Difference between revisions of "Epiphany"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| − | [ | + | [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ''epiphanie'', from Anglo-French, from Late Latin ''epiphania'', from Late Greek, plural, probably alteration of Greek ''epiphaneia'' [[appearance]], ''manifestation'', from ''epiphainein'' to manifest, from ''epi''- + ''phainein'' to show |
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
| − | *1:''capitalized'' : January 6 observed as a [[church]] festival in commemoration of the coming of the [ | + | *1:''capitalized'' : January 6 observed as a [[church]] festival in commemoration of the coming of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magi Magi] as the first [[manifestation]] of [[Christ]] to the [[Gentiles]] or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the [[baptism]] of [[Christ]] |
*2: an [[appearance]] or [[manifestation]] especially of a [[divine]] [[being]] | *2: an [[appearance]] or [[manifestation]] especially of a [[divine]] [[being]] | ||
*3:a. (1) : a usually sudden [[manifestation]] or [[perception]] of the [[essential]] [[nature]] or [[meaning]] of something (2) : an [[intuitive]] grasp of [[reality]] through something (as an [[event]]) usually simple and striking (3) : an [[illuminating]] [[discovery]], [[realization]], or disclosure | *3:a. (1) : a usually sudden [[manifestation]] or [[perception]] of the [[essential]] [[nature]] or [[meaning]] of something (2) : an [[intuitive]] grasp of [[reality]] through something (as an [[event]]) usually simple and striking (3) : an [[illuminating]] [[discovery]], [[realization]], or disclosure | ||
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This [[concept]] is studied by psychologists and other [[scholars]], particularly those attempting to [[study]] the [[process]] of [[innovation]]. | This [[concept]] is studied by psychologists and other [[scholars]], particularly those attempting to [[study]] the [[process]] of [[innovation]]. | ||
| − | Although epiphanies are only a rare occurrence, following the [[process]] of significant [[labor]], there is a common [[myth]] that epiphanies of sudden [[comprehension]] have also made possible leaps in [[technology]] and [[the sciences]]. Though [[famous]] [[individuals]] like [ | + | Although epiphanies are only a rare occurrence, following the [[process]] of significant [[labor]], there is a common [[myth]] that epiphanies of sudden [[comprehension]] have also made possible leaps in [[technology]] and [[the sciences]]. Though [[famous]] [[individuals]] like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes Archimedes] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton Isaac Newton] might have had epiphanies, they were almost certainly the end result of a long and [[intensive]] period of [[study]] those [[individuals]] have undertaken, not a sudden, out-of-the-blue, flash of [[inspiration]] on an issue they have not [[thought]] about previously. |
==Religion== | ==Religion== | ||
| − | Western Christian churches generally [[celebrate]] the [ | + | Western Christian churches generally [[celebrate]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoration_of_the_Magi Adoration of the Magi] as the [[Incarnation]] of the infant Christ, and commemorate [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday) Feast of the Epiphany] on January 6. Traditionally, Eastern churches celebrated Epiphany (or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophany Theophany]) in conjunction with Christ's baptism by [[John the Baptist]] and celebrated it on January 19; however, many have begun to adopt the [[Western]] custom of celebrating it on January 6, the twelfth day of [[Christmas]]. Protestant churches often celebrate Epiphany as a season, extending from the last day of Christmas until [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday Ash Wednesday]. |
| − | In more general terms the phrase religious epiphany is used when a [[person]] [[realizes]] their [[faith]] or when they are convinced that an [[event]] or happening was really caused by a [[deity]] or being of their faith. In Hinduism, for example, epiphany might refer to the realization of Arjuna that Krishna (incarnation of God serving as his charioteer in the "[[Bhagavad Gita]]") is indeed representing [[the Universe]]. The Hindu term for epiphany would be ''bodhodaya'', from [[Sanskrit]] ''bodha'' 'wisdom' and ''udaya'' 'rising'. Or in [[Buddhism]], the term might refer to the Buddha finally realizing the [[nature]] of the [[universe]], and thus attaining [ | + | In more general terms the phrase religious epiphany is used when a [[person]] [[realizes]] their [[faith]] or when they are convinced that an [[event]] or happening was really caused by a [[deity]] or being of their faith. In Hinduism, for example, epiphany might refer to the realization of Arjuna that Krishna (incarnation of God serving as his charioteer in the "[[Bhagavad Gita]]") is indeed representing [[the Universe]]. The Hindu term for epiphany would be ''bodhodaya'', from [[Sanskrit]] ''bodha'' 'wisdom' and ''udaya'' 'rising'. Or in [[Buddhism]], the term might refer to the Buddha finally realizing the [[nature]] of the [[universe]], and thus attaining [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana Nirvana]. The Zen term ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensho kensho]'' also describes this [[moment]], referring to the feeling attendant on realizing the answer to a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koan koan]. |
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*'''''[[Insight]]''''' | *'''''[[Insight]]''''' | ||
Latest revision as of 00:16, 13 December 2020
Origin
Middle English epiphanie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin epiphania, from Late Greek, plural, probably alteration of Greek epiphaneia appearance, manifestation, from epiphainein to manifest, from epi- + phainein to show
Definitions
- 1:capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ
- 2: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
- 3:a. (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
Description
An epiphany (from the ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, "manifestation, striking appearance") is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. The term is used in either a philosophical or literal sense to signify that the claimant has "found the last piece of the puzzle and now sees the whole picture," or has new information or experience, often insignificant by itself, that illuminates a deeper or numinous foundational frame of reference.
This concept is studied by psychologists and other scholars, particularly those attempting to study the process of innovation.
Although epiphanies are only a rare occurrence, following the process of significant labor, there is a common myth that epiphanies of sudden comprehension have also made possible leaps in technology and the sciences. Though famous individuals like Archimedes and Isaac Newton might have had epiphanies, they were almost certainly the end result of a long and intensive period of study those individuals have undertaken, not a sudden, out-of-the-blue, flash of inspiration on an issue they have not thought about previously.
Religion
Western Christian churches generally celebrate the Adoration of the Magi as the Incarnation of the infant Christ, and commemorate Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Traditionally, Eastern churches celebrated Epiphany (or Theophany) in conjunction with Christ's baptism by John the Baptist and celebrated it on January 19; however, many have begun to adopt the Western custom of celebrating it on January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas. Protestant churches often celebrate Epiphany as a season, extending from the last day of Christmas until Ash Wednesday.
In more general terms the phrase religious epiphany is used when a person realizes their faith or when they are convinced that an event or happening was really caused by a deity or being of their faith. In Hinduism, for example, epiphany might refer to the realization of Arjuna that Krishna (incarnation of God serving as his charioteer in the "Bhagavad Gita") is indeed representing the Universe. The Hindu term for epiphany would be bodhodaya, from Sanskrit bodha 'wisdom' and udaya 'rising'. Or in Buddhism, the term might refer to the Buddha finally realizing the nature of the universe, and thus attaining Nirvana. The Zen term kensho also describes this moment, referring to the feeling attendant on realizing the answer to a koan.
