Significance of Flood
Synonyms: Deluge, Inundation, Torrent, Tsunami, Floodwaters
In Dutch: Overstroming; In Finnish: Tulva; In Spanish: ±õ²Ô³Ü²Ô»å²¹³¦¾±Ã³²Ô; In German: Flut; In Malay: Banjir; In Swedish: Ö±¹±ð°ù²õ±¹Ã¤³¾²Ô¾±²Ô²µ; In French: Inondation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Flood'
In Buddhism, "Flood" symbolizes overwhelming desires, attachments, and ignorance that trap individuals in rebirth cycles. It represents metaphorical currents leading to suffering, as well as challenges and blessings, mirroring the destructive impact of a natural disaster.
From: Cetasikas
(1) Another classification of defilements that submerge individuals in the cycle of rebirth; includes floods of sensuous desire, desire for rebirth, wrong view, and ignorance.[1] (2) Metaphorical representations of overwhelming desires or attachments, specifically referencing the flood of sensual desire, becoming, views, and ignorance.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Rains that happen in the context of the story, symbolizing challenges and the abundance of blessings.[3]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The flood represents the natural disaster that destroys the brahmin's crop, causing him great sorrow.[4]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Metaphorical currents that overwhelm and lead beings into suffering, similar to literal floods.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Flood'
In Hinduism, "Flood" symbolizes disastrous consequences of misguided actions, significant loss of strength, the struggle to maintain burdens amidst chaos, and the natural disasters that threaten sacred spaces, highlighting both spiritual and material impacts.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The natural disaster that the dam aims to prevent from affecting Visharada Maheshvara's house.[6]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A disastrous overflow of water that symbolizes the consequences of poorly directed actions leading to chaos in one’s evolution.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The floods have rent a great bridge, and all other hands but one would vainly strive to maintain the burthen in this situation.[8]
The concept of Flood in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Flood" signifies a natural disaster embodying instability and chaos, illustrated through rising water transporting an elephant's carcass, symbolizing nature's power while conveying reassurance about safety amidst overwhelming challenges.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Large amounts of water flowing rapidly, associated with overwhelming situations in life.[9] (2) A dramatic imagery representing chaos or loss, used in context to express reassurance about the safety of precious elements such as the 'Palace of Pearls.'[10] (3) A natural disaster anticipated by the characters that represents the loss of stability and the threat of disaster in their lives.[11]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The speaker introduced the subject by reviewing mythology regarding this event, which is a similar story across various cultures.[12]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The rising water that carries the Elephant's carcase from its original location to the sea, signifying the power of natural elements.[13]