Significance of Absolute knowledge
Absolute knowledge is described across various philosophical traditions as the pinnacle of understanding, transcending worldly attachments and material perceptions. In Jainism, it signifies complete understanding achieved by monks. Vaishnavism views it as transcendental insight into Brahman, free from illusion. Vedanta emphasizes a constant, non-dual truth that underlies reality. The Purana tradition associates it with profound realization beyond self-consciousness. Ultimately, Absolute knowledge encompasses comprehensive wisdom that liberates the soul, represents the essence of existence, and is the goal of spiritual practices, as highlighted in ancient Indian texts.
Synonyms: Total knowledge, Complete understanding, Full comprehension, Certain knowledge, Complete awareness, Full understanding, Total comprehension, Perfect knowledge
In Dutch: Absolute kennis
In Finnish: Absoluuttinen tieto
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Absolute knowledge'
Absolute knowledge in Hinduism signifies a transcendent understanding that surpasses duality, ignorance, and material constraints, encompassing all truth and reality. It leads to spiritual liberation and ultimate awareness of Brahman, the essence of the universe.
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate and clear understanding of existence, which is obscured by the processes of forgetting and Maya.[1] (2) The supreme understanding that governs and transcends the apparent duality of existence.[2] (3) The knowledge that encompasses all existence, which remains unchanging and is experienced in various states of consciousness.[3] (4) The ultimate understanding that is obscured by the Maya, leading the Jivas to forget their true existence.[4] (5) Represents a form of understanding that encompasses all truth and reality, without the need for judgments or classifications.[5]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) Absolute knowledge lights itself and all things.[6] (2) Eternal knowledge that is primal and transcends the transient creation, representing ultimate understanding and reality.[7] (3) The highest form of understanding that encompasses all truth, providing the foundation for what constitutes reality and existence.[8] (4) The highest form of understanding that transcends ordinary perception and duality, allowing insight into the nature of reality.[9] (5) The ultimate truth or understanding that transcends material existence, accessed through silent meditation and intuition.[10]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A state of complete understanding and awareness, established in the ethereal plane.[11] (2) A state of complete and total understanding that is unbounded and extensive.[12] (3) A state of complete understanding that transcends the physical body and ignorance.[13] (4) The ultimate understanding or realization of truth that transcends the physical and mental limitations.[14]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Knowledge that cannot be subjected to relative treatment, as it is understood to represent the non-dual nature of reality.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Understanding of Brahman that is uncaused and independent from any actions or mental endeavors of individuals.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The ultimate understanding that leads to the realization of the mind as a nullity in comparison to the true essence of the soul.[17] (2) Understanding gained from reason combined with meditation on the supreme reality.[18] (3) The absolute knowledge refers to the understanding beyond the capabilities of self-consciousness regarding the Divine Intellect and Spirit.[19]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Absolute knowledge leads to the release of the individual soul from bondage caused by deeds, faults, and ignorance.[20] (2) Knowledge known as Vasudeva, associated with the unmanifest.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The ultimate understanding and realization of truth that one reaches through deep meditation on the divine.[22]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Comprehensive understanding that comes from virtuous actions and devotion, as expressed by the stag's enlightenment.[23]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate, unchanging truth that lies at the core of the Cosmic Man's essence.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The comprehensive understanding of reality, surpassing the duality between means and goals.[25]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The transcendental knowledge that leads to understanding the essence of Brahman, distinct from material knowledge.[26] (2) Understanding that discounts worldly distinctions and perceptions, revealing a unified perspective of all beings.[27] (3) A state of understanding that is complete and free from illusion or ignorance.[28]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The highest form of understanding that transcends worldly knowledge derived from the senses.[29]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A term signifying the ultimate understanding or wisdom possessed by certain characters in stories.[30]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) The interpretation of the word 'Veda', implying an all-encompassing form of wisdom.[31]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A higher form of knowledge that is contrasted with nonabsolute knowledge, which is deemed more powerful and capable of obstructing lesser knowledge residua.[32]
Jain concept of 'Absolute knowledge'
In Jainism, Absolute knowledge signifies the profound understanding achieved by a monk who has relinquished all worldly attachments, reflecting a state of enlightenment and spiritual purity.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The complete understanding attained by a monk who has shed worldly attachments.[33]
The concept of Absolute knowledge in local and regional sources
Absolute knowledge is framed as the ultimate goal of the Rigvedic education system, emphasizing the importance of dedicated practices and profound understanding in achieving this comprehensive level of insight and wisdom.
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) The ultimate aim of the Rigvedic education system, sought through dedicated practices and deep understanding.[34]