Significance of Seven seas
The concept of Seven seas in Vaishnavism and Indian history symbolizes vastness and the multitude of challenges encountered in life's journey. It represents various great bodies of water associated with the seven Dvipas, the geographical delineations from Priyavrata's chariot journey, and diverse living beings. The Seven seas metaphorically depict the interconnectedness of life, the vastness of the Earth, and spiritual aspirations. Additionally, they signify the immense resources and barriers faced in exploration and opportunities, emphasizing the concept's rich diversity.
In Dutch: Zeven zeeën; In Finnish: Seitsemän merta; In Spanish: Siete mares
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Seven seas'
In Hinduism, the "Seven Seas" symbolizes geographical divisions created by Priyavrata's chariot, spiritual aspirations, life interconnectedness, diversity of beings, and the vast experiences encountered in life's journey. It embodies conceptions of vastness and exploration.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A metaphor indicating the different natures and types of the seven kinds of living beings, highlighting their diversity.[1] (2) Symbolic reference to the vastness of the Earth, implying thorough exploration.[2] (3) Imagery of vast bodies of water, representing the interconnectedness of life.[3]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Symbolic representation of spiritual aspiration, connected to the ascetics depicted in the narrative.[4]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The seven great bodies of water associated with the seven Dvipas, each named for its characteristic, such as the sea of salt water, sugar-cane juice, and clarified butter.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Symbolizes vastness and the multitude of challenges or experiences faced in the journey of life.[6]
The concept of Seven seas in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Seven seas" encompasses vast oceans representing exploration, metaphorical resources, poetic infinity, the entirety of world oceans, and metaphorical barriers faced by Mr. Bhave in pursuing opportunities abroad.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Metaphorically represents vast resources or power, indicating the sage's impact in a spiritual sense, allowing offerings to the forefathers.[7] (2) An expression referring to the entirety of the world's oceans, signifying vastness and all-encompassing nature.[8] (3) A poetic reference to the vast oceans of the world, symbolizing infinity and diversity.[9] (4) A metaphor for the barriers Mr. Bhave faced when considering opportunities abroad, which he declined.[10]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text references 'seven seas and thirteen rivers' as a Bengali phrase, implying extensive travel or a significant journey, which is a part of the response.[11]