Significance of Six years
Synonyms: Six cycles, Six terms, Six spans
In Dutch: Zes jaar; In Finnish: Kuusi vuotta; In Spanish: Seis años; In German: Sechs Jahre; In Swedish: Sex år; In Malay: Enam tahun; In French: Six ans
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 years'
The keyphrase "Six years in Buddhism" encompasses various interpretations, emphasizing the time the Bodhisattva dedicated to rigorous austerities and vows, leading to his enlightenment while concurrently facing challenges from Mara during this significant period.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The duration that Mara relentlessly pursued the Bodhisattva in an effort to tempt him.[1] (2) The duration during which the Exalted One practiced hard austerity at Uruvilva.[2] (3) The duration that the Exalted One spent in austerities prior to achieving enlightenment.[3] (4) The length of time the Bodhisattva spent practicing austerities before seeking nourishment.[4]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The duration for which Mara tried to find an opportunity to distract the Bodhisatta from his ascetic practice.[5] (2) The duration of the Bodhisatta's rigorous practice during which he pursued severe austerities before realization.[6]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks� rules)
(1) The minimum duration a monk is required to use the rug made for him, intended to minimize unnecessary renewal and waste.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A significant duration mentioned for the time spent at phag mo gru, highlighting commitment.[8] (2) The duration for which the boy was advised to practice certain vows and austerities.[9]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The period during which the Bodhisatta practiced austerity before attaining enlightenment.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Six years'
In Hinduism, "Six years" signifies the waiting period for a wife while her husband is away for education or fame, and also the time she must wait after his disappearance before remarrying.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The waiting time for a wife if her husband goes abroad for learning or fame as outlined in the text.[11]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The duration a wife must wait if her husband has disappeared before she can remarry or seek a new partner.[12]
Jain concept of 'Six years'
In Jainism, "Six years" can be interpreted as both the time between previous publications and the Third Volume, and the duration during which Rama and Lakshmana indulged in pleasures while being served by Sugriva in Lanka.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The duration of time that elapsed between the publication of the previous volumes and the Third Volume.[13]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The period during which Rama and Lakshmana enjoyed pleasures and served by Sugriva, showcasing their time in Lanka.[14]
The concept of Six years in local and regional sources
"Six years" signifies a significant period relating to the ongoing issues faced by the Mahiya community, a subject's stay in Chicago, and Tathagata's preaching duration, emphasizing its impact on cultural and historical contexts.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A reference to the duration in which Tathagata preached at this site, marking it as an important location for teachings.[15]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The duration spent by the subject in Chicago before returning to India.[16]