Significance of Eternal existence
Eternal existence is a critical concept across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Yoga, and others, each defining it in relation to timelessness and unchanging nature. It often signifies a state of being that transcends physical existence and is unaffected by time or change, representing the true essence of the soul or divine. Ultimately, it conveys an idea of perpetual presence, highlighting the belief in an everlasting reality that exists eternal and infinite beyond life and death.
Synonyms: Immortal life, Everlasting life, Perpetual existence, Timeless existence, Infinite existence, Immortality, Perpetuity, Timelessness, Endlessness
In Dutch: Eeuwig bestaan; In Finnish: Ikuinen olemassaolo; In Spanish: Existencia eterna; In German: Ewige Existenz; In Malay: Kewujudan abadi; In Swedish: Evig existens; In French: L'existence 茅ternelle
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eternal existence'
Eternal existence in Buddhism encompasses an unchanging, timeless state devoid of beginnings or endings, contrasting with transient phenomena. It reflects the everlasting nature of the Buddha and philosophical notions surrounding the soul and universals.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The state of being unaffected by time, signifying the notion of being free from impermanence.[1] (2) A concept indicating a reality that has no beginning or end, which is refuted in discussing the nature of cognition.[2] (3) The state of being that is unchanging and always present, specifically related to the Soul in the context of this philosophical discussion.[3] (4) The notion that both the word-sound and its cognition exist continuously across all time.[4] (5) The state of existing forever without beginning or end, which is one aspect of the philosophical discussion about the nature of the soul.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Described by nitya, it denotes a condition of being that is outside the bounds of time and change.[6] (2) The concept of being timeless and unchanging, as contrasted with the fleeting nature of directions according to the text.[7] (3) Nitya, the concept asserting the eternal aspects of the directions, which are perceived as existing without being constructed from prior existence.[8] (4) The belief that dharmas arising from causes would have to be eternal if past and future truly existed, as argued by the Sautrantikas.[9]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The unchanging and everlasting nature of the Buddha, contrasting with the transient existence of all sentient beings.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Eternal existence'
Eternal existence in Hinduism encompasses a timeless, unchanging state beyond physical form, free from pain, linked to the Divine, and signifies the forever nature of the soul and reality, transcending birth and death.
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The state that signifies a quarter which is always present and truly exists beyond the transient nature of other states.[11] (2) The concept of existence that is unchanging and permanent, attributed to the Absolute, which is deemed to be the true and real essence of reality.[12] (3) The state of being that is unchanging and without origination, necessary for true immortality.[13] (4) The state of having no beginning or end, characterized by being everlasting and unchanging.[14] (5) The state of being that is without beginning or end, as asserted in the text regarding the nature of existence.[15]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The quality of liberation (moksha) indicating that it is perpetual and not subject to change or cessation.[16] (2) The quality of existing indefinitely and without beginning or end, characteristic of Brahman-bliss.[17] (3) The aspect of Brahman that signifies it is not limited by time and space.[18]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The nature of Brahman as unchangeable and timeless, representing the foundation of all reality.[19] (2) The characteristic of Brahman as timeless, immutable, and unconditioned by transient states or forms.[20]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A description of the ever-persistent nature of the Supreme Lord that transcends physical death and the impermanence of the body.[21]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The desire for immortality, sought by individuals who strive to secure a lasting state for their atman.[22]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The state of being that is unending and beyond temporal limitations.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The concept that the Lord exists continuously across past, present, and future.[24] (2) The concept of a timeless and unchanging state, associated with Krishna's divine essence.[25] (3) The belief in a timeless and unchanging reality, particularly concerning the spiritual form of the Lord.[26]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The inherent and unchanging aspect of the jiva's true nature, signifying its eternal connection with the Supreme Lord.[27] (2) Refers to the concept of being sada, meaning eternally, signifying the timeless nature of the Supreme Lord.[28]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A state of being that transcends the temporal world, achievable through spiritual devotion.[29]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The everlasting nature of Shri Krishna, who remains constant before, during, and after the material creation.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Describes the dhruva quality, indicating that the essence is everlasting.[31]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The unchanging state of being that transcends temporal perception and is associated with the Divine.[32] (2) Refers to the divine awareness that has no beginning or end; a constant presence despite the illusions of loss.[33] (3) The concept of being without beginning or end, representative of the soul's true nature beyond the physical realm.[34] (4) The notion that all moments of time鈥攑ast, present, and future鈥攁re contained within the divine soul as a continuous reality.[35] (5) The notion of an unending state of being, particularly in relation to the spirit's journey and the impermanence of the physical body.[36]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A reference to the divine nature of the Purusha, signifying that he has always existed beyond time.[37]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The philosophical concept referring to the existence that persists without being subject to the transformations of characteristics.[38]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The concept that matter is always existent, even though its conditions may change.[39]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The final state in which one experiences uninterrupted union with the Atman, free from identification with the mind and body, and never subject to pain or misery.[40]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Eternal existence denotes the nature of the universal which exists prior to the individual, indicating that it is not time-bound.[41]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) The concept that existence is eternal and is subjected to deluges or overwhelming catastrophes that restore all to a rudimental state.[42]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The characteristic of Generality, which is inferred through pure sense perception and is uncaused.[43]
Jain concept of 'Eternal existence'
Eternal existence in Jainism implies the uninterrupted continuity of concepts like time and bodies, suggesting that they have always existed without a specific moment of non-existence. This underscores the timeless nature of these fundamental aspects.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to the continuous existence of concepts like time and bodies, indicating an absence of a point where they did not exist.[44]
The concept of Eternal existence in local and regional sources
Eternal existence signifies a transcendent state beyond life and death, embodying the ultimate reality of Brahman, where the soul experiences permanent bliss, free from suffering, thus representing a profound truth about the essence of being.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the state of being, where everyone is the embodiment of Knowledge and eternal Bliss, representing a fundamental truth.[45] (2) This represents the soul's state, which is free from the cycle of birth and death, indicating a state of permanent being, where there is no misery or suffering.[46] (3) The Brahman, which proves to be the only reality, as the disciple was told during the discussion.[47]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A state or realm that is beyond temporal life and death, which the poet seeks.[48] (2) Concept suggesting that existence transcends physical life and death.[49]