Significance of Avidya
Avidya, as defined across various philosophical traditions such as Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Vedanta, refers to ignorance that obscures the true nature of reality and the self. It manifests as spiritual ignorance or delusion, leading to the misperception of existence, attachment, and suffering. This fundamental misunderstanding binds individuals to the cycles of birth and rebirth, highlighting its role as a barrier to spiritual enlightenment. Overcoming Avidya is essential for recognizing one’s true identity and achieving liberation.
Synonyms: Ignorance, Unawareness, Lack of knowledge, Delusion, Misconception, Nescience
In German: Avidya; In Finnish: Avidya; In Swedish: Avidya; In Malay: Avidya; In French: Avidya; In Portugese: Avidya; In Italian: Avidya; In Polish: 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 represents ignorance that causes suffering, symbolizing both internal and external afflictions. It contributes to the false belief in a self, perpetuating the cycle of suffering, and is akin to a shell that must be broken for enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) It is ignorance, the destruction of which is considered coarse wisdom, while penetrating into the true nature of dharmas is subtle wisdom.[1] (2) According to the text, this is the cause and condition for the formations and so on up to the accumulation of this mass of suffering.[2] (3) This is a component of the afflictions that can cause suffering, and the bodhisattvas destroy all these passions in themselves by all kinds of means, and it is both inner and outer.[3] (4) Avidya is ignorance, and it arises as a result of producing fetters, and is therefore considered not true.[4] (5) Ignorance represented as an egg-shell that the bodhisattva breaks to achieve enlightenment.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) It is another name for ignorance, and is a term for defilement from the past.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Avidya'
Avidya in Hinduism represents ignorance or misconception, obscuring the true nature of the Self (Atman) and perpetuating suffering and duality. Overcoming Avidya is essential for attaining spiritual liberation (moksha) and self-realization.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Avidya is identified as the cause of bondage, and the text considers whether both the knowledgeable and ignorant can remove it to attain Brahman, ultimately maintaining that knowledge is the only means to overcome avidya.[7] (2) Avidya, along with its effects such as dharma and adharma, loses its power and becomes harmless upon attaining saving knowledge, as it is understood to have no being of its own apart from the non-dual Self.[8] (3) A term for ignorance or nescience, which is considered the cause of bondage and the cycle of transmigration.[9] (4) Along with vidya, it belongs to the sphere of nama-rupa and is distinct from the ultimate reality, even though one might suggest a relationship.[10] (5) The text describes "Avidya" as a concept in the form of "I do not know", which is impermanent and considered the only cause of the limitations. According to the text, Avidya makes the all-pervasive Self appear as the limited kshetrajna in the body.[11]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Ignorance that leads to false perceptions of reality, affecting both waking consciousness and dream experiences.[12] (2) Ignorance or misconception that leads to the perception of duality and the external world.[13] (3) Represents ignorance that leads one to mistakenly identify with the physical existence and believe oneself to be helpless.[14] (4) The underlying ignorance that gives rise to the idea of causality.[15] (5) Ignorance or misunderstanding that leads to the activity of the mind and the perception of duality.[16]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Avidya is ignorance of the nature of Brahman, and its removal leads to abiding in one's own Self and attaining the supreme end, indicating the necessity of knowledge for liberation.[17] (2) Avidya has set up the five sheaths of the Self, which need to be removed by wisdom to reveal Brahman as the true Inner self.[18] (3) According to the text, it is the sole cause of preventing the attainment of liberation. It is also the cause of samsara.[19] (4) Ignorance or the misconception that leads to the notion of duality, causing attachment and the experience of fear.[20] (5) Ignorance of the true nature of the Self, which must be overcome to attain self-knowledge.[21]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Avidya, according to the text, is not something whose cessation springs only from the cognition of a Brahman devoid of all difference.[22] (2) The conception contrary to reality that ascribes permanency and other attributes to momentary entities, leading to the origination of desire, aversion, and impressions.[23] (3) A term for ignorance or non-knowledge that obscures the true nature of Reality and creates erroneous superimpositions.[24] (4) The idea of ignorance that results in the false notion of duality, complicating the understanding of reality.[25] (5) Refers to ignorance or nescience that binds the jiva to suffering and the cycle of rebirth.[26]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Ignorance or misconception, often contrasted with knowledge and awareness in spiritual contexts.[27] (2) Avidya refers to ignorance or misconception; its dissolution is necessary for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[28] (3) Avidya denotes ignorance or unawareness, which leads to attachment and suffering in the cycle of life.[29] (4) Ignorance that obscures true knowledge and contributes to the illusion of individuality.[30] (5) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that clouds and complicates understanding of the true nature of Atma.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This term indicates a specific type of understanding concerning Brahman, which may involve certain actions, but it is not considered subordinate to those actions.[32] (2) Avidya represents ignorance concerning Brahman, or the absence of philosophic knowledge, which is a term often contrasted with knowledge within the context of the Upanishads.[33] (3) This refers to a specific form of knowledge, and the agnis built of mind and so on are to be viewed as independent and constituting a vidya of their own.[34]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) It is ignorance and bondage. The realization of the Atman occurs through breaking one's connection with it.[35] (2) This is another word for ignorance and it is the cause of the bondage of transmigration.[36] (3) Ignorance or lack of knowledge, particularly in relation to spiritual truths.[37]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ignorance or nescience that is the cause of universal bondage.[38] (2) The concept of ignorance that relies on the will of Vishnu, preventing understanding of the ultimate truth.[39]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The beginningless ignorance that veils true knowledge and understanding of Brahman and Atman.[40]
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.[41]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that binds the Jiva to the cycle of sorrow and suffering.[42]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that the Upanishad aims to destroy along with its latent effects.[43]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Ignorance or misconception regarding the true nature of reality; the root cause of all duality and suffering.[44]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Avidya, along with Vidya, are distant and wide apart from each other, opposing and different-pointed, as described in the provided text.[45]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Avidya is described as unmanifested illusion and the seed of all manifestation, representing the 'unknown,' from which Brahman is distinct, emphasizing Brahman's transcendence over illusion and ignorance.[46]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Avidya is Great Delusion that causes bondage and pain, while Vidya is Blissful Intelligence that grants pleasure and liberation.[47] (2) The great ignorance that binds individuals to the cycle of Samsara, needing to be destroyed to attain happiness.[48] (3) The impure aspect of Maya that conceals Brahma and is the source of all miseries experienced by Jivas.[49] (4) Ignorance or lack of knowledge, which hinders spiritual growth.[50] (5) Ignorance, a state that Shuka Deva observed in his Guru Brihaspati, leading to skepticism about worldly attachments.[51]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Avidya is something the Supreme Soul allows himself to be invested with, and then awakens to Consciousness, leading Kesava of Supreme Soul to create all things.[52] (2) The state of ignorance or unknowing that binds the Jiva-soul to Prakriti.[53] (3) Avidya, or ignorance, serves as a tool for Brahma's creation of the universe.[54] (4) Ignorance or illusion that veils true understanding, which is said to overlay the consciousness during Brahman’s sleep.[55] (5) Ignorance or the state of being misled, depicted as a tree of golden foliage that leads souls into various states of existence.[56]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A state of ignorance that obscures the realization of one’s true self or reality.[57] (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.[58] (3) Ignorance regarding the true nature of reality, which leads to attachment and suffering.[59] (4) Ignorance or delusion that obscures the realization of the true nature of the self and Brahman.[60] (5) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that causes suffering and leads to the cycle of rebirths.[61]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The text uses a term which means ignorance, implying a lack of understanding regarding the true nature of the Divine.[62] (2) It is the train of ignorance or delusion that causes the stony blindness of man.[63] (3) Ignorance or lack of knowledge about the divine, leading to misconceptions about existence and reality.[64] (4) Ignorance or spiritual delusion that clouds understanding, a condition the yogi seeks to overcome.[65]
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.[66]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Ignorance represented by two forms: Maya and Parama, which impede understanding the ultimate truth.[67]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The term for ignorance in the philosophical frameworks discussed, often tied to the concept of Maya.[68] (2) Avidya represents ignorance that veils true knowledge, hindering the realization of pure consciousness.[69] (3) Avidya refers to ignorance or the veiling power that creates the illusion of separation from the true self, hindering spiritual realization.[70] (4) Ignorance or illusion that therein underlies perception and understanding according to Vedanta philosophy.[71] (5) A term meaning ignorance or non-knowledge, which is considered a fundamental aspect of human experience in contrast to true knowledge.[72]
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.[73]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Ignorance or lack of knowledge that contributes to an individual's suffering.[74] (2) Ignorance; a term used to describe the lack of knowledge and understanding in spiritual contexts.[75] (3) Ignorance; the state of being misled or forgetful of one’s true identity as a soul.[76]
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.[77]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A Sanskrit term meaning ignorance or lack of knowledge, contrasted in the text with being knowledgeable.[78]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Represents ignorance or lack of knowledge, specifically spiritual ignorance that hinders one's spiritual journey.[79]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Material ignorance that confines living beings and leads to cycles of karma.[80]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Avidya is described as one of the two aspects of Brahman, the other being vidya, which means unity; even in its aspect of avidya, the Brahman is really free from all diversity, according to the provided text.[81] (2) When ignorance disappears, what something is shines as a unified essence, indicating that illusions obscure the true nature of reality, which is characterized by oneness.[82] (3) Ignorance that causes differentiation and is neither identical with nor separate from the ultimate reality.[83] (4) A state of ignorance that leads to an incapacity in perceiving the true nature of things.[84] (5) Ignorance or misconception that leads to the perception of diversity and sequence in the universe, blocking the path to true knowledge.[85]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Forms of avidya, such as doubt and misconception, are excluded from the definition of true cognition and the concept of Vidya.[86] (2) A Sanskrit term that describes a form of ignorance or misunderstanding, particularly in relation to the nature of dreams and perceptions.[87]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This term means ignorance, which may be characterized as not knowing the real and also thinking that appearances are real, and is a necessary condition for Maya, and it vanishes as soon as knowledge overcomes ignorance.[88]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This is ignorance.[89]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) This term represents the state of non-knowledge or ignorance, which is also associated with the primary origin of all created things.[90]
Jain concept of 'Avidya'
In Jainism, Avidya represents ignorance that leads individuals to accept their worldly existence, thus obscuring their understanding of the soul's true nature and preventing spiritual enlightenment.
The concept of Avidya in local and regional sources
Avidya, or ignorance, obstructs realization of one's true nature and understanding of spiritual truths, creating illusions that block enlightenment and contribute to suffering. Selfless work can purify the mind and alleviate Avidya's effects.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is one of the evil forces, alongside Agnana and violent egoism, that Mahisha embodies, highlighting the themes of ignorance and evil that Durga confronts in the battle.[91] (2) Ignorance or illusion that prevents beings from realizing their perfect nature.[92] (3) The misconception or ignorance that obstructs perfect understanding and awareness of one's true nature.[93] (4) Illusion or ignorance that causes perceived differences and sequences in the universe as discussed by Helaraja in relation to time.[94] (5) Ignorance regarding spiritual truths; represented as a formidable obstacle to enlightenment.[95]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Avidya, or nescience, is a dominant characteristic within the Jiva, and alongside Vidya, it is part of Maya, which Ishvara controls, creating the world of moving and immovable things, as indicated by the text provided.[96] (2) Avidya, or Nescience, is identified as the root of all sorts of misery, and selfless work is said to purify the mind.[97]
The concept of Avidya in scientific sources
Avidya, in Indian philosophy, signifies ignorance and is exemplified through dreams, emphasizing a lack of Jnana (knowledge). It illustrates the distinction between truth and illusion, central to understanding consciousness and reality.
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Avidya, also known as ignorance, is described as cosmological illusion and results in nama, rupa, and upadhi, causing distinctions and differences.[98]