Significance of Absolute reality
Absolute reality is a central concept in Hinduism and various philosophical doctrines, signifying the ultimate truth that transcends individual perception, material understanding, and the illusion of the material world. It is associated with different interpretations across traditions, such as the unchanging truth in Vedanta linked to Brahman, the transcendent essence in Vaishnavism and Shaivism, as well as the ultimate goal in Buddism leading to Nibbana. Overall, Absolute reality is seen as the fundamental truth that underlies all existence and is the focus of spiritual inquiry across these philosophies.
Synonyms: Ultimate truth, True essence, Actual reality, Fundamental truth, True nature, Objective reality
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Absolute reality'
Absolute reality in Buddhism signifies the ultimate truth of existence, transcending ordinary perceptions. It is represented by Nibbana, representing unchanging truths beyond the conditioned mind and body, leading to ultimate understanding beyond relative truths.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ultimate truth or nature of things, which transcends conventional perceptions and practices.[1] (2) The highest truth (paramartha) as understood in the context of Buddhist philosophy, going beyond relative truths to ultimate understanding.[2]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The ultimate truth that is unchanging and beyond all phenomena perceived in the material world.[3]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The ultimate truth of existence that transcends ordinary perceptions and conceptual thinking.[4]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Nibbana is viewed as an absolute reality (vatthu-dhamma) that transcends the conditioned world of mind and body.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Absolute reality'
Absolute reality in Hinduism signifies the unchanging truth of the Infinite Brahman, transcending duality and perception. It’s the ultimate existence beyond illusion, embodying the essence of spiritual exploration and realization, as depicted in the Bhagavata Purana.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The concept that only Brahman is truly real, as opposed to modifications or effects that are considered illusory.[6] (2) The state of being that cannot be questioned or perceived differently, which, according to the text, is only associated with the Self.[7] (3) The unchanging and fundamental truth of Brahman, as distinguished from the transient nature of the world.[8] (4) Another term for the absolute truth, which is untouched by falsehood and represents the ultimate existence.[9] (5) The ultimate truth that is unchanging and fundamental, represented by Brahman, distinguishing it from the transient experiences of the material world.[10]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate state of being that transcends relative perceptions, being identical with Brahman.[11] (2) The concept of unchanging and true existence, in contrast to the relative and often illusory nature of experiences perceived in dreams.[12]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate truth or reality that transcends relative realities and is not misled by sensory perceptions.[13] (2) The ultimate truth or state of existence that transcends all forms and concepts, recognized only through deep inner understanding.[14]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The fundamental truth that encompasses the nature of the Infinite Brahman, which is free from negation and duality.[15] (2) The ultimate truth or existence that transcends all forms and is identified with Brahman.[16]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) A term intended to describe the higher state of existence associated with Parabrahman that is devoid of any lack or limitation.[17]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The state of existence that is unchanging and independent, contrasted with the transient nature of a differentiated universe and individual identities.[18]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate truth or existence that is unchanging and is the foundation of all understanding; contrasted with relative reality.[19]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) This Absolute Reality is known and accepted with complete certainty, regardless of its form or medium.[20]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The idea that Brahman is the ultimate truth and source of all creation, unconditioned by forms.[21]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The fundamental truth that encompasses the individual soul, Cosmic Illusion, and the universe, which are non-different from it.[22] (2) The fundamental truth or nature of existence, which is the subject of understanding and realization in the Bhagavata Purana.[23] (3) The ultimate truth that is to be known, which underlies the teachings of the Bhagavata Purana.[24]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The ultimate truth or existence that transcends individual perception and experience.[25] (2) The underlying truth behind perceptions and appearances, suggesting that all forms and experiences are ultimately representations of the mind.[26]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The fundamental, unchanging truth underlying all existence, often associated with Prakriti and regarded as the essence of spiritual exploration.[27]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The state of being unmanifest, unchanging, and transcendent, representing the self God that is timeless, formless, and spaceless.[28] (2) The ultimate truth in Shaivism that devotees meditate upon as a part of their religious path.[29] (3) In the formless mode, Shiva is identified as Absolute Reality, known as Parashiva.[30]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The ultimate truth or existence that transcends individual perception and material understanding, posited as a goal of spiritual inquiry and devotion.[31]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ultimate truth that characterizes Vaikuntha, in contrast to the temporary nature of the material world.[32]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The concept debated by various philosophical doctrines, positing that existence beyond illusion is derived from a singular truth.[33]
The concept of Absolute reality in local and regional sources
Absolute reality is defined as the ultimate truth encompassing all existence and transcending dualities. It serves as the ultimate goal of spiritual inquiry, representing a fundamental, unchanging truth beyond perceptions and appearances, as articulated by Sankara.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ultimate truth that transcends all appearances and notions of becoming, described by Sankara in the context of serious philosophical inquiry.[34] (2) The fundamental truth that transcends all perceived dualities, regarded as the ultimate goal of spiritual inquiry and realization.[35] (3) The unchanging and ultimate truth that exists beyond our perceptions of forms and names.[36] (4) The ultimate truth or reality that encompasses all existence, often intertwined with religious and philosophical discussions.[37]