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Significance of Total destruction

Total destruction is a multifaceted concept defined across various philosophies and disciplines. In Purana, it signifies the end of a cosmic cycle, the annihilation of the Yadava clans, and the severe moral consequences of killing a Brahmana. Yoga views it as the cessation of interaction with Prakriti and the elimination of sorrow. Vyakarana argues against total annihilation of objects, while Vedanta associates it with the eradication of ignorance upon realizing Atman. Dharmashastra defines it as both a punishment and a consequence of unethical behavior, while science describes it as the complete breakdown of a body for identification purposes.

Synonyms: Complete annihilation, Absolute destruction, Total devastation, Annihilation, Devastation, Ruination, Extermination

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

Hindu concept of 'Total destruction'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Total destruction encompasses various interpretations, including the consequence of killing a Brahmana, cosmic endings, climactic annihilation, and the eradication of sorrow and ignorance, reflecting the cycle of life, ethics, and ultimate reality.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The ultimate downfall or ruin caused by the prevalence of unethical behavior and practices.[1] (2) The utter annihilation of an object or being, often used as a form of punishment.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

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

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) A significant event marking the end of the current cosmic cycle, during which all things will cease to exist.[3]

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.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The concept that there cannot be a complete annihilation of objects, exemplified by a jar.[4]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)

(1) The concept that Prakriti can never be completely destroyed, despite the fact that one soul may cease its interaction with it upon achieving its goals.[5]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) The complete elimination of ignorance when the Atman is realized.[6]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).