenced by the music.[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

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

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) The rivers, one of which is the high-born Kaushiki, the sister of the saint.[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 Stream in local and regional sources

History Books

Stream signifies a natural water flow that enhances the speaker's emotional landscape and actions, serving as a metaphorical backdrop that reflects and deepens their feelings and experiences.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A natural flow of water, serving as a backdrop to the speaker's emotions and actions.[6]

Plural form: Streams.