Significance of Absolute truth
Absolute truth encompasses the ultimate reality that transcends relative truths and dualistic perceptions, revealing the essential nature of existence. In various philosophical contexts, including Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Vedanta, absolute truth is seen as incomprehensible through ordinary understanding, representing a state beyond material perceptions. It's associated with enlightenment, divine principles, and often linked to spiritual realizations. This concept is pivotal in the pursuit of knowledge, guiding devotees toward a deeper understanding of reality and one's connection to the divine.
Synonyms: Fundamental truth, Universal truth, Ultimate reality, Inherent truth, Undeniable fact
In Dutch: Absolute waarheid; In Finnish: Absoluuttinen totuus; In Spanish: Verdad absoluta
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 truth'
Absolute truth in Buddhism represents the ultimate reality, transcending conventional dualities and human language. It reflects the essence of Nirvana and the true nature of existence, revealing profound insights into enlightenment and the nature of reality beyond perception.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A perspective in which the bodhisattva's vows are fully justified and realizable, as opposed to relative truth.[1] (2) The ultimate reality that transcends conventional distinctions between existence and non-existence.[2] (3) The ultimate reality that is consistent and devoid of contradictions according to the teachings of the Buddha.[3] (4) The ultimate reality or the true state of existence, represented by 'tathata' and 'dharmata', which can be obscured by doubt.[4] (5) The ultimate or real truth that transcends appearances, from which certain questions about causality should be assessed.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The fundamental reality that transcends conventional existence and conceptions.[6] (2) The ultimate reality in Buddhism that transcends ordinary perception, often associated with enlightenment.[7] (3) The ultimate reality beyond perceptions, which the Buddha has fully comprehended.[8]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The underlying reality that transcends dualities, as clarified by the Buddha's discussions on seeing and non-seeing.[9] (2) The ultimate reality that, once discovered, elevates one's spiritual level to be equivalent with all Buddhas.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ultimate reality as understood in Buddhist philosophy, often contrasted with conventional truths.[11]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) An understanding of the essential nature of reality, which is revealed through prajna.[12] (2) The state where all things become inexpressible and beyond limitations set by relative truth.[13] (3) Absolute truth is the fundamental nature of reality as it is, beyond dualistic concepts of existence and non-existence.[14]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Term used to describe the ultimate reality or underlying nature of existence, known as bhutartha or yang dag pa'i don.[15]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The ultimate understanding of Dhamma, investigated through a detailed analysis in the first three books of the Abhidhamma.[16]
Hindu concept of 'Absolute truth'
In Hinduism, Absolute truth signifies an unchanging, eternal reality beyond material perceptions, described as Nirguna and Nirakara. It transcends individual beliefs and is unified across faiths, revealing the essence of existence understood through spiritual inquiry.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The ultimate reality that one can approach through detachment from material enjoyment and by taking refuge in the spiritual master.[17] (2) The ultimate reality described as one without a second, expressing the non-dual nature of the Divine according to Vedic philosophy.[18] (3) The ultimate reality that transcends the material world, which is often misunderstood by those who do not possess the true knowledge of the Absolute.[19] (4) The ultimate reality that encompasses all existence, often identified with the Supreme Lord.[20] (5) The ultimate reality or the Supreme Being, in this context associated with Lord Vishnu.[21]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The ultimate reality identified with the Personality of Sri Chaitanya that devotees strive to understand.[22] (2) The ultimate reality revealed by Brahma, who is the first to learn and transmit the divine knowledge across generations.[23] (3) The ultimate reality or divine principle that transcends human perception and understanding.[24] (4) The ultimate reality that transcends all empirical truths and understandings.[25] (5) An ultimate reality that remains constant, irrespective of human perception or experience.[26]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The term refers to the ultimate reality or principle that is considered by the seers and philosophers.[27] (2) The ultimate reality or fundamental principle that transcends all illusion and duality.[28] (3) The intrinsic nature of Brahman, representing the ultimate non-dual and transcendental reality beyond all distinctions.[29] (4) Universal truths that hold significance in the practice of bhakti, accessible through deep personal insight.[30] (5) the essence of Brahman described as atma-tattva.[31]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The fundamental reality that encompasses everything, identified as Krishna in the teachings of the scripture.[32] (2) The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is beyond all sense perception and material intellect.[33]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) How the yogis perceive Krishna, i.e., as the ultimate reality and source of all existence.[34] (2) The ultimate reality or source of existence in spiritual philosophy, described as the eternal Supreme Brahman in the text.[35]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The ultimate reality, represented by Shri Hari, to whom respect and devotion is offered through chanting.[36]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The ultimate reality in the text, from which mystics derive unlimited transcendental pleasures; identified with the Supreme Absolute Truth.[37]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate reality that cannot be acquired through empirical knowledge or material possessions.[38] (2) Absolute Truth is the state wherein duality does not exist and the natural eternal state of bliss is realized.[39] (3) The ultimate reality that transcends all forms and distinctions; it is the true nature of existence that is only discernible through pure consciousness.[40] (4) A concept that equates Truth with knowledge, Consciousness, and Bliss, suggesting a deep connection between them.[41]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The ultimate reality or truth that those who comprehend the Vedas are said to perceive.[42] (2) The purest form of truth that is absolute and unattainable through deceit or false motivation.[43] (3) The essence of para vidya, described as being definitively true, in contrast to the relatively true nature of apara vidya.[44] (4) The ultimate reality or knowledge that transcends individual perceptions and is the object of ultimate desire.[45]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ultimate reality that transcends sensory experience and is beyond the duality of names and forms.[46]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The ultimate reality or truth referred to at the end of the sentence, contrasted with empirical truth.[47]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) Truth that stands independent of individual perception or belief, which is also deemed nonexistent by the speaker.[48]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The ultimate reality that transcends duality and illusion, perceived in a higher state of consciousness.[49]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) This term indicates the ultimate reality that transcends ignorance and delusion, achievable through spiritual insight.[50]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate reality that transcends all forms of duality, birth, and destruction.[51]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate reality which cannot be conveyed through dualistic expressions but is implied in teachings about Brahman.[52]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The ultimate reality in contrast to transient or superficial realities; a central theme in discussions about the divine.[53]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The ultimate reality or spiritual principle that Devashyama seeks to understand.[54]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) How yogis perceive Krishna, representing the ultimate reality or essence.[55]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The Absolute Truth is described as ununderstandable, impersonal, Nirguna, and Nirakara.[56]
The concept of Absolute truth in local and regional sources
Absolute truth signifies a steadfast and universal reality, distinct from relative truths and subjective interpretations. It encompasses moral principles, philosophical quests, and personal commitments, challenging totalitarian views and reflecting a pursuit of unchanging existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A concept that denotes that which is fundamentally real and unchanging.[57] (2) A profound understanding or knowledge considered to be eternal and universal.[58] (3) The concept of a truth that is independent and unchanging, distinct from mere appearances or relative truths.[59] (4) The ultimate goal of Gandhian thought, representing the highest moral principles that must guide one's actions.[60] (5) The philosophical quest for understanding the fundamental truths of existence, which is explored by Chu Yuan in his poem 'Tien Wen'.[61]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The commitment Bhanudas made to always be truthful in his business transactions.[62]