Significance of Yuga
Synonyms: Era, Age, Epoch, Cycle, Period
In Dutch: Yuga; In Finnish: Yuga; In Spanish: Yuga; In Swedish: Yuga; In Malay: Yuga; In French: Yuga; In German: Juga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Yuga'
In Buddhism, Yuga denotes cycles of time and moral decline, aligning with Hindu cosmology’s four ages—Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali—each representing varying degrees of righteousness and spiritual condition for humanity.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Cycles of time, specifically Kata-yuga, Treta-yuga, Dvapara-yuga, and Kali-yuga, signifying decline in righteousness.[1]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The four ages in Hindu cosmology—krita, treta, dvapara, and kali—each representing a different spiritual and moral state of humanity.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Yuga'
Yuga in Hinduism denotes cyclical epochs, comprising four distinct ages—Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali—each defined by varying moral values, societal norms, and spiritual conditions, reflecting the evolving nature of humanity and cosmic time.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term denoting an age or era in the cyclical concept of time within Hindu cosmology, where the events of Trita's life are set.[3] (2) The cyclical ages or epochs in Hindu cosmology, through which the universe evolves.[4] (3) The four ages in Hindu cosmology—Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali—each with distinct characteristics and durations.[5] (4) The cosmic cycles in Hindu philosophy, used here to compare the two combatants to ultimate forces of destruction.[6] (5) An era or age in Hindu cosmology, alluding to the cyclical nature of time and cosmic events.[7]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The four epochs in Hindu cosmology that describe the cyclical nature of time and spiritual progression.[8] (2) The epochs or ages in a cyclic time framework, indicating the eternal nature of time and existence.[9] (3) An age or era in Hindu cosmology that reflects a cyclical pattern of time.[10] (4) The distinct ages through which humanity progresses, characterized by varying levels of virtue and morality.[11] (5) A term referring to the ages or cycles of time outlined in Hindu cosmology, with twelve thousand years defining a single Yuga.[12]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The terms 'Yugas' refer to the four distinct ages or epochs in Hindu cosmology, each characterized by different qualities.[13]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The cyclical ages in Hinduism marking the decline and renewal of virtue and righteousness across cosmic time.[14]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The cyclic ages in Hindu cosmology; Vedavati incarnated in different Yugas including Satya, Treta, and Dvapara.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Cycles of time in the Hindu cosmological framework, representing vast epochs in which the universe undergoes different phases.[16] (2) Refers to the different epochs or ages as described in Hindu cosmology that shape the cycle of time.[17] (3) Reference to the distinct ages or epochs in Hindu cosmology, each characterized by different spiritual and societal conditions.[18] (4) The cycles or ages in Hindu cosmology through which Krishna manifests in different forms, reflecting the changing nature of time and spirituality.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An age or era in Hindu cosmology, with each yuga characterized by different societal values and degrees of morality.[20] (2) A classification of time in Hindu cosmology that denotes different epochs or ages in the universe.[21]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) one of the four ages described in the Vedas.[22]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The four ages (Satya, Treta, Dvapara, Kali) through which civilizations and spiritual fulfillment evolve, each with distinct characteristics.[23]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) In this context, it refers to birth or generation, indicating the passing of time and lineage.[24] (2) A large time cycle in Hindu philosophy, with each subsequent Yuga being a quarter less in duration than the previous.[25]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A term referring to a great cycle of time in Hindu cosmology, which a Jyotishaka must understand.[26]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is an astronomical cycle.[27]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A significant, lengthy period of time, which Naravahanadatta views the waiting period for marriage as equivalent to.[28]
Jain concept of 'Yuga'
In Jainism, Yuga signifies a measurement symbolized by danda, which helps define the framework of dimensions, indicating its importance in understanding the cyclical nature of time and spiritual evolution in the faith.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A measure represented by danda, further establishing the structure of dimensions discussed.[30]
The concept of Yuga in local and regional sources
Yuga is a key concept in Hindu cosmology, representing units of time and cycles significant for astronomical calculations, including planetary revolutions, and is integral to the caturyuga-manvantara-kalpa system and a series of four ages.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Yuga is a cycle of time, used in astronomical calculations, such as determining the number of revolutions for planets like Jupiter and is divided into bhaganas.[31] (2) This is a unit of time, which is part of the caturyuga-manvantara-kalpa system, and can also refer to a five-year cycle.[32] (3) This is a unit of time that is the subject of calculations in the last chapter of the Yavanajataka, including the calculation of time units.[33]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A series of four ages in Hindu cosmology characterized by cycles of creation and destruction.[34]