Significance of Thousand years
Synonyms: Millennium, 1000 years
In Dutch: Duizend jaar; In Finnish: Tuhat vuotta; In Spanish: Mil años; In German: Tausend Jahre; In Malay: Seribu tahun; In Swedish: °Õ³Ü²õ±ð²ÔÃ¥°ù¾±²µ²¹; In French: Mille 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 'Thousand years'
In Buddhism, "Thousand years" symbolizes Sakka's commitment to uphold the Buddha's teachings amidst decay, and serves as a metaphor for the need for ongoing vigilance and dedication to one's spiritual discipline over an extended period.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphorical expression indicating a long duration of time, emphasizing the importance of vigilance over one's discipline.[1]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The time period Sakka promised to restore and sustain the teachings of the Buddha after addressing the problems of decay in religion.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Thousand years'
In Hinduism, "Thousand years" symbolizes metaphorical time representing enduring existence, significant penance periods by various figures like Yayati, Parvati, and Vishvamitra, emphasizing devotion, spiritual growth, and lasting honor throughout various narratives and teachings.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The duration of Bhagiratha's penances, emphasizing the extent of his dedication and sacrifice.[3] (2) The duration Dashagriva lamented under the mountain before receiving Mahadeva's attention.[4] (3) A measure of the extensive duration during which Vaishravana devoted himself to ascetic practices and severe austerities.[5] (4) The duration of Vishvamitra’s renewed yogic penance, symbolizing a significant commitment to spiritual growth.[6] (5) A long duration of time during which the magician practiced austerity to attain mastery.[7]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The king endured penance and pain for many years, showing his dedication to gaining Brahma's grace.[8] (2) This signifies a lengthy duration of time that has passed, emphasizing the extensive period during which certain events unfolded within the narrative.[9] (3) The chief artificer endured the sternest penance for a thousand years, securing a boon from Brahma.[10] (4) This phrase refers to the duration of time that the saint's lips were held closed by a vow, highlighting the extreme length of the practice and the saint's commitment.[11] (5) A very long period of time, and this is the duration for which the hermit will hold his breath.[12]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A significant period during which Bali remained in a state of unconsciousness.[13] (2) A duration used to emphasize the long time Bhasa spent in a particular form, signifying depth of experience.[14] (3) The extensive duration of time Suchi devoted to her spiritual practice before Brahma appeared to her.[15] (4) The time anticipated for Bali to return from his trance state, emphasizing a significant duration of spiritual rest.[16] (5) A figurative expression representing a long duration of inward meditation, indicating profound spiritual depth.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A period used symbolically to denote a significant length of time, reflecting devotion and endurance.[18] (2) The period spent by Rishi Narada in meditation and devotion in the retreats of Nara and Narayana.[19] (3) Signifies the extraordinary lifespan and blessings granted to subjects during Rama's rule.[20] (4) Refers to the lifespan of youth Yayati received, emphasizing the time frame in which he indulges in pleasures.[21] (5) The duration mentioned by Yayati regarding how long he wishes to enjoy youth before returning it back to Puru.[22]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The duration for which Shukracarya is instructed to practice his tapasya for acquiring the Mantra.[23] (2) A significant period of time denoting enduring effort, in this case, reflecting the longevity of the ascetic practice.[24]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) An exaggerated representation of longevity suggested by the text to describe the life-enhancing effects of the powdered roots.[25]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A metaphor representing a long duration, underlining the sustained struggle in the conflict.[26]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A future duration mentioned regarding the reign of the Varhadrathas in the context of their legacy and historical significance.[27]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A time measure signifying the length of rewards and blessings that follow from giving the double-faced cow.[28] (2) A time frame mentioned in the text, representing the duration of punishment in hell for the shedder of Brahmana's blood.[29]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A significant duration in the text, symbolizing a long process of transformation and cleansing, particularly associated with sacrificial performances.[30]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The exaggerated duration of Gajendra's struggle with the crocodile, emphasizing the long-term nature of life's challenges.[31]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A metaphorical duration used to emphasize the futility of rituals and efforts in spiritual practices if done without true understanding of the Akshara.[32]
Jain concept of 'Thousand years'
In Jainism, "Thousand years" signifies a specific unit of time, denoting a period of 1,000 years, which may be essential in understanding cosmic cycles and spiritual practices within the faith.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A unit of time representing a duration of one thousand years.[33]
The concept of Thousand years in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Thousand years" symbolizes enduring spirit and wisdom, signifies a long fulfilling life, marks a historical period post-Buddha's Nirvana, represents perseverance, and denotes an extensive duration of time, like the wind's existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A hyperbolic expression suggesting a long and fulfilling life, emphasizing the desire for enduring happiness and coexistence.[34] (2) A metaphorical expression symbolizing the enduring nature of the spirit and the timeless connection between divine wisdom and human existence.[35] (3) A long passage of time representing perseverance and accumulated wisdom.[36] (4) A long duration of time referenced in relation to how long the wind has been blowing.[37]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Refers to the period following the Nirvana of Buddha, during which laymen and priests resided together in the area.[38]