Significance of Brahmavidya
Brahmavidya is a significant concept in various Indian traditions, referring primarily to the knowledge of Brahman, the ultimate reality. It encompasses the study and understanding of this supreme knowledge aimed at spiritual fulfillment, liberation, and enlightenment. Brahmavidya is characterized by its emphasis on practices that lead to self-realization and the removal of ignorance. Sacred texts reveal that this knowledge is imparted through qualified teachers and is essential for individuals seeking liberation from the cycles of birth and rebirth, guiding them towards their true spiritual nature.
Synonyms: Spiritual knowledge, Vedic wisdom, Divine knowledge, Sacred knowledge, Transcendental knowledge
In Dutch: Brahmavidya; In Finnish: Brahmavidya
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Brahmavidya'
Brahmavidya in Hinduism denotes the ultimate knowledge essential for realizing Brahman and achieving liberation. It encompasses understanding both Brahman and Parabrahman, eradicating ignorance, and is imparted through divine guidance, critical for spiritual seekers.
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The knowledge of the ultimate reality known as Brahman, which is to be learned from a qualified Guru.[1] (2) The supreme knowledge of Brahman that can only be attained through the guidance of the Aksharabrahman Guru.[2] (3) The sacred knowledge or spiritual wisdom that grants liberation, which is said to be accessible to all, regardless of caste.[3] (4) The knowledge of Brahman, which is the essence taught through the Upanishads and other foundational texts.[4] (5) The knowledge associated with the realization of Brahman, essential for achieving liberation.[5]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The knowledge related to Brahman, deemed the most significant form of wisdom in spiritual contexts.[6] (2) The knowledge of Brahman that is easily acquired by aspirants with focused minds; requires constant contemplation on the nature of food.[7] (3) The knowledge of Brahman that leads to the ultimate realization of the self and liberation.[8] (4) The knowledge of Brahman, aiming to unite the individual self with the supreme consciousness, moving beyond worldly limitations.[9] (5) The sacred knowledge of Brahman, understood through intense study and realization, leading to liberation.[10]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The knowledge of Brahman, crucial for understanding one's true nature and achieving liberation (moksha).[11] (2) Brahmavidya denotes the knowledge of Brahman, which Gautama seeks guidance on from Sanatkumara.[12] (3) Divine knowledge that reveals the nature of Atma and showcases the unity of all existence.[13] (4) Divine Wisdom which is the most excellent and ever enjoyed by the wise.[14] (5) The sacred knowledge associated with understanding Brahman or ultimate Reality, integral to the practices of ascetics.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The spiritual knowledge or wisdom described in the Upanishads, which is distinct from certain Mantras and sacrifices.[16] (2) Various teachings or disciplines focused on understanding Brahman, which may differ in their attributes.[17] (3) Spiritual teachings or practices that focus on the ultimate realization of Brahman, which typically recommend singular focus.[18]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The science or knowledge related to the ultimate reality (Brahman) that is built upon austerities, control of the senses, and proper action.[19] (2) Personified in the form of a woman, it represents supreme knowledge or spiritual wisdom that appears to Indra.[20] (3) This refers to a form of knowledge or wisdom related to the ultimate reality and truth, as presented in the Upanishads.[21]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The knowledge of Brahman, often discussed in relation to the achievements and fruits of meditation.[22] (2) The highest knowledge that must be learnt directly from a competent teacher.[23]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Knowledge of Brahman, regarded as a timeless understanding rather than an activity of becoming or transforming the Atman.[24] (2) The knowledge of the ultimate reality or Brahman, which was a central theme in Shankara's teachings.[25]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The spiritual knowledge or study concerning the nature of Brahman.[26] (2) The spiritual science regarding the ultimate reality, highlighting the knowledge necessary to understand existence itself.[27]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Knowledge of Brahman, which is essential for realizing the identity of Brahman and Atman.[28]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The knowledge of Brahman that aids in reaching the highest spiritual attainment and emancipation.[29]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The knowledge of Brahman, regarded as the means to achieve immortality and liberation, conceptualized as sequential to an initial state of Ignorance (Avidya).[30]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The knowledge of Brahman, which Janashruti seeks to acquire.[31]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The knowledge of Brahman taught by the Upanishads, which is essential for achieving the highest good in life.[32]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The knowledge of Supreme Consciousness attributed to the Divine Mother, granting liberation to her devotees.[33] (2) The ultimate knowledge or wisdom that one seeks for spiritual fulfillment.[34] (3) The knowledge of Brahman, which is to be imparted carefully to deserving students with proper qualities.[35] (4) The knowledge imparted by the Devi that helps individuals realize their true nature and escape delusion.[36] (5) The supreme knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding, particularly associated with spiritual enlightenment.[37]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The knowledge of Brahman, which is personified and emphasized as an essential aspect in the context of the narrative.[38] (2) The knowledge or practice that allowed Kapila to reunite his head after being struck by Bilva.[39] (3) The spiritual knowledge related to Brahman, attained through sacred practices and bathing in holy waters.[40] (4) The knowledge of the Absolute or ultimate reality, attainable through bathing in Narada Tirtha.[41]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The esoteric knowledge of the ultimate reality (Brahman), imparted to Upamanyu as part of his divine blessings.[42] (2) The knowledge of Brahman that leads individuals to purity and spiritual elevation.[43] (3) The knowledge of the supreme reality, taught by Prahlada to the Daitya boys.[44]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The ultimate knowledge concerning the understanding of Brahman, emphasized as integral in the context of the Agneyapurana.[45] (2) A significant formula presided over by Brahma, associated with profound knowledge.[46]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate knowledge concerning Brahman, the ultimate reality, that conferred immortality on the gods.[47]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The study and practice of knowledge related to Brahman, which enhances spiritual power and mastery over formidable weapons.[48]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Knowledge of the Brahman; ultimate knowledge that leads to realization and liberation.[49]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The study and understanding of Brahmic science, leading towards ultimate truth.[50]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The knowledge imparted by Brahma, relevant to the understanding of Ayurveda and spiritual wisdom.[51]
From: Annadatri-carita (study)
(1) The study of ultimate reality as described in the Taittiriyopanishad through the narrative of creation connected to Anna.[52]
The concept of Brahmavidya in local and regional sources
Brahmavidya encompasses a collection of traditional knowledge in Sanskrit literature, spiritual enlightenment, and the supreme understanding of reality and divinity, culminating in liberation and wisdom granted by goddess Saraswati, as depicted in Upanishadic texts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ancient knowledge encapsulated in the spiritual teachings of Hinduism, representing the understanding of reality and divinity.[53] (2) The supreme knowledge in Upanishadic texts, considered a means of liberation from the cycles of birth and rebirth.[54] (3) The science of divine knowledge, closely associated with the principles underlying the study of reality and aesthetics.[55] (4) Describes the supreme knowledge granted by the goddess Saraswati, emphasizing wisdom and enlightenment.[56] (5) In Vedantik terminology, the knowledge of God that emphasizes the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and understanding of the divine within oneself.[57]