Significance of Breath of life
The keyphrase "Breath of life" encompasses a multifaceted concept across various traditions. In Hinduism, it symbolizes the essential life force that animates beings, linked to rituals and the sustenance of existence. Jainism views it as the life-sustaining act of exhaling, reflecting reverence for the soul. Puranic interpretations emphasize its connection to divine vitality, essential for existence and spiritual pursuits. Additionally, Vedic, Mahayana, and scientific views contribute to the understanding of "Breath of life" as a vital essence, integral to life's continuity and relationships.
Synonyms: Life force, Vital spirit, Essence of life, Life energy, Animating principle, Vitality, Vigor, Spirit, Energy
In Dutch: Adem van het leven; In Finnish: El盲m盲n henk盲ys; In Spanish: Aliento de vida; In German: Atem des Lebens; In Malay: Nafas kehidupan; In Swedish: 尝颈惫蝉蹿濒盲办迟; In French: Souffle de vie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Breath of life'
In Buddhism, "Breath of life" metaphorically signifies the essence of life squandered by greed, while also representing deep respect for Shiksananda, emphasizing his enduring influence beyond mortal existence.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Metaphorically refers to the essence of life that is wasted by a miser.[1]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A metaphorical phrase signifying the deep respect and reverence for Shiksananda, reflecting his lasting impact even after death.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Breath of life'
In Hinduism, the "Breath of Life" encompasses prana that sustains both physical existence and spiritual pursuits. It symbolizes the vital force connecting beings to the divine, influencing life through rituals, nature's currents, and divine essence.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The vital force that animates beings, compared to the active currents of nature that influence existence.[3] (2) A metaphor for the life force that individual beings experience, which is controlled by the processes of Time.[4] (3) The vital force that the goddess breathes into Padma, symbolizing the reinvigoration of life and energy.[5] (4) The essential force that animates the body and is closely tied to the heart's function.[6] (5) The essence that brings Sukra back to life after his revival from the dead body.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Fearing his breath of life had ceased, they trembled, indicating their concern that the king had stopped breathing and was no longer alive.[8] (2) This is a metaphor for the value of Rama's wife, Sita, highlighting her importance to him, as more valuable than life itself.[9] (3) The restoration of life, emphasizing the ability of one of the herbs to revive the slain, making it a critical element for survival.[10]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Described as the vitality inherent in the eighteenth chapter, indicating its life-giving and sustaining qualities.[11]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Soma represented as breath, essential for the vitality of infused seed.[12] (2) The breath is signified as essential for all creatures; it is the life force that animates them.[13] (3) A metaphorical concept referring to the vital force or essence of life that is imparted during rituals.[14] (4) Represents the essential life force that is connected with the act of eating and breathing.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Another interpretation of the Vaishvanara, signifying its relation to the vital essence that sustains all beings.[16] (2) The breath of life signifies the life force bestowed by Brahman upon all beings.[17]
Jain concept of 'Breath of life'
In Jainism, "Breath of life" symbolizes both the physical act of exhaling, essential for sustaining the soul, and conveys profound emotional significance as reflected in Krishna's reverence for Nemi, highlighting interconnectedness and respect for life.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The process of exhaling air from the lungs, also referred to in relation to the soul's sustenance.[18]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Krishna鈥檚 declaration of Nemi's importance, symbolizing a deep emotional connection and reverence.[19]
The concept of Breath of life in local and regional sources
"Breath of life" encapsulates the struggle between existence and morality, emphasizing the essence of vitality in love and relationships, the interconnectedness of beings, and symbolizes the potential for vitality influenced by external factors.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphor representing vitality and existence, indicating a state that is about to end.[20] (2) A phrase indicating the struggle between life and death, underscoring themes of existence and morality.[21] (3) An expression denoting the deep connection between existence and the vital energy shared by all beings.[22] (4) The essence of existence and vitality that is fundamentally connected to the experience of love and relationships.[23] (5) Symbolizes the act of giving vitality to the rock, indicating that external influence can lead to existence and living essence.[24]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The life given by God to humanity, distinguishing them from lifeless idols addressed in the letter.[25]