Significance of Avidya
Avidya, in various philosophical traditions, refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge that obscures the true nature of reality and the self. It is often seen as the root cause of suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Avidya manifests in spiritual blindness, leading individuals to false perceptions of duality and separation from the divine. This ignorance can be addressed through proper knowledge and devotion, ultimately allowing liberation from the cycle of existence. Each tradition highlights the significance of overcoming Avidya to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Synonyms: Ignorance, Unawareness, Lack of knowledge, Delusion, Misconception, Nescience
In Finnish: Avidya; In Dutch: Avidja; In Spanish: Avidia
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Avidya'
Avidya in Buddhism signifies ignorance which fosters the illusion of a self, perpetuating suffering. Symbolically, it is likened to an egg-shell that the bodhisattva must shatter to attain enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Ignorance represented as an egg-shell that the bodhisattva breaks to achieve enlightenment.[1] (2) Ignorance that underlies the belief in a self; it contributes to the cycle of suffering according to Buddhist teaching.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Avidya'
In Hinduism, Avidya signifies ignorance regarding reality's true nature, leading to suffering and the cycle of rebirth. It obscures the Self's essence, fostering duality and attachment, and is essential for overcoming to achieve spiritual knowledge.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Ignorance or delusion that creates distinctions and serves as the source of all perceived separateness such as superiority and inferiority.[3] (2) Ignorance or a state of not knowing, which causes perception and is responsible for the experience of duality.[4] (3) Ignorance or misunderstanding, which leads to the perception of the world as an illusory appearance rather than the ultimate reality.[5] (4) Ignorance or the misconception that establishes the perception of duality in the Self, which is free from such ignorance.[6] (5) Ignorance or illusion, which when removed leads to the realization of Brahman and the cessation of the pluralistic universe.[7]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Ignorance that leads to false perceptions of reality, affecting both waking consciousness and dream experiences.[8] (2) Ignorance or misconception that leads to the perception of duality and the external world.[9] (3) Represents ignorance that leads one to mistakenly identify with the physical existence and believe oneself to be helpless.[10] (4) The underlying ignorance that gives rise to the idea of causality.[11] (5) Ignorance or misunderstanding that leads to the activity of the mind and the perception of duality.[12]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Ignorance or the misconception that leads to the notion of duality, causing attachment and the experience of fear.[13] (2) Ignorance of the true nature of the Self, which must be overcome to attain self-knowledge.[14] (3) Ignorance that clouds wisdom and the understanding of the true nature of bliss and existence.[15] (4) Ignorance or illusion that leads to a false conception of reality, which disappears through knowledge of Brahman.[16] (5) Ignorance or misunderstanding that leads to the perception of duality, chaotic individual existence, and the misidentification of the self.[17]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Ignorance or misconception, often contrasted with knowledge and awareness in spiritual contexts.[18] (2) Avidya refers to ignorance or misconception; its dissolution is necessary for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[19] (3) Avidya denotes ignorance or unawareness, which leads to attachment and suffering in the cycle of life.[20] (4) Ignorance that obscures true knowledge and contributes to the illusion of individuality.[21] (5) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that clouds and complicates understanding of the true nature of Atma.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The conception contrary to reality that ascribes permanency and other attributes to momentary entities, leading to the origination of desire, aversion, and impressions.[23] (2) A term for ignorance or non-knowledge that obscures the true nature of Reality and creates erroneous superimpositions.[24] (3) The idea of ignorance that results in the false notion of duality, complicating the understanding of reality.[25] (4) Refers to ignorance or nescience that binds the jiva to suffering and the cycle of rebirth.[26] (5) Ignorance that binds the individual soul (jiva); the state from which the individual is said to be liberated.[27]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Ignorance that causes the attributeless Brahman to appear in a universal form.[28] (2) Ignorance that prevents distinguishing between appearance and reality; considered the foundation of maya.[29] (3) Ignorance or lack of understanding, an important concept in Advaita Vedanta related to the perception of reality.[30]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ignorance or nescience that is the cause of universal bondage.[31] (2) The concept of ignorance that relies on the will of Vishnu, preventing understanding of the ultimate truth.[32]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Ignorance regarding the self, which is considered the root cause of sufferings and sorrows.[33] (2) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that affects the self; it is not merely a mysterious power but a condition impacting perception.[34]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The beginningless ignorance that veils true knowledge and understanding of Brahman and Atman.[35]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The term used for ignorance that clouds the perception of reality, which must be destroyed for liberation.[36]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) Avidya refers to ignorance or unknowledge, which produces different results, primarily through the actions of Karma, leading to the abode of the manes.[37]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that binds the Jiva to the cycle of sorrow and suffering.[38]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that the Upanishad aims to destroy along with its latent effects.[39]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge, particularly in relation to spiritual truths.[40]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Ignorance or misconception regarding the true nature of reality; the root cause of all duality and suffering.[41]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The great ignorance that binds individuals to the cycle of Samsara, needing to be destroyed to attain happiness.[42] (2) The impure aspect of Maya that conceals Brahma and is the source of all miseries experienced by Jivas.[43] (3) Ignorance or lack of knowledge, which hinders spiritual growth.[44] (4) Ignorance, a state that Shuka Deva observed in his Guru Brihaspati, leading to skepticism about worldly attachments.[45] (5) Ignorance or the state of being unaware of the true nature of Brahman, described as a bondage of the Jivas.[46]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Ignorance or false knowledge that binds individuals; visiting Dhanushkoti is said to cut the knot of Avidya in the heart.[47] (2) Ignorance which binds a soul to the material world, described as the abode of delusion.[48] (3) Ignorance, which leads to the mistaken perception of individuality in the divine context.[49] (4) The root cause of ignorance and spiritual blindness, which the lotus-like feet of the Lord can destroy.[50] (5) Ignorance that binds individuals to worldly existence and is overcome through purity of mind.[51]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Ignorance or a state of non-knowledge that leads to the identification of oneself with the physical body.[52] (2) Nescience or ignorance that veils the true nature of the soul and leads to attachment and suffering.[53] (3) Nescience or ignorance that obscures one's true nature, leading to attachment to the physical body and sense organs.[54] (4) Avidya denotes ignorance or lack of knowledge, which obscures the true understanding of reality and the Self.[55] (5) Ignorance or nescience that binds the jiva to actions and illusions of the material world, inhibiting realization of the true self.[56]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The state of ignorance or unknowing that binds the Jiva-soul to Prakriti.[57] (2) Avidya, or ignorance, serves as a tool for Brahma's creation of the universe.[58] (3) Ignorance or illusion that veils true understanding, which is said to overlay the consciousness during Brahman’s sleep.[59] (4) Ignorance or the state of being misled, depicted as a tree of golden foliage that leads souls into various states of existence.[60] (5) Ignorance that binds the jiva (individual soul) to the cycle of existence and suffering.[61]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A state of ignorance that obscures the realization of one’s true self or reality.[62] (2) Ignorance or the absence of knowledge pertaining to Atma and Brahman, which results in bondage and suffering in the illusion of the material world.[63] (3) Ignorance regarding the true nature of reality, which leads to attachment and suffering.[64] (4) Ignorance or delusion that obscures the realization of the true nature of the self and Brahman.[65] (5) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that causes suffering and leads to the cycle of rebirths.[66]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Primordial ignorance or delusion that causes beings to forget their true nature; associated with the non-existence of contact leading to purity.[67] (2) Ignorance or delusion that causes the individual soul to perceive itself as separate from Shiva.[68]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge about the divine, leading to misconceptions about existence and reality.[69] (2) Ignorance or spiritual delusion that clouds understanding, a condition the yogi seeks to overcome.[70]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Ignorance about the true nature of the self, which is a barrier to realizing the distinction between purusha and prakriti.[71]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Ignorance that manifests in various forms and binds souls in the cycle of worldly existence.[72]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Ignorance represented by two forms: Maya and Parama, which impede understanding the ultimate truth.[73]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The term for ignorance in the philosophical frameworks discussed, often tied to the concept of Maya.[74] (2) Avidya represents ignorance that veils true knowledge, hindering the realization of pure consciousness.[75] (3) Avidya refers to ignorance or the veiling power that creates the illusion of separation from the true self, hindering spiritual realization.[76] (4) Ignorance or illusion that therein underlies perception and understanding according to Vedanta philosophy.[77] (5) A term meaning ignorance or non-knowledge, which is considered a fundamental aspect of human experience in contrast to true knowledge.[78]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Misapprehension about the real nature of things, considered one of the five kleshas (afflictions).[79] (2) An ignorance that causes bondage by misidentifying the nature of permanent joy and the self, leading to suffering and entrapment.[80] (3) Avidya is the ignorance that binds the pure consciousness when it identifies with the physical body, obscuring true awareness.[81] (4) Ignorance that leads individuals into suffering or kleshas (afflictions).[82] (5) Avidya consists in regarding a transient object as everlasting, an impure object as pure, misery as happiness, and the non-self as self. It indicates a lack of awareness and is described as a form of spiritual sleep that induces a state of hypnosis in people.[83]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Ignorance or wrong perception of reality, considered the root cause of individual suffering in yoga philosophy.[84]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that contributes to an individual's suffering.[85] (2) Ignorance; a term used to describe the lack of knowledge and understanding in spiritual contexts.[86] (3) Ignorance; the state of being misled or forgetful of one’s true identity as a soul.[87]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Defined as the lack of proper philosophy or knowledge, indicating a state of ignorance compared to the ultimate knowledge of the Supreme Lord.[88]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A Sanskrit term meaning ignorance or lack of knowledge, contrasted in the text with being knowledgeable.[89]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Represents ignorance or lack of knowledge, specifically spiritual ignorance that hinders one's spiritual journey.[90]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Material ignorance that confines living beings and leads to cycles of karma.[91]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Ignorance that causes differentiation and is neither identical with nor separate from the ultimate reality.[92] (2) A state of ignorance that leads to an incapacity in perceiving the true nature of things.[93] (3) Ignorance or misconception that leads to the perception of diversity and sequence in the universe, blocking the path to true knowledge.[94]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A term meaning ignorance, which Kshirasvamin defines as the opposite of knowledge.[95] (2) Ignorance that misattributes permanence, purity, happiness, and the self to transient and impure objects.[96]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge, often referred to as the obstacle in spiritual growth and understanding.[97] (2) Ignorance or lack of knowledge in the spiritual or philosophical sense.[98]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The limiting factor of the self that prevents the experience of moksha until it is removed.[99]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Ignorance that creates the illusion of separation between God and the individual soul.[100]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A Sanskrit term that describes a form of ignorance or misunderstanding, particularly in relation to the nature of dreams and perceptions.[101]
Jain concept of 'Avidya'
Avidya in Jainism signifies ignorance that leads to the recognition of a soul's earthly existence, highlighting a lack of spiritual understanding and awareness that hinders true enlightenment and liberation.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Ignorance that results in the acknowledgment of the worldly state of a soul.[102]
The concept of Avidya in local and regional sources
Avidya, or ignorance, creates illusions that distort our perception of reality and spirituality. It leads to misunderstandings of the universe and significant barriers to achieving enlightenment, as highlighted by Helaraja's discussion on time.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Illusion or ignorance that causes perceived differences and sequences in the universe as discussed by Helaraja in relation to time.[103] (2) Ignorance regarding spiritual truths; represented as a formidable obstacle to enlightenment.[104]
The concept of Avidya in scientific sources
Avidya, or ignorance in Indian philosophy, contrasts with Jnana (knowledge) and can be understood through dreams, illustrating the misleading perceptions of reality and the need for awareness to attain true understanding.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Concepts in Indian philosophy relating to ignorance that can be exemplified through dreams, highlighting the absence of Jnana or knowledge.[105]