Mount Meru

Definition

Mount Meru is a sacred mountain in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology, often considered the center of the universe. It is depicted as a cosmic axis connecting the heavens and the earth, playing a crucial role in the afterlife beliefs of these religions by symbolizing the ultimate spiritual journey and enlightenment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Hindu cosmology, Mount Meru is said to be surrounded by seven concentric mountains and oceans, symbolizing different levels of existence.
2. Mount Meru is believed to be the abode of several gods and is considered a place where the divine meets the earthly realm.
3. In Buddhist belief, reaching Mount Meru represents the aspiration to attain Nirvana and escape from the cycle of samsara.
4. Various ancient texts describe Mount Meru as being made of precious gems and metals, emphasizing its significance in spiritual literature.
5. Pilgrimage sites are often centered around Mount Meru, where devotees seek blessings and aspire to achieve higher spiritual states.

Review Questions

• How does Mount Meru function as a symbolic representation of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs?
  • Mount Meru serves as a central axis in both Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing the connection between the divine and earthly realms. It is seen as the hub around which all creation revolves, embodying the spiritual journey that individuals undertake in search of enlightenment. This mountain represents not only physical geography but also the aspirational goal of attaining higher consciousness.
• Discuss the significance of Mount Meru in relation to samsara and how it influences afterlife beliefs in Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • Mount Meru plays a vital role in understanding samsara, or the cycle of birth and rebirth. In these belief systems, it represents a destination for souls seeking liberation from this cycle. Reaching Mount Meru signifies achieving enlightenment, which allows individuals to break free from samsara. Thus, it serves as both a physical landmark and a metaphysical goal for those pursuing spiritual growth.
• Evaluate how Mount Meru reflects broader themes in Hindu and Buddhist afterlife beliefs regarding divine connection and spiritual fulfillment.
  • Mount Meru encapsulates key themes such as the pursuit of divine connection and ultimate spiritual fulfillment within Hinduism and Buddhism. Its depiction as the center of the universe illustrates how these religions view life as a journey towards unity with the divine. Achieving proximity to Mount Meru symbolizes not only physical pilgrimage but also an inner transformation towards enlightenment, reflecting broader beliefs about achieving harmony with cosmic order.

Related terms

Buddhism: A spiritual tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life.

Samsara:

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism, often associated with the consequences of karma.

Shiva:

A major deity in Hinduism, often associated with destruction and transformation, who is sometimes depicted as residing on Mount Meru.