Theories of cosmic time in the MahaÌbhaÌrata
This thesis presents an examination of the Indian theories of cosmic time as they are found in the Mahabharata. It looks at the theories in detail and analyses their essential characteristics and structures of its three main elements: the divisions of time; the cycle of creation and destruction; and the characteristics of the four yugas. Special attention is paid to aspects of the theory that have been little explored, such as the nature of the cyclical repetition; the relationship between the yugas and the avataras of Visnu; the characteristics of the junctures between the yugas, etc. In the few areas where the theories of cosmic time found in the Mahabharata differ from those of the Purad nas, the differences are indicated. Ideas of cosmic time in literature preceding the Mahabharata are examined, and it is argued that the fundamental structures and concerns of the later theories can be seen to have clear antecedents in the cosmogony of the Vedas and the cosmogonic implications of certain sacrifices found in the Brahmad nas: Vedic cosmogonies show that the primary creative act is the imposition of order on chaos, in the spatial, temporal and ethical spheres, and the sacrifices show the existence of a cycle
Thomas, Lynn Karen
Time--Religious aspects--Hinduism ; MahaÂŻbhaÂŻrata--Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Theories of cosmic time in the MahaÌbhaÌrata. This thesis presents an examination of the Indian theories of cosmic time as they are found in the Mahabharata. It looks at the theories in detail and analyses their essential characteristics and structures of its three main elements: the divisions of time; the cycle of creation and destruction; and the characteristics of the four yugas. Special attention is paid to aspects of the theory that have been little explored, such as the nature of the cyclical repetition; the relationship between the yugas and the avataras of Visnu; the characteristics of the junctures between the yugas, etc. In the few areas where the theories of cosmic time found in the Mahabharata differ from those of the Purad nas, the differences are indicated. Ideas of cosmic time in literature preceding the Mahabharata are examined, and it is argued that the fundamental structures and concerns of the later theories can be seen to have clear antecedents in the cosmogony of the Vedas and the cosmogonic implications of certain sacrifices found in the Brahmad nas: Vedic cosmogonies show that the primary creative act is the imposition of order on chaos, in the spatial, temporal and ethical spheres, and the sacrifices show the existence of a cycle
theories cosmic time present examination indian theory cosmic time find theory detail_analysis essential characteristic structure three_main element division time cycle creation destruction characteristic special_attention_pay aspect theory little explored nature cyclical repetition relationship characteristic etc area theory cosmic time find differ difference indicate ideas cosmic time literature precede examine argue fundamental structure concern later theory see clear antecedent implication certain sacrifice find show primary creative act imposition order_chaos spatial_temporal ethical sphere sacrifice show existence cycle