Significance of All-powerful

The keyphrase "All-powerful" encompasses various interpretations across different philosophies. In Vaishnavism, it describes the omnipotence of Lord Vaikuntha-natha and Krishna, highlighting their ability to meet devotees' needs and manage all circumstances. Additionally, it refers to the divine strength of the residents of Vaikuntha and the quality of prabhavishnu. In Vedanta, it signifies the ultimate power of Brahman and questions the creation of illusions. Dharmashastra attributes this quality to the King's authority, while in Mahayana, it is linked to the abilities of Buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Synonyms: Omnipotent, Supreme, Invincible, Sovereign, Godlike, Almighty

In Dutch: Almachtig; In Finnish: Kaikkivoipa; In Spanish: Omnipotente; In German: Allmächtig

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'All-powerful'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "All-powerful" describes Buddhas and great bodhisattvas, emphasizing their capacity to act truthfully and effectively, reflecting their profound wisdom and enlightenment in guiding others toward liberation.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The quality attributed to the Buddhas and great bodhisattvas as they possess the ability to act in accordance with the truth.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'All-powerful'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "All-powerful" signifies the omnipotence of the Supreme Lord, encompassing Brahman’s ultimate authority, Krishna’s control over outcomes, and the divine strength of Vaikuntha residents, reflecting both power and responsiveness to devotees.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) A characteristic of Krishna that denotes His omnipotence and ability to manifest will.[2] (2) The capability of each resident of Vaikuntha to manifest great strength and opulence, reflecting their divine nature.[3] (3) A description of Lord Vaikuntha-natha, highlighting His ability to perceive and address the needs and emotions of devotees.[4]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A description of the Supreme Lord's nature, indicating that He possesses every form of power.[5]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Refers to the quality of being all-powerful, specifically used to describe the nature of prabhavishnu.[6]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) A description of the Lord’s omnipotence, implying the ability to control all circumstances and outcomes.[7]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) Refers to the Lord's omnipotence, questioning why such a being would create illusions or unrealities.[8]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) A trait of Brahman signifying ultimate power and the ability to affect change in the world.[9]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A description of the King's immense authority and control, suggesting that once he decides on a course of action, it is final and irreversible.[10]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.