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Significance of Birth and death

The concept of "Birth and death" across various philosophical traditions highlights the cyclical nature of existence and the associated suffering. In Buddhism, it embodies the cycle of samsara characterized by continual rebirth and inevitable suffering. Jainism emphasizes the significance of these events within karma's context, while Vaishnavism explores life as a cycle of birth, death, and spiritual transcendence. Similarly, Vedanta and Mahayana schools address these concepts as illusions tied to the physical body, aiming for liberation from this cycle. Overall, "Birth and death" symbolizes the challenges of existence and the yearning for ultimate liberation.1
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Synonyms: Life cycle, Beginning and end, Nativity and mortality, Life events, Life milestones, Entry and exit

In Dutch: Geboorte en dood; In Finnish: Syntym盲 ja kuolema; In Spanish: Nacimiento y muerte; In German: Geburt und Tod; In Swedish: F枚delse och d枚d; In Malay: Kelahiran dan kematian; In French: Naissance et mort

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Birth and death'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, birth and death symbolize the cycle of existence (samsara) marked by suffering and ignorance, influencing beings' lives and aspirations for enlightenment to transcend this continuous cycle of rebirth and suffering.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The cyclical existence that living beings undergo in the mundane world, tied to their actions and thoughts.[1] (2) The cyclical existence of living beings characterized by the cycle of reincarnation.[2] (3) The cyclical nature of human existence, where one experiences life through various stages, concluding with death and potential rebirth.[3] (4) The natural cycle of human existence, including the physical life span and the fluctuating thoughts and emotions throughout it.[4] (5) The cyclical process of living and dying in the mundane world, which can be escaped through proper understanding and practice.[5]

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) The cyclical nature of existence that beings experience, marked by the notions of suffering, impermanence, and the pursuit of liberation.[6] (2) The cycle of reincarnation representing the states of existence that beings traverse until achieving liberation.[7] (3) The cycle of samsara in Buddhism, encompassing the various forms of birth and reincarnation that beings undergo.[8] (4) The cyclical nature of existence in samsara, which the Buddha teaches must be transcended.[9] (5) The cycle of rebirth that individuals undergo due to ignorance and misperception.[10]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Fundamental human experiences that the Buddha shares with all beings, prompting Ratnakara's inquiry.[11] (2) The cyclical nature of existence in Buddhism, referring to the process of being born and passing away.[12] (3) The cyclical process of existence where birth (jati) denotes coming into being and death (marana) signifies the end of existence.[13]

From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines

(1) The cycle of rebirth that a bodhisattva experiences while committed to pursuing enlightenment.[14] (2) A cycle of existence (Samsara) in which beings are trapped due to their attachments and desires.[15]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) A duality representing life cycles, yet understood to be a continuous process with nothing truly created or destroyed.[16] (2) The cycle of existence through reincarnation, which is associated with suffering.[17]

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) Concepts central to Buddhist teachings, underscoring the cycle of existence that the Buddha's teachings aim to transcend.[18]

From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)

(1) The process that all sentient beings go through, which is influenced by karma and may be guided by entities such as the Master of Life.[19]

From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra

(1) The cycle of existence that one must cross to reach Nirvana, addressed metaphorically in the narrative.[20]

From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra

(1) The phases of existence that the Life Administering Ghost King oversees to help beings attain tranquility.[21]

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) The bodhisattva observes the impermanence of the body, without getting exhausted by birth and death, indicating an understanding of the cycle of existence.[22]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma

(1) The fundamental problem addressed in Buddhism, highlighting the cycle of existence and its challenges.[23] (2) The fundamental problem of existence that the future Buddha aimed to resolve through his spiritual journey.[24] (3) The central riddle that Prince Siddartha sought to solve, leading him to renounce his kingdom.[25]

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) The cycle of birth and death, which those who aspire to get free from all aspects of dukkha generally think and act in the above ways.[26] (2) The cyclical process of coming into existence and ceasing to exist, fundamental to the understanding of life's journey.[27] (3) Concepts linked to the cycle of samsara, which Kammatthana aims to break free from, leading to the removal of suffering.[28]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life

(1) The cyclical process of existence represented by the arising and falling away of nama and rupa.[29] (2) The cycle of existence that all beings undergo, marked by the continuous arising and falling away of cittas.[30]

From: Cetasikas

(1) The cycle of existence where beings experience rebirth into different planes based on their kamma.[31]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) Phases of existence that encompass constant changes, contributing to the understanding of suffering.[32]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)

(1) The cycle of existence characterized by continual rebirth and the inevitable end, associated with suffering.[33] (2) The cyclical existence of life and the challenges associated with it, often viewed negatively in Buddhist thought.[34] (3) The cyclical nature of life existence that brings suffering, a central theme in Buddha's teachings.[35]

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The fundamental cycle of existence experienced by all living beings, likened to a dance.[36]

Hindu concept of 'Birth and death'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, birth and death symbolize the cyclical nature of existence marked by suffering and rebirth. Individuals are entangled in this cycle, seeking liberation through spiritual practice and understanding their transient reality influenced by Karma.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The cycle of existence that living beings are entangled in, characterized by suffering and rebirth.[37] (2) The natural progression of life that people go through, which is a key aspect of material existence.[38] (3) The constant cycle of existence that living entities endure, described as a path filled with torment and suffering.[39] (4) The cyclical process of life that conditioned souls undergo, which does not affect the transcendental beings like the Vaishnavas.[40] (5) The two fundamental processes that characterize the material existence of living entities, marked by suffering and attachment.[41]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The fundamental cycle of existence, marking the beginning of life and its inevitable conclusion.[42] (2) The events marking the beginning and end of life; fundamental aspects of existence.[43] (3) The cycle of existence that individuals seek to liberate themselves from, representing the miseries associated with living and dying.[44] (4) The cyclical existence that individuals aim to escape through spiritual practices for ultimate liberation.[45] (5) The cyclical existence of life, encompassing the phases of being born and subsequently dying.[46]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The cycle of coming into existence (janma) and the cessation of life (marana), fundamental concepts in the understanding of material miseries.[47] (2) The cyclical nature of life and existence, which Hanuman did not desire to escape, focusing instead on devotional service.[48] (3) The cycle that living beings are liberated from by entering Purushottama-kshetra.[49] (4) The cycle of samsara that devotees strive to transcend through devotion to God, as emphasized in Prahlada's remarks.[50]

From: Chaitanya Mangala

(1) The cycle of existence and suffering that individuals navigate, highlighting the urgency of spiritual practice.[51] (2) The cycle of existence that Sanatana Pandita expresses a desire to transcend by marrying his daughter to Lord Krishna.[52] (3) The cycle of existence that characters experience, often emphasizing the material struggles of life.[53] (4) The cyclical existence in the material world that is characterized by the processes of being born and dying.[54]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Refers to the cycle of repeated existence that one aims to cross in spiritual practice.[55] (2) cycle of life; refers to the process of reincarnation and the transient nature of material existence.[56]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) The cycle of suffering that devotees seek to transcend, often referenced in spiritual literature.[57]

From: Prem Sagar (English translation)

(1) The cycle of life that Shri Krishna is believed to release Vasudeva and Devaki from.[58]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) Concepts that represent the beginning and end of existence in the empirical world, which are deemed illusory from the viewpoint of Ultimate Reality.[59] (2) The cyclical nature of existence that individuals experience as a result of their attachment to the belief in causality.[60] (3) The cycle experienced by Jivas, perceived in ignorance but deemed non-existent when Truth is realized.[61] (4) Two of the six changes which Jivas mistakenly believe they are subject to, revealing the nature of human existence and misunderstanding.[62] (5) Concepts that are generally applied to entities that exist but are deemed inapplicable to Jivas from the perspective of Ultimate Reality.[63]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad

(1) Refers to the cyclical nature of existence where life leads to death and death leads to rebirth, governed by karma.[64] (2) Concepts typically associated with the physical body, which in this text are shown to pertain to the body rather than to jiva, highlighting jiva's eternal nature.[65]

From: Mandukya Upanishad

(1) The fundamental events in the material existence that signify the beginning and end of life, experienced through sense perception.[66] (2) The perceived cycle of existence that individuals experience, marked by beginning and end.[67]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) Refers to the cycle of life, including the experiences of living and dying.[68] (2) The cyclical process that individuals undergo due to their attachments and actions, leading to the assumption of various forms.[69]

From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary

(1) The cyclical process of life that the ignorant are subject to, contrasting the quest for spiritual enlightenment.[70] (2) The cyclical nature of life experienced by beings in samsara, which is viewed as a source of misery that is ultimately external to the untainted atman.[71]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The terms primarily refer to the body rather than the individual soul, indicating the connection and disconnection of the soul with the body.[72] (2) The cyclical suffering individuals experience within the world (Samsara), which is rooted in ignorance and identity with the non-self.[73]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) These terms, when applied to the soul, are used in a secondary, metaphorical sense, as the text clarifies their primary application is to the body.[74]

From: Ashtavakra Gita

(1) The cycles of life that are inevitable and represent aspects of human existence.[75]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The cycles of existence that the body is subject to.[76]

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) The cyclical nature of existence as souls transition between different bodies and experiences.[77]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) Refers to the existential cycles of life that are viewed as manifestations of the Self.[78]

From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary

(1) The cycle of life that one seeks to transcend through spiritual practice and understanding, as indicated by the aspirational path.[79]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The cycles of life that one experiences, which are influenced by their Karma.[80] (2) Refers to the cycle of existence, emphasizing the transient nature of life, understood by those who are wise.[81] (3) The cycle of life that individuals are encouraged to leave behind to attain liberation through worship.[82]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The cycle that every creature undergoes, underscoring the inevitability of mortality.[83] (2) The cyclical nature of existence, where life leads to birth and subsequently to death, creating a continuous cycle of desire and suffering.[84]

From: Anugita (English translation)

(1) The cyclical processes of coming into existence and passing away, which the text explores concerning emancipation.[85] (2) The cyclical nature of existence where one's actions influence their continual rebirth and eventual meeting with death.[86]

From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha

(1) The cycle of reincarnation and the struggles associated with physical existence.[87] (2) Concepts that are shown to be illusions within the framework of eternal existence; only Brahman is real and unchanging.[88]

From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya

(1) The cycle of existence that the goat referred to, questioning the purpose of sacrifices that bind living beings to this cycle.[89] (2) The cycle of reincarnation and existence that devotees seek to transcend.[90]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) Central themes discussed in the Markandeya Purana, particularly in relation to one's moral actions and consequences.[91]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) The cyclical nature of existence that individuals experience due to their actions and identification with the material world.[92]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Birth and death are known to Rama, indicating an understanding of life's cyclical nature and the impermanence of existence.[93]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The two life events that lead to a state of impurity, wherein the counting for the impurity is based on the occurrence rather than the knowledge of the event.[94] (2) Events that are considered significant enough to prohibit study entirely.[95] (3) Events that necessitate the application of purity rules and the counting of Sapinda relationships.[96] (4) Events in life that have specified implications for purity and impurity in the cultural and ritual context outlined in the text.[97]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The specific temporal divisions that serve as the basis for all action within the context of the All-inclusive principle.[98] (2) Concepts represented as manifestations and the hiding of the true reality; they are not seen as distinct states.[99] (3) Birth and death are considered identical in that all action is seen as a cycle of origin or destruction within the flow of existence.[100]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) The cyclical process of existence where beings come into life, die, and potentially are reborn.[101] (2) Birth and death frame the human experience, serving as the boundaries within which life is lived and actions are manifested, with each life experiencing a cycle of actions leading to resultant conditions.[102]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Jain concept of 'Birth and death'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, birth and death are significant worldly experiences tied to karma, reflecting a cyclical existence. They are viewed as external ailments, highlighting the inevitability of life's transitions and the continuous cycle of consciousness.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Concepts tied to karma, which is discussed in relation to existence and consciousness, suggesting a cyclical nature.[103]

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) The cyclical nature of life, emphasizing the inevitability of these life events.[104]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Birth and death in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Birth and death" signifies the duality of existence, representing the cyclical nature of life and the illusion of attachment, ultimately guiding individuals toward liberation from these cycles through spiritual understanding and practices.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The text states that life brings birth and death, and that one should have no love of friends, no lust, and no attachment, and seek renunciation.[105] (2) This refers to the cyclical nature of existence, which the lecture aims to address by exploring how to overcome this cycle, as per the speaker's viewpoint.[106] (3) Those who know this secret pass beyond this round of birth and death and become immortal, implying the end of the cycle of life and death.[107] (4) This represents the cycle of existence, which the manifestations of the Mother's glory control, showing the power that influences the fundamental aspects of life and its end.[108] (5) The cycle of existence that the real Guru can lead one beyond, and the mystery of which one seeks to solve, as mentioned in the text.[109]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Refers to the concepts of beginnings and endings in life, indicating they are part of a larger cycle rather than absolute endpoints.[110] (2) The duality of life represented as the beginning and end of existence, often explored in philosophical or spiritual contexts.[111] (3) The fundamental stages of life that encompass existence and the human experience.[112] (4) The typical cycle of human existence characterized by a life lived with varying degrees of happiness or unhappiness.[113] (5) The contrasting events that mark the beginning and end of human life.[114]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) The mendrup practice is a practice in order to overcome birth and death, according to the master in the text.[115] (2) The impurities associated with these events are washed away by the individual who has done what is required.[116]

Plural form: Birth-and-deaths.