Significance of Divine Will
Divine Will, as understood in Vaishnavism and various philosophical traditions, represents the supreme authority and intention of God that governs spiritual existence and the unfolding of destiny. It embodies the benevolent purpose of the Supreme Lord in guiding souls toward deliverance, orchestrating events, and dictating actions in the universe. This concept encompasses the creative force behind existence and the guiding influence on human experiences, ultimately reflecting a predetermined plan that individuals are encouraged to align with through devotion and spiritual practice.
Synonyms: Divine purpose, Divine intention, Providence, Fate, Destiny, God's plan, Higher power
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Divine Will'
Divine Will in Hinduism encompasses the guiding purpose and supreme authority of a higher power, particularly Krishna, orchestrating the universe's events, aligning individual intentions with spiritual truth, and governing the fate of all beings.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The perceived purpose or intention of a higher power that guides existence.[1] (2) Refers to the creative force behind existence, believed to produce all things including the universe itself.[2] (3) The supreme purpose and intention of the divine, which orchestrates events and awareness.[3] (4) The force that governs the rise and fall of the intellect, marking its natural form before it is embodied by a material body.[4] (5) The concept that suggests a predetermined plan or purpose orchestrated by a higher power, in this case, Brahma.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The overarching authority and desire of the goddess and deities, which suggests that certain events are preordained and beyond human control.[6] (2) Iccha represents the will of the divine that leads to creation and existence.[7]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the supreme power and sovereignty of Krishna, who incarnates in human form to alleviate worldly burdens.[8] (2) The governing influence of the Lord, guiding spiritual practice and the destinies of individuals.[9]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The autonomous decision-making of Shiva that plays a critical role in cosmic events.[10]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) In this context, refers to the underlying force that manifests the universe and can be transcended through spiritual practice.[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Divine will indicates the benevolent intention of the Supreme Lord in performing activities meant for the deliverance of all souls.[12] (2) The ultimate intention or desire of the Supreme Lord, which dictates all actions in the universe.[13] (3) The inherent intention of the Supreme Lord that guides events and actions.[14]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The ultimate control mechanism through which Godhead chooses to manifest and take action in the world.[15] (2) The absolute authority and intention of God that governs spiritual existence and must be adhered to for true understanding.[16] (3) The guiding force of God as revealed through Sri Lakshmi Devi, showing how the jiva can connect with the Divinity.[17]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The overarching purpose and intentions of Shri Nrisimhadeva behind His pastimes, reflecting divine ordinances rather than mere personal mercy.[18]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate purpose or plan that is believed to be governed by the Divine, requiring submission and surrender from the Aspirant.[19] (2) The overarching intention or purpose of a higher power that guides actions and desires.[20] (3) The overarching purpose or plan of the divine, indicating an intention that aligns with spiritual truth and wisdom.[21] (4) The intention or purpose of a higher spiritual power that guides actions and decisions.[22] (5) The higher purpose or intention believed to be set by a divine entity, guiding actions and desires.[23]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The concept that reflects the power of attainment and fulfilment without the need for desires or efforts.[24]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The intention or purpose of a higher power that is sought to align movements and desires according to sacred or spiritual principles.[25]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The concept that fate or higher powers govern the outcome of events and the lives of individuals.[26] (2) The concept that a king is chosen through a ceremony that invokes a deity or divine power to indicate who should rule.[27]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The concept that higher powers have control over human experiences, juxtaposing suffering with joy.[28]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The force enabling spiritual imperfections to manifest as obstacles like infatuation, aiding the growth of the individual self.[29]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Iccha signifies the aspect of divine will within the framework of Kashmir Shaivism.[30]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The overarching intention or purpose of God that aligns with the cosmic order and guides the fate of individual beings.[31]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The higher purpose or guiding force that directs the universe, which a truthful person's intentions may come to align with.[32]
The concept of Divine Will in local and regional sources
Divine Will encompasses the belief in a higher purpose that aligns human actions with spiritual intentions, guiding individuals to act beyond societal norms and strive for alignment with God's ultimate purpose and authority.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The belief that human actions should align with a higher moral order or purpose, often viewed as contrary to actions inhibiting personal conscience.[33] (2) The higher purpose and intentions of God that individuals strive to align their lives with through devotion.[34] (3) The concept referring to God's desire or intention, to which prayer leads individuals to resign and surrender.[35] (4) The belief that everything depends on the divine will, which is accepted in both Gandhiji's thought and the Vallabha school of Indian thought.[36] (5) The ultimate purpose or intention of a higher power that individuals should strive to align their lives with.[37]