Significance of Twelve year
The concept of Twelve years in various traditions highlights its significance as a designated duration for diverse spiritual, societal, and personal commitments. In Jainism, it is associated with the periods of intense ascetic practice and meditation by Mahavira, demonstrating dedication to spiritual growth. Similarly, in other traditions such as South Asia and Vaishnavism, it references significant times in life events, rituals, and spiritual journeys. Overall, Twelve years symbolizes commitment and transformative experiences across cultural narratives and philosophies.
In Dutch: Twaalf jaar; In Finnish: Kaksitoista vuotta; In Spanish: Doce a帽os; In German: Zw枚lf Jahre; In Swedish: Tolv 氓r; In Malay: Dua belas tahun; In French: Douze 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 'Twelve year'
In Buddhism, the "Twelve year" keyphrase symbolizes significant commitments, such as dedication in spiritual practices, durations of devotion, and periods of training or waiting, reflecting the importance of perseverance and discipline in various narratives.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The duration of time the brahmacarin Ngai fa spent traveling in search of the holy Dharma.[1] (2) The duration of time the man offered puja to the god, symbolizing dedication and devotion.[2] (3) The duration during which the Rohita fish nourished beings with its flesh and blood.[3] (4) The duration during which the bodhisattva Wei-lo-mo continuously made offerings, emphasizing commitment and dedication.[4] (5) The duration of time Karna spent abroad painting, during which he earned thirty ounces of gold.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The duration of Shantideva鈥檚 stay and spiritual practice under his master, indicating a significant commitment to his training.[6]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The time period after which Sudarshana would be allowed to see her husband.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The time period specified by the soothsayers for King Dasaratha's lifespan.[8] (2) The duration of time that the Bodhisatta lived in the king鈥檚 garden without expressing his request for single-soled shoes and a parasol.[9]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) A period after which nuns can request the Order for the agreement to ordain.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The duration that the practitioner must continuously pursue the Saraniya Practice for it to be deemed successful.[11]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The period during which Kumarakassapa continued to live in the forest, separated from his mother.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Twelve year'
In Hinduism, "Twelve years" symbolizes significant periods of struggle, penance, and fulfillment across various narratives, including drought, exile, ascetic practices, and spiritual obligations, reflecting deep interconnections between time, duty, and divine favor.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The duration for which the Pandavas are to live in exile according to their promise after being defeated at dice.[13] (2) The length of time the Pandavas agreed to live in exile following their defeat at dice, amidst a condition to remain undetected.[14] (3) The duration the Rishi Cyavana committed to living according to the rules of Udavasa.[15] (4) The duration the Pandavas spent in the woods due to their exile.[16] (5) The duration that any of the Pandavas must spend in the forest if they see one sitting with Draupadi, as part of the rule they established.[17]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The duration for which the Muni Gautama supported and fed other Munis with resources from the cup given by the Devi.[18] (2) The age at which Rama and Krishna achieve proficiency in all branches of learning.[19] (3) The duration during which Indra did not rain in Aruna's kingdom due to Satyavrata's actions.[20] (4) The duration of Cakshusha's dedicated practice and meditation to achieve his desires.[21]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The duration of time the inhabitants lived in peace and prosperity under Shatrughna鈥檚 leadership after his victory.[22]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The duration of time Satyavrata spent as a probationer after taking a vow of celibacy.[23]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The extended duration during which certain dietary practices, such as consuming goat meat, are observed.[24] (2) The duration after which the guilt of embryo-killing falls on the father if the maiden remains unmarried.[25] (3) The period for which the Brahmana-slayer must perform penances to attain purification.[26]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A significant period of time for an individual to engage in specific purification practices.[27] (2) The duration prescribed for a person to keep rules for a student studying the three Vedas before initiation.[28]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The period during which a pupil must remain a student to properly study the Vedas.[29] (2) The duration for which an individual must perform certain penances to atone for significant offenses, such as killing a Brahmana.[30]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The duration of time that Lord Nityananda remained at home before leaving for holy places.[31]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Duration of time that Shri Ramanujacarya spent in Tirunarayanapuram, contributing to its devotional practices.[32]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The duration that Upakosala lived with Satyakama Jabala, during which he engaged in Vedic studies and maintained sacrificial fires.[33]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The duration of time one should serve their guru before proceeding with other life duties.[34]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The duration of exile Yudhishthira and his family endure, during which the tale of Nala is narrated.[35]
Jain concept of 'Twelve year'
In Jainism, "Twelve year" signifies various significant durations, including Mahavira's periods of meditation, asceticism, and spiritual commitments, reflecting profound dedication and profound spiritual practices essential to Jain beliefs and narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The duration the sage spent as a householder due to the bonds of affection for his son.[36] (2) The duration in which the protagonist lived under the protection of Nayala, engaging in spiritual practices.[37] (3) The duration Jarakumara states he has been living in the forest, suggesting commitment to a protective role.[38] (4) The duration of predicted attacks announced by Pracinabarhis.[39] (5) A specified period after Nala's banishment, indicating the prolonged separation between him and Davadanti.[40]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The duration during which Mahavira practiced intense meditation and asceticism, culminating in his enlightenment.[41]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) The extensive duration during which Mahavira practiced austerities after his renunciation, demonstrating his dedication to spiritual pursuits.[42]
The concept of Twelve year in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Twelve year" relates to various significant durations in cultural and religious contexts, including the intervals for festivals, rites of passage, warfare, and personal development milestones in spiritual and social frameworks.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A significant period during which Krishna lived with the devotees and performed notable deeds that were often unrecognized.[43] (2) A period indicating the passage of time referenced in the growth and development of the children.[44] (3) A significant period indicating the length of time that passed after a previous event.[45] (4) The length of time Lord Krishna lived as a Brahman menial in the story.[46]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Twelve years is the duration in which anyone can reach the goal through faithful work and dedication, emphasizing the commitment required.[47] (2) This is the amount of time that is needed to practice absolute truthfulness in thought, word, and deed to give a man what he wills.[48] (3) This is how long unbroken Brahmacharya should be practiced for.[49]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The length of time Ethelthryth lived with King Egfrid while maintaining her virginity.[50] (2) The duration for which Maban was kept by Acca to instruct church clergy in music.[51]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The duration of suffering of a woman who sought help from Karam Gosain for her stuck pai measure.[52]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the interval during which the Kumbhamela, a significant religious festival, is held in Kumbhakonam.[53]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The duration of the war in which the Prince engages after marrying the princess.[54] (2) The period after which the young child has grown and begun to hunt larger game such as Sambhar deer.[55] (3) The age of the Prince when he is appointed to sovereignty by the King after the King's death.[56]