Significance of Brahman realization
Brahman realization, as explored in various Hindu traditions, signifies the understanding and experience of the ultimate reality, known as Brahman. It involves recognizing the Supreme reality that transcends individual existence and leads to liberation. While it brings happiness, it is often regarded as less desirable than pure devotion or bhakti. Different philosophical frameworks emphasize meditation, the illusory nature of existence, and unity with Brahman as key processes in this realization. Ultimately, Brahman realization is seen as the profound understanding of one's true essence.
Synonyms: Self-realization, Enlightenment, Spiritual awakening, Self-discovery, Divine understanding, Cosmic consciousness
In Dutch: Brahman-realisatie; In Finnish: Brahmanin oivallus
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Brahman realization'
Brahman realization in Hinduism encompasses understanding Brahman as the ultimate reality, leading to non-attachment, peace, and liberation through dedicated meditation and the recognition of one's true essence as Brahman, transcending individuality and ignorance.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The process of understanding and recognizing Brahman as the innermost Self.[1] (2) The ultimate understanding or realization of Brahman, the absolute reality, involving the dissolution of ignorance and false identifications.[2] (3) The attainment of knowledge or understanding of Brahman, the ultimate reality.[3] (4) The understanding or experience of Brahman, which is the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, often associated with the fulfillment of desires and spiritual liberation.[4] (5) The process of achieving understanding and awareness of the ultimate reality, represented by Brahman.[5]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ultimate goal of recognizing oneself as Brahman, which remains unchanged regardless of the physical form one identifies with.[6] (2) The process of understanding or realizing Brahman, which is facilitated through meditative practices on the mind and space.[7]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The achievement of understanding that Brahman is the only reality, resulting in the mind's identification with Brahman, free from duality.[8] (2) The concept of realizing Aum as Brahman represents the ultimate understanding of the universe's underlying reality through the meditation on Aumkara.[9]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The attainment of awakening or enlightenment where one recognizes and becomes one with the ultimate reality, Brahman.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The end goal that is the same for all Vidyas, meaning the ultimate understanding or experience of Brahman.[11]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The process or attainment of understanding one's identity with Brahman, distinguishing enlightenment from mere knowledge.[12]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Attaining knowledge and understanding of the ultimate reality or consciousness.[13] (2) The ultimate goal of recognizing the self as the Supreme reality, which leads to liberation.[14] (3) The understanding of the ultimate reality and unity with the Supreme being, crucial for attaining liberation.[15] (4) The understanding of the ultimate reality or consciousness that transcends individual existence.[16] (5) The attainment of ultimate understanding and unity with the universal consciousness, transcending duality.[17]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The ultimate spiritual achievement highlighting a non-attachment and peace with the self and the universe.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the state of understanding the impersonal aspect of the divine[19] (2) The understanding and realization of Brahman, which differs qualitatively from the happiness derived through bhakti.[20] (3) The understanding or experience of the impersonal Brahman, which brings a certain happiness, but becomes insignificant compared to the experiences in Vaikuntha.[21] (4) One of the secondary results of bhakti that pertains to the understanding of the ultimate spiritual reality, regarded as less desirable compared to pure love.[22] (5) The understanding and experience of the ultimate reality, which becomes vague during samadhi.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An outcome that leads to the diminishing of the soul's eternal function in devotional service.[24]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The understanding that one embodies the essence of the Supreme Brahman, leading to liberation from all existential binds.[25]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The process of realizing the supreme reality (brahman) through meditation focused on the mystic syllable 'OM'.[26]
The concept of Brahman realization in local and regional sources
Brahman realization denotes the profound understanding of Brahman as a unifying, transcendent reality. This experience transcends intellectual knowledge, offering individuals a direct connection to the ultimate essence underlying existence in various philosophical traditions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ultimate understanding or experience of Brahman, seen as a unifying and transcendent reality in many philosophical traditions.[27]