Significance of Set free
The term "Set free" encompasses various meanings across different contexts. In Buddhism, it signifies liberation from attachments and ignorance. In South Asia, it refers to a king's decision to release a Brahmana and his wife following a lawsuit. In Purana, it pertains to Yudhishthira granting freedom to Susarman and the liberation of Avikshita. Vedanta relates it to general liberation from situations, while Dharmashastra refers to emancipation from servitude. In Theravada, it marks the Buddha's enlightenment, and in Indian history, it reflects Kora's act of releasing a crab into a pond.
Synonyms: Release, Liberate, Discharge, Emancipate, Let go, Free
In Dutch: Bevrijden; In Finnish: Vapauta; In Spanish: Liberar; In German: Befreit; In Malay: Bebaskan; In Swedish: Befria
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Set free'
In Buddhism, "Set free" signifies the Buddha's enlightened state, liberated from worldly attachments and suffering, and emphasizes achieving freedom from the illusions that bind individuals in ignorance.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Achieving freedom from the attachments and illusions that bind one in suffering and ignorance.[1]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Refers to the state of the Buddha after enlightenment, having escaped worldly attachments and existence.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Set free'
In Hinduism, "Set free" signifies liberation from captivity, as exemplified by Avikshita's release after defeat, Yudhishthira granting freedom to Susarman, and the broader context of emancipation from bondage, particularly for the Shudra class.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The act of granting freedom to Susarman by Yudhishthira despite the circumstances of his defeat.[3]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The moment when Avikshita was liberated from captivity after being defeated by the opposing kings.[4]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) To be released from bondage or servitude, particularly in the context of the Shudra being emancipated by their master.[5]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) He will be liberated from the situation.[6]
The concept of Set free in local and regional sources
"Set free" signifies the act of liberation, as depicted in two contexts: the King’s release of a Brahmana couple after investigating their case, and Kora's choice to free a crab into a pond, granting it freedom.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The action taken by the King after investigating the circumstances of the law-suit, releasing the Brahmana and his wife.[7]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Kora’s decision to release the crab into a pond after it requested to be liberated.[8]