Significance of Six months
The concept of "Six months" spans various interpretations and cultural significances across different traditions. In Hinduism and Jainism, it is associated with spiritual practices, asceticism, and the cycle of life and death. Various sects, including Vaishnavism and Puranas, highlight this duration for worship, meditation, and self-purification, linking it to divine experiences and loyalty tests. Additionally, the cycle of sun movement is significant in Vedanta and Dharmashastra, emphasizing its importance in spiritual transitions. Overall, "Six months" symbolizes a diverse and profound period of transformation and devotion.
Synonyms: Six-month period
In Dutch: Zes maanden; In Finnish: Kuusi kuukautta; In Spanish: Seis meses; In German: Sechs Monate; In Swedish: 贬补濒惫氓谤; In Malay: Enam bulan; In French: Six mois
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Six months'
In Buddhism, "Six months" symbolizes crucial periods of self-discipline, familial sacrifice, and responsibilities, reflecting the Buddha's austerities, Darubhandaka鈥檚 dedication to his daughter, and Mahinda's commitment to his kin.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The duration it took for Darubhandaka to earn twelve pieces of money necessary for redeeming his daughter, illustrating the sacrifices made for family.[1]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The time period that passed as Mahinda attended to his kinsfolk before continuing his journey.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The duration of time the Buddha practiced austerities, reflecting a significant period of self-discipline and suffering.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Six months'
In Hinduism, "six months" signifies various spiritual timelines, including penance, worship cycles, Vedic study, and significant astral movements of the sun that impact both life and afterlife, highlighting its importance in spiritual practices and cosmic rhythms.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A specified period after which certain wages or provisions, such as clothing, are distributed to the servants.[4] (2) The designated time period after which measuring instruments should be re-examined to prevent tampering.[5] (3) The specific time frame mentioned for the duration the offender must recite the prescribed verses.[6] (4) The duration of time one must perform penance or give offerings, as specified in the context of the verse.[7] (5) The specified duration of penance for some violations, such as killing a cow.[8]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A specific duration of time that the hermit is expected to live in a certain manner before changing his dwelling.[9]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The duration one should study, as stated in the text regarding Vedic education.[10]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The duration it took for Alvar to recover and return to consciousness after his spiritual experience.[11] (2) Duration of time the Alvar reportedly spent in trance, reflecting deep devotional contemplation.[12] (3) The duration of each trance state that the Alvar experienced during his divine contemplations.[13]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A specific duration mentioned indicating a period without payment to servants, implying a test of loyalty and service under adverse conditions.[14]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A duration of time indicating that the event lasted for half a year.[15]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A half year period in which living in Dvarka can also yield spiritual transformation.[16]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The period during which the sun is said to move northward, marking a crucial phase in the souls' journey.[17] (2) The period in which the sun moves to the south, symbolizing a specific spiritual transition before reaching the cycle of the year.[18] (3) A duration during which the sun is believed to move northward, representing a significant phase in the afterlife journey.[19]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A period of time associated with the northern progress of the sun, and it is related to the path followed by those who know Brahman.[20] (2) The six months are mentioned in the scripture when the sun goes to the north, which is relevant to the discussion about the time of death and the sun's progress.[21]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The duration each path (southern or northern) lasts, marking an important cycle of movement.[22]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The time frame during which leaves plucked from the Sriphala plant can still be used for worship.[23]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Brahma decreed that Kumbhakarna would lie in slumber for this duration, and then arise for a single day.[24]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A duration mentioned as integral to the process of reaching the divine entity that burns, likely referring to the sun.[25]
Jain concept of 'Six months'
In Jainism, "Six months" signifies a period for spiritual purification, the maximum lifespan for four-organ beings, and a measurement of the distance a heaven-born can travel, underscoring its significance in various spiritual aspects.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A specified duration that indicates the maximum life-span for four-organ beings.[26] (2) A time frame referenced in the context of the distance that a heaven-born can cover.[27]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A period of time traditionally associated with spiritual purification and ascetic practices.[28]
The concept of Six months in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Six months" denotes various significant durations, representing support during suffering, labor prior to illness, patient waiting, yearly divisions, progression to Yogis, inquiry timelines, grievances, delays, promises of revival, and necessary practice for achieving mastery.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Six months refers to the period of delay experienced by Sharat, emphasizing the duration of the tardiness, and explaining the consequence of his actions.[29] (2) Six months is the time frame in which those who are ready can become Yogis, showcasing the potential for rapid progress with dedicated practice.[30] (3) Six months is the duration of strenuous labor that the writer had been involved in before becoming ill and needing rest.[31] (4) The duration of six months is mentioned twice in relation to a journey to India and the company's ability to receive an inquiry.[32]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is the duration of time for which one must practice certain actions in order to obtain a strong khecarimudra.[33] (2) The text indicates that six months are used to make one year, which is a unit of time.[34]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The time period Lita must wait to see the Belbati princess again, illustrating the themes of patience and hope.[35]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The duration of Kalyan's suffering during which the Brahmachari provided continuous support.[36]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A timeframe used by the wolf to reference a past grievance or insult that is perceived to have occurred over a significant duration.[37]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Also called a 'march' (hing, s. ayana), this term represents a significant yearly division.[38]
The concept of Six months in scientific sources
"Six months" denotes a critical timeframe for post-operative follow-up assessments and the duration of patient treatment with Bactrim and Amoxicillin, resulting in a significant positive health outcome.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is the period after the operation, when follow-up was done and assessments were made.[39] (2) The duration of time that the patient was treated with Bactrim and Amoxycillin, which led to a positive response.[40]