Significance of Consciousness
Consciousness is a multifaceted concept in various philosophical and religious traditions. In Buddhism, it often symbolizes awareness of existence, with elements of mindfulness and cognition as integral parts of the human experience. Different schools, such as Tibetan Buddhism and Theravada, explore consciousness in the context of enlightenment and mental qualities. Vaishnavism, Vedanta, and other traditions view consciousness as a fundamental aspect of existence that interlinks the self with the universe, emphasizing the importance of awareness in spiritual realization and the perception of reality.
Synonyms: Awareness, Perception, Sentience, Mindfulness, Cognition, Alertness, Recognition, Understanding, Cognizance, Wakefulness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Consciousness'
In Buddhism, consciousness is the awareness and recognition of experiences, linking subject and object. It is transient, influencing actions and moral decision-making, while also being a focus in the pursuit of enlightenment and understanding the mind's nature.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The awareness or perception that arises from the interaction of sense bases and experiences.[1] (2) The state of awareness that is influenced by the preceding factors in the cycle of life and rebirth.[2] (3) The awareness of sensory experiences and thoughts, which is another of the five khandhas.[3] (4) The mental aspect that survives physical dissolution and forms the core of a being's personality across existences.[4] (5) The awareness and recognition of processes related to mental phenomena, fundamental to distinguishing between sense objects and one's own conscious experience.[5]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The state of being aware of and able to think, which can arise from sensory inputs or ideational thought.[6] (2) Defined as the relationship between subject and object, recognizing that only one consciousness can arise at a time.[7]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) Consciousness is described in terms of its relationships and mental states involved with various immoral properties.[8] (2) Consciousness as an immaterial food predominates in all thoughts about an object and influences both mental and material conditions.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The aspect of the mind that influences a person's actions, plays into kamma, and is essential for moral decision-making within Buddhist doctrine.[10]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The state of being aware, where one should be cautious not to allow negativity or evil to enter.[11]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Refers to the awareness and response to objects, encompassing all types of cognitive functions.[12]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) In this context, referred to as 'citta,' it is the mental quality that knows or experiences objects.[13]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Described as a trick, it arises and vanishes based on its own causes and conditions, not under conscious control.[14]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The awareness that perceives the in-breaths and out-breaths, as well as the meditative signs developed during the contemplation process.[15]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The state of awareness and perception that involves recognizing and interpreting sensory experiences, including those in dreams.[16] (2) Referred to as vijnana, highlighting its role as a component of the mind in the context of dhyanas.[17] (3) The mind or cognitive aspect that the foolish unlearned worldly person cannot become disgusted with or detached from despite its constant change.[18] (4) The lord of the city, representing the awareness and perception that governs an individual’s experience.[19] (5) The aspect that is likened to an ox pulling the cart of the body, representing mental processes and activities.[20]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The state of being aware of and able to think, reflecting the essence of mindfulness.[21] (2) The essence of awareness that possesses the potential to manifest all conditions but is often obscured by attachments.[22]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The ultimate understanding and realization of the nature of mind as conveyed by Gampopa.[23]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The state of being aware and able to perceive, related to the form of cognition discussed.[24]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The awareness of one's existence and surroundings, which Buddha instructs followers to cast off in pursuit of enlightenment.[25]
Hindu concept of 'Consciousness'
In Hinduism, consciousness encompasses awareness, self-understanding, and the essence of Brahman. It is integral to existence, cognition, and spiritual realization, highlighting the unity of self with cosmic awareness amidst the illusory nature of the material world.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The entity that knows itself and is identically the object of knowledge, leading to understanding of the self.[26] (2) The awareness of one’s internal and external experiences, which can be engrossed or distracted.[27] (3) The shared knowledge and awareness of oneself in relation to others, highlighting the unity of understanding.[28] (4) Consciousness is the state of being aware of and able to think, indicating the existence of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions.[29] (5) The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings.[30]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The state of awareness in relation to the body, mind, and external stimuli that shapes individual experience.[31] (2) The state of being aware of and able to think and perceive; a fundamental element in creation.[32] (3) The first-born creation by Vishnu, which upholds all creatures.[33] (4) The Soul of everything, which dominates the Mind and represents a deeper realization of existence.[34] (5) The state of being aware of and able to think, which is attributed to the soul and its engagement with the body.[35]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The formless self that is considered the primary cause of all existence, involved in the creation of the cosmos.[36] (2) The ultimate reality recognized in spiritual texts as distinct from the temporary physical forms and illusory nature of the material world.[37]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) A fundamental aspect of Purusha’s nature, indicating its awareness and presence beyond time and space.[38]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The aspect of awareness that pertains to the understanding of self, reality, and the nature of existence, yet remains elusive due to Maya.[39]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The state of awareness that arises from the interaction of various elements and principles.[40]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A state of awareness and mental immersion in meditation.[41]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Consciousness is the nature of the Self, which is integral to understanding Brahman and is not separate from it.[42] (2) The state of being aware and able to perceive, which illuminates the intellect, allowing it to function as an agent.[43] (3) The state of being aware, which embraces all mental modes and illuminates cognition.[44] (4) Brahman, which serves as the existence proof for the conglomeration known as the human body.[45] (5) The essential aspect that allows for the validity of knowledge and injunctions.[46]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The ability to be aware and cognizant; considered an occasional attribute rather than the essence of the soul.[47] (2) Awareness of oneself and the environment, which is absent in a swoon.[48] (3) Awareness that exists within the individual soul, which may diminish upon death according to the text's discussions.[49]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Refers to vijnana, which is compared to the appearance of fire patterns, also seen as lacking substance.[50] (2) The state of being aware and able to perceive experiences, which encompasses both waking and dreaming moments but renders all perceived objects as insubstantial.[51]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Described as a homogeneous mass of eternal awareness that is the essence of Brahman.[52] (2) Referred to as Atman, it is the essence of existence that is ever unborn, immovable, and transcendent of material characteristics.[53]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The state of awareness or perception, integral to identifying the self, often seen in dissociation with the material body.[54] (2) The awareness and perception facilitated by the self as it interacts with both internal and external stimuli.[55]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Described as the awareness or cognition arising from the interaction of the Deity with intellect and other faculties.[56]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The awareness of self and existence that is to be liberated; discussed within the context of various philosophical interpretations of the soul's nature.[57]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The state of being aware and mindful, particularly in relation to spiritual concepts and practices.[58] (2) The state that was lost by the cows and boys due to the poisoned water.[59] (3) The state of awareness that Sarvabhauma Mahashaya lost, indicating a shift towards a higher spiritual realization.[60] (4) The state of being aware and capable of thoughts and feelings, often associated with the life energy in philosophical contexts.[61]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Ceto signifies the state of being aware or conscious.[62]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The state of being aware of and able to think, described in the text as an immense ocean that individuals may attune to the greater cosmic consciousness.[63] (2) Consciousness refers to a manifestation of Cit that is often misunderstood as self-consciousness, but is meant to signify the endless aspects of experience.[64] (3) The state of awareness that arises in sentient beings, which may be seen as a reflection of the primal consciousness of Tao.[65]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The state of being aware, which the Word-Principle is identified with, transcending conventional notions of existence and nonexistence.[66] (2) Consciousness is the essence of the objective world; it is what illuminates the seen and is indivisible from the ultimate reality.[67] (3) A state of awareness that is integral to the existence and purpose of living beings; accepted universally by all disputants as essential for cognition and experience.[68]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The attribute that cannot belong to the body, sense-organs, or mind, as these are unconscious; instead, it is primarily associated with the Self.[69] (2) The state of being aware of and able to think and perceive, particularly in the context of intuition and cognition.[70]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Considered a fundamental aspect of the individual and supreme self in Kashmir Shaivism, representing awareness and existence.[71]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The state of being aware of and able to think, considered a vital aspect of the human experience both in philosophical and psychological terms.[72]
The concept of Consciousness in local and regional sources
Consciousness, as described, signifies a state of awareness where an individual recognizes a theft and actively endeavors to reclaim their possessions, illustrating the connection between awareness and the motivation to act against loss.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The state of being aware and able to recognize one's thoughts and feelings, vital for accessing happiness.[73] (2) A fundamental aspect of reality that is inherent in all things, as observed by Sri Ramakrishna.[74]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A state in which the man becomes aware of the theft and seeks to reclaim what is his.[75]