Significance of Darkness
Synonyms: Gloom, Shadow, Obscurity, Blackness, Twilight, Night, Dusk, Shade
In Dutch: Duisternis; In Finnish: Pimeys; In Spanish: Oscuridad; In German: Dunkelheit; In Malay: Kegelapan; In Swedish: 惭枚谤办别谤; In French: 翱产蝉肠耻谤颈迟茅
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Darkness'
In Buddhism, Darkness symbolizes ignorance and ignorance-driven desires that perpetuate suffering. It contrasts with clarity and enlightenment, illustrating the crucial need for knowledge and moral insight to escape the cycle of delusion and obscurity.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphorical concept in the text representing ignorance and stupidity, contrasted with the physical light of the sun.[1] (2) Symbolizes ignorance and lack of importance stemming from laziness.[2]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A metaphorical state that contributes to the delusion and obscurity of thoughts, impeding clarity.[3]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Symbolizes ignorance, likened to a person longing for light, representing the quest for knowledge through path development.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A metaphor for ignorance that generates negative desires, leading to a cycle of suffering and moral dilemmas.[5]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The condition under which a half-burnt wood-piece is seen, leading to the inference of smoke.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Darkness'
In Hinduism, Darkness symbolizes ignorance, absence of light, and moral confusion, contrasting with illumination and virtue. It represents the primordial state before creation, reflecting delusion and potential for misunderstanding one's true nature.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The setting in which the escape occurs, symbolizing danger and uncertainty for the Pandavas.[7] (2) A quality characterized by delusion, unrighteousness, and sin, associated with ignorance and negative mental states.[8] (3) Symbolically refers to ignorance or a state of moral decline in society without knowledgeable Brahmanas.[9] (4) A state enveloping the universe, suggesting foreboding or ominous occurrences accompanying Krishna's journey.[10] (5) The state of the universe prior to the appearance of water, characterized by the absence of light and physical forms.[11]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A state involved in the initial creation process that signifies the absence of light and awareness.[12] (2) The physical and metaphorical condition of the world during the floods, symbolizing confusion and loss, as experienced by King Svarashtra.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A state or condition lacking light, which had supervened prior to the struggle mentioned in the text.[14]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) In the context, it refers to a shared quality present in different subjects that serves as a basis for comparison.[15] (2) The common property conveyed by the word 'shyama' before it enters into a compound structure.[16] (3) Darkness is a metaphor for the Past and the Future, which hide objects and prevent clarity.[17] (4) An example of a quality that becomes expressive of resemblance when diversified from its universal aspect.[18] (5) An example of an attribute that, although it exists in isolation within one object, can still be inferred to exist in another through linguistic expression.[19]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A metaphorical concept that is introduced in the forthcoming Verse 49, potentially symbolizing ignorance or confusion.[20] (2) Cessation of consciousness preceding death, where the individual Soul remains unconscious, equipped with sense-organs but does not perform its functions.[21] (3) Represents the state of uncreation or dissolution that is countered by the act of creation.[22]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A symbol of ignorance or danger that is actively sought to be dispelled through prayer and ritual sacrifices.[23] (2) A metaphor for ignorance or adversity, contrasted with light and clarity in prayer.[24]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A metaphor for the undifferentiated state of existence before creation, implying potential and unity with Brahman.[25] (2) Symbolizes the collective totality of non-intelligent matter during the reabsorption period.[26]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A metaphor for ignorance or separation from the divine truth, which individuals face if they fail to see the unity of existence.[27]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The absence of light; used metaphorically to represent illusion or ignorance that fades away in the presence of the sun's radiance.[28]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Darkness is one of the gunas mentioned in the text, and it is described as having the power impeding knowledge, alongside Passion.[29]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The absence of light, which serves as a cover for immoral actions, contrasting with the concept of illumination and virtue.[30] (2) A metaphor for isolation and emotional despair, contrasting with the illumination of day and heightening the speaker's turmoil.[31]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Symbolizes ignorance and the absence of the Supreme Absolute Truth, often associated with maya.[32]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A quality that leads to ignorance and suffering, causing the soul to misidentify itself with the thinking principle.[33] (2) Considered to be a form of non-existence, defined as the absence of light.[34]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) One of the range of Sanskrit epithets used to convey the meaning of the lunar nodes.[35] (2) This is the quality of Rahu, Mars, and Saturn, describing the planetary qualities.[36]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Tamas; a term used to describe the state of ignorance or nescience.[37]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Used as an example in the discussion demonstrating an absence of something, and lacking coherent existence.[38]
Jain concept of 'Darkness'
In Jainism, Darkness symbolizes chaos and ignorance, representing obstacles that obscure perception and understanding, illustrated through metaphors of battle dust, low visibility, and the efforts to dispel ignorance for clearer awareness of reality.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An element that the King attempts to destroy, metaphorically representing ignorance or obstacles that need to be overcome.[39] (2) A metaphorical representation of obstacles or ignorance that Sagara sought to dispel by drawing circles with cowrie.[40] (3) The physical condition of low visibility that plays a role in the events, contrasting with the earlier brilliance.[41] (4) A metaphor for the dust created by the battle, obscuring vision and creating a chaotic atmosphere.[42]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A metaphor for ignorance or lack of knowledge, in which beings fail to perceive reality.[43]
The concept of Darkness in local and regional sources
Darkness symbolizes absence of light, representing despair, ignorance, and emotional turmoil across various narratives. It contrasts with enlightenment, illustrating internal struggles, fear, and chaos, while serving as a recurring motif in the characters鈥� journeys.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphor representing Firdausi's despair and the emotional turmoil he experienced due to betrayal and loss.[44] (2) The absence of light which compounded the chaos and horror experienced during the supernatural encounter.[45] (3) The absence of light in which bats are implied to thrive and operate.[46] (4) Symbolizes uncertainty and fear, particularly during Manohar's journey.[47] (5) A symbol of ignorance or despair, contrasting with the light of understanding and hope.[48]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is something that can be removed by striking the spiritual light within, and it is a negative aspect that needs to be overcome to find enlightenment.[49] (2) It lay hidden at first, and it is described as being thick, indicating a state of obscurity and the absence of light during the primordial stage of existence.[50]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This term refers to darkness, indicating the absence of light or knowledge, as stated in the text.[51]