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Significance of Deathlessness

Deathlessness is a multifaceted concept explored across different philosophical traditions. In Purana, it signifies a state beyond death linked to the eternal aspect of Brahma. Vedanta views Deathlessness as the ultimate goal of realization and liberation, while in Mahayana Buddhism, it refers to the state beyond physical death associated with Nirvana and enlightenment. Theravada describes Deathlessness as liberation from death and rebirth, emphasizing Nibbana as a state free from suffering and defilements, marking a transcendent existence.

Synonyms: Immortality, Eternal life, Indestructibility, Permanence, Ceaselessness, Eternity, Everlasting life, Perpetuity

In Dutch: Onsterfelijkheid; In Finnish: Kuolemattomuus; In Spanish: Inmortalidad; In German: Unsterblichkeit

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

Buddhist concept of 'Deathlessness'

Buddhism Books

Deathlessness in Buddhism signifies a transcendent state beyond death and decay, characterized by liberation from suffering, the cycle of rebirth, and defilements, ultimately equating with Nibbana and the eternal essence promoted in Buddha's teachings.

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

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The doctrine taught by Buddha Revata, emphasizing the eternal nature of Nibbana and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[1]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) The state of being free from death and the cycle of rebirth, attained through understanding and practicing dhamma.[2]

From: Catusacca Dipani

(1) Amatattho, a state that transcends death and decay, representing the eternal aspect of Nibbana where defilements have been extinguished.[3]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The state of existence free from suffering and rebirth, equated with Nibbana.[4]

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 Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) A concept in Buddhism that refers to the state beyond physical death, associated with Nirvana and enlightenment.[5]

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 'Deathlessness'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Deathlessness signifies the ultimate realization and liberation from the cycle of life and death, achieved through understanding existence and reflecting the eternal nature of Brahma, the supreme cosmic spirit.

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

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The state of being beyond death, associated with the eternal nature of Brahma.[6]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 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 Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) The ultimate goal of realization and liberation, achieved by understanding the parameters of existence and the Eternal.[7]

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).

The concept of Deathlessness in local and regional sources

History Books

Deathlessness signifies the belief in eternal life and the absence of death, reflecting a profound aspect of human existence. Despite the inevitability of mortality, this concept remains a significant wonder and pursuit for humanity.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Deathlessness represents the concept of not being subject to death, the state of being eternal, and is a fundamental belief of humankind, despite evidence to the contrary.[8] (2) Deathlessness is the persistent belief of humankind, despite witnessing death, and it is considered a stupendous wonder of human existence according to the text.[9]