Significance of Conscious

In Theravada Buddhism, consciousness is defined as a state of awareness or perception. This concept signifies the presence of thoughts and feelings, highlighting the significance of an individual's awareness in their experience of reality. Consciousness plays a crucial role in understanding one's thoughts, emotions, and the surrounding environment, contributing to the overall experience of existence and the development of mindfulness within the practice.

Synonyms: Aware, Mindful, Alert, Informed, Intentional

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

Buddhist concept of 'Conscious'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Conscious signifies a state of awareness or perception, highlighting the presence of thought and feeling, essential for understanding one’s experiences and the nature of existence.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A state of awareness or perception, as referred to in the text, indicating a presence of thought or feeling.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Conscious'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Conscious denotes an individual's awareness and perception of both external surroundings and internal thoughts, emphasizing the significance of consciousness in understanding existence and self-realization.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The state of being aware and able to perceive one's surroundings or inner thoughts.[2]

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’).