Significance of Great light
The term Great light holds significant meaning across various philosophical and spiritual traditions in South Asia. In Hinduism, it symbolizes enlightenment and purity, often associated with Agni and the sun. Jainism sees it as a manifestation of enlightenment that dispels ignorance. In Tibetan Buddhism, Great light reflects the rays of discriminative awareness, illuminating the path through meditation. Additionally, Vaishnavism associates it with divine presence, particularly of Lord Krishna, while in Mahayana, it represents the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. Overall, Great light epitomizes profound illumination and spiritual awakening.
Synonyms: Splendid light, Radiant glow, Dazzling brightness
In Dutch: Geweldig licht; In Finnish: Hieno valo; In Spanish: Gran luz; In German: Tolles Licht; In Malay: Cahaya yang hebat; In Swedish: Bra ljus; In French: Belle lumi猫re
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great light'
Great light in Buddhism signifies profound illumination representing wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. It symbolizes the withdrawal of ignorance, the realization of teachings, and moments of spiritual importance, facilitating relief from suffering and confusion through the Buddha's presence.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The contrasting illumination perceived by beings of lokantarika when they recognize the existence of Buddha fields.[1] (2) A metaphor indicating the divine illumination emitted by the king of the asuras upon prostrating to the Buddha.[2] (3) A significant illumination that arises from the rays and illuminates vast areas, indicated by 'avabhasa' in the text.[3] (4) A metaphor for the enlightenment and wisdom that radiates from the Buddha.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The illumination associated with the Buddha that symbolizes wisdom and compassion, able to dispel suffering.[5] (2) Symbolizes the manifestation of wisdom or enlightenment that dispels ignorance and suffering, bringing relief.[6]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Metaphorical expression signifying the illumination brought by the Buddha's presence.[7]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Inexpressible bright lights emitted by the Tathagata, representing various virtues and manifestations of enlightened qualities.[8]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) A transformative brightness associated with the essence of death, representing the culmination of the process involving the emanation of consciousness.[9] (2) The illumination that emerges from meditation practice, particularly when focusing on the Heart Center.[10] (3) A significant teaching or realization within the Tibetan Buddhist path emphasizing illumination and understanding.[11]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Phenomena observed during the cremation of rgyal ba rin po che, indicating his spiritual significance.[12] (2) A significant phenomenon observed during moments of spiritual importance, symbolizing enlightenment and purity.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Great light'
In Hinduism, Great light symbolizes divine illumination, knowledge, and purity, representing the Supreme Light associated with deities like Lord Krishna and Agni, guiding followers through spiritual ignorance towards enlightenment and transformative energy.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An illumination observed by Yama and Bhrigu, emanating from the celestial beings resting in nature.[14]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) A pure, radiant light that represents the great glory worshipped by the gods.[15]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A powerful luminescence witnessed by Ruci, symbolizing the divine intervention in his rites.[16]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The illumination provided by Dharma and right conduct that guides individuals towards the path of Mukti.[17]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A source of illumination observed by the monkeys that leads them deeper into the enchanting part of the cave.[18]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Great light was what the hero stood like, arising in the dark of night, when his armor shone on his mighty limbs.[19]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to the brightness and purity associated with the sun, symbolizing enlightenment.[20] (2) A term referring to Agni as the sun, representing a significant source of illumination created by the Rudras.[21]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The highest form of light that dispels ignorance and represents the Supreme Light of all.[22] (2) Symbolizes the transformative power of the sun's heat, which gives visibility and form to otherwise latent forces like clouds and lightning.[23]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A powerful illumination that emanated from the demon, indicating a significant event.[24] (2) Symbolizes the profound spiritual illumination and presence of a divine being, particularly associated with Lord Krishna in this context.[25]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A formula invoked while performing a specific action with the ladle during the ritual.[26]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) Symbolizes the ultimate power that absorbs the Universe and indicates a state of potent energy in meditation.[27]
Jain concept of 'Great light'
In Jainism, "Great light" symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, embodying the illumination that dispels ignorance and darkness, often associated with momentous occurrences in one's spiritual journey or realization.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A spiritual manifestation that signifies enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness or ignorance following significant events.[28]
The concept of Great light in local and regional sources
Great light symbolizes profound clarity, knowledge, and enlightenment, illuminating paths of existence and fostering a sense of interconnectedness, spiritual fulfillment, and moral guidance during significant moments and experiences, as shown in various cultural contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A moment of clarity or understanding that significantly impacts perception.[29] (2) The great light symbolizes an ultimate truth or moral guidance that inspires and leads people toward spiritual fulfillment.[30] (3) A metaphorical expression symbolizing the emerging awareness and realization of shared humanity and interconnectedness.[31] (4) A moment of realization or enlightenment experienced by the peasants upon understanding the true meaning of the slogan.[32] (5) Symbolizes knowledge, understanding, or enlightenment that illuminates the path of existence.[33]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This came down.[34] (2) Symbolizing the divine and spiritual enlightenment offered by the saints of Christ in Heaven.[35] (3) The bright presence observed by the handmaid that symbolizes divine enlightenment or the promise of eternal life.[36]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are the individuals who come and help people realize God in a different way than how ordinary people do, and they come as emperors.[37] (2) When these figures come, then man realises God, and they come in a different way than the rest of humanity, arriving as Emperors rather than beggars.[38]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A luminous sight observed by the Prince and Carpenter's son in the jungle.[39] (2) A significant illumination that the Prince and the Carpenter's son see at night.[40]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A phenomenon associated with a stupa that is said to illuminate during festival occasions.[41]