Significance of Mundane existence
Mundane existence, as explained across various Indian philosophical traditions, refers to the ordinary cycle of life filled with birth, suffering, and attachment to material concerns. This state is characterized by distractions that hinder spiritual growth and understanding. In Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and other schools of thought, practitioners often seek to transcend this worldly life through spiritual practices, aiming to escape the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Mundane existence is viewed as a state that obscures one's spiritual path and true nature.
Synonyms: Ordinary life, Everyday living, Ordinary existence, Normal life
In Dutch: Alledaags bestaan; In Finnish: Maallinen olemassaolo; In Spanish: Existencia mundana; In German: Weltliche Existenz; In Malay: Kewujudan duniawi; In Swedish: Vardaglig tillvaro; In French: L'existence banale
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mundane existence'
Mundane existence in Buddhism signifies the continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth within the material realm, emphasizing the transient and ordinary nature of life experienced by beings in the physical world.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The ordinary cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in the material world.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Mundane existence'
Mundane existence in Hinduism refers to the ordinary, painful experience of life characterized by sorrow, attachment, and ignorance, distinct from spiritual pursuits. It describes the cycle of birth, death, and suffering individuals seek to transcend for liberation.
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The temporal and often painful reality inhabited by beings, full of relationships and experiences, ultimately leading to liberation through wisdom.[2] (2) The earthly life characterized by material attachments and sufferings, which should be shunned according to the teachings conveyed.[3] (3) The cyclical experience of birth, death, and rebirth in which beings find themselves bound to physical existence.[4] (4) The cycle of life and death, which can be transcended through spiritual practice and understanding of Om.[5] (5) The reality of life and suffering on Earth, from which the souls seek emancipation as described in the narrative.[6]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The material and physical life in which beings are entangled, contrasting with spiritual or celestial life.[7] (2) The worldly life characterized by suffering and distraction, which can be transcended through knowledge of the Gita.[8]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The everyday life and concerns that often distract individuals from deeper spiritual truths.[9]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ordinary and temporary state of being, which is seen as separate from the eternal Brahman.[10] (2) Mundane existence refers to the ordinary, temporal life that individuals seek to transcend through spiritual practices.[11] (3) The common state of being occupied with worldly matters and material concerns.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This term describes the ongoing state of worldly life, which is made possible through the interconnectedness and reciprocal influence of Nescience and other related elements.[13] (2) The stream of mundane existence presupposes aggregates, and without aggregates there would be an end of the stream of mundane existence.[14]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The commonplace experience of life that is characterized by sorrow, delusion, and the challenges of material reality.[15]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The transient experience of life that one must reflect upon according to the teachings discussed.[16] (2) The ordinary, worldly life that is characterized by suffering and the pursuit of temporary pleasures.[17]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The state of being attached to material life, which leads to the pursuit of temporary pleasures.[18]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The ordinary, material life characterized by physical perceptions and existence devoid of spiritual insight.[19]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The worldly life characterized by suffering and the alternation between opposites.[20] (2) The worldly life that is characterized by material concerns and attachments, from which the gambler sought to break free.[21]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The state of being characterized by worldly attachments and experiences, which the afflictions work to reinforce.[22]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The continual cycle of pain, birth, and activity driven by ignorance.[23]
Jain concept of 'Mundane existence'
Mundane existence in Jainism refers to ordinary life filled with attachment and desire, hindering spiritual progress through the cycle of birth and rebirth. It contrasts worldly distractions with the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A world existence that the ascetic Shatabahu expresses fear of, emphasizing the struggle for spiritual emancipation.[24] (2) A life characterized by attachment and involvement in worldly affairs, typically contrasted with spiritual pursuits.[25]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The ordinary life governed by desire and attachment, from which followers seek to be liberated through the Law.[26] (2) The ordinary, worldly life characterized by attachment, suffering, and distractions from spiritual pursuits.[27]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The state of being involved in the cycle of birth and rebirth, characterized by attachment and the weight of karmas, hindering spiritual progress.[28]
The concept of Mundane existence in local and regional sources
Mundane existence represents the ordinary reality that Lovecraft's works strive to transcend, often emphasizing the stark contrast with cosmic horror, while also referring to daily life devoid of poetic significance.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ordinary reality that Lovecraft's supernatural works seek to escape from, often highlighting a contrasting cosmic horror.[29] (2) The ordinary and daily life that typically lacks poetic or significant attributes.[30]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The ordinary life, of which Nag Mahashaya has no knowledge and is lost in Divine consciousness.[31]