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Significance of Life-force

Life-force, a key concept in Hinduism, represents the vital energy or essence that sustains existence across various forms and practices. It is essential in rituals that facilitate vitality and existence, as described in Vaishnavism, Purana, Yoga, Vedanta, and even historical interpretations. Life-force encapsulates the essence of living beings, linking physical and spiritual realms, while also contributing to mental functions. This concept, referred to as prana, reflects an intrinsic energy vital for health and well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life.1
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Synonyms: Vitality, Energy, Spirit, Essence, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Life energy

In Dutch: Levenskracht; In Finnish: ·¡±ô䳾ä²Ô±¹´Ç¾±³¾²¹²¹; In Spanish: Fuerza vital; In German: Lebenskraft; In Finnish: ·¡±ô䳾ä²Ô±¹´Ç¾±³¾²¹; In Swedish: Livskraft; In Malay: Daya hidup; In French: Force vitale

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

Buddhist concept of 'Life-force'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Life-force encompasses jivitindriya, the essential life principle for mental function, and jivita rupa, the vital energy from physical and mental sources crucial for sustaining life.

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

From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

(1) The vital energy (jivita rupa) necessary for sustaining life, derived from both physical and mental sources.[1]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) The life force or life principle of name is called jivitindriya, which is essential for the functioning of mind.[2]

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).

Hindu concept of 'Life-force'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Life-force, or prana, represents vital energy sustaining life, intertwining with spiritual essence and bodily functions, connecting beings to Brahman, influencing existence, and engaging in the cycle of life and death.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) Signifies prana, the vital energy that sustains life, linking the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence.[3] (2) Entities likened to one's vitality, represented in this context by the Pranas and Rudras.[4]

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) The inherent energy within beings that connects them to the absolute essence of Brahman and sustains their existence.[5]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) Life-force, associated with Prána-Váyu, signifies the energy or spirit that sustains life.[6]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The vital energy or essence that sustains life, which the residents are clinging to in the context of devotion.[7]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The vital energy or life essence belonging to Putana.[8]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Represents the vital energy or essence that was no longer present in His body.[9]

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 (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) The essential energy or breath imparted to all creatures through the careful laying down of the Pranabhrits and the associated ritualistic practices, facilitating existence and vitality.[10] (2) The essential vitality that is invoked through the offerings, recognized in both human and animal forms throughout the ritual.[11]

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)

(1) The singular energy that expresses itself in various functions of the body and mind, regardless of the activities it inspires.[12]

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

(1) The life-force is responsible for the action of taking in external air, termed inspiration.[13]

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).

The concept of Life-force in local and regional sources

History Books

Life-force encompasses a vital energy central to individual growth, creative expression, and the pursuit of significant goals. It signifies both the intrinsic drive for self-fulfillment and the natural cycles of life and death, highlighting existence's fragility.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) An underlying principle that reflects both the continuity and change in the biological sciences and history.[14] (2) A concept Shaw introduced, reflecting a philosophy about human vitality and existence, which lost its shock value over time.[15] (3) The vital energy within individuals that drives action and endurance towards achieving significant goals.[16] (4) A concept introduced by G.B. Shaw that signifies a vital energy driving individuals towards growth, self-consciousness, and understanding.[17] (5) A concept that evokes the inevitability of death and the natural cycles of life, emphasizing the fragility of existence.[18]

Plural form: Life forces.