Significance of Great secret
The concept of Great secret in various spiritual traditions encompasses profound truths that often remain hidden and require deeper understanding to grasp. In Tibetan Buddhism, it refers to significant truths revealed through teachings. Vaishnavism describes it as highly confidential truths about devotional service and the mission to spiritual realms. In Purana, it denotes important undisclosed knowledge about rituals and the divine. Vedanta presents it as a transformative realization. Across traditions, Great secret emphasizes the significance of esoteric knowledge and spiritual insights.
Synonyms: Valuable secret, Hidden truth, Wonderful secret, Excellent secret
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great secret'
The "Great secret" in Buddhism signifies a profound hidden truth related to indestructible reality, unveiled through spiritual teachings, offering deep insights into existence and enlightenment essential for one's spiritual journey.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A significant and profound hidden truth that is revealed through the teachings within the text.[1] (2) A profound and significant hidden truth that pertains to spiritual teachings.[2] (3) A profound truth or understanding related to the vehicle of indestructible reality.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Great secret'
The "Great Secret" in Hinduism encompasses profound spiritual truths and esoteric knowledge tied to rituals, devotion, and divine insights, revealing hidden realities essential for attaining spiritual goals and understanding the nature of existence.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A term denoting profound or esoteric knowledge regarding moral conduct and the nature of existence, articulated by the ghosts.[4] (2) Refers to knowledge concerning Vyasatirtha that has not been shared widely, emphasizing its sanctity.[5] (3) An important undisclosed truth about the holy site, mentioned for its deep significance.[6] (4) The profound knowledge regarding the worship of Gauri and the associated benefits that is shared among the women.[7] (5) Indicates the knowledge of past deeds influencing current rituals which the king feels compelled to disclose to the Brahmanas.[8]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A condition set by Narada for Kamala to keep the positive news about her son a secret.[9] (2) The nature of the highest lord Vishnu, described as more secretive than any other secret.[10] (3) A profound spiritual truth or insight that is not commonly shared, even among sages like Shuka; it emphasizes the revered knowledge of the nature of existence.[11] (4) A profound truth about the means of attaining spiritual goals that must be safeguarded.[12] (5) A crucial spiritual truth that leads to the destruction of sins, as narrated by Brahma regarding the importance of faith and control over senses.[13]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The profound knowledge gained from the birth and legacy of Vyasa.[14] (2) The deep, often concealed knowledge shared among sages and seekers about the nature of reality and the divine.[15] (3) A profound truth about worship and devotion that is emphasized in the scriptures.[16] (4) An important esoteric knowledge revealed to Bhrigu regarding the nature of liberation.[17] (5) Profound knowledge that leads to salvation, shared with Vamadeva out of affection.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The esoteric knowledge imparted about the names of Gayatri and their significance.[19] (2) A profound knowledge conveyed by Shri Narayana, related to the spiritual practice of besmearing one’s body with ashes.[20]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Profound mystical knowledge revealed by Hayagriva about the very nature of the divine.[21] (2) Valuable esoteric knowledge or teachings, which are often not meant to be shared indiscriminately.[22]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The deep, important truths about holy centres that are recounted for knowledge and understanding.[23] (2) The confidential nature of the process to purify Tara, emphasizing its importance and the requirement for discretion.[24]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The profound knowledge revealed by Markandeya that encompasses the unity and interconnectedness of Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra.[25] (2) Profound truths held by the creator and the great Rishis that are elusive and require deep spiritual insight to comprehend.[26]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Profound spiritual truths or insights that lead to ultimate liberation or emancipation.[27]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The esoteric knowledge attributed to the one hundred and eight names of the Sun-god, believed to confer celestial pleasures.[28]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) A profound truth or teaching that is accessible through the study of the eighteenth chapter, particularly known to the spiritual Masters or siddhas.[29]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A profound truth that Brahma is informed about, relating to the nature of creation and the kalpa.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A significant and confidential piece of information that is being revealed.[31] (2) A profound truth regarding renunciation that is difficult to comprehend for those attached to physical desires.[32] (3) Refers to 'raja-guhya', indicating the profound and hidden aspects of knowledge.[33]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Profound truths regarding pure devotional service that can lead one to deep spiritual understanding.[34] (2) An important revelation made by Lord Jagannatha to Narada, indicating a mission to go to the spiritual world of Goloka.[35] (3) An important and hidden truth that was once known but has been forgotten over time.[36]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A truth or reality that is highly confidential and not easily shared or revealed.[37]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A profound truth or realization, which, once known, transforms an individual and fulfills their spiritual duty.[38]
The concept of Great secret in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Great secret" refers to the hidden mysteries within poetry that are deeply intertwined with the artistic expression found in sculpture, highlighting the profound connection between these two forms of art.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The hidden mysteries of poetry that are intricately linked to the artistic creation captured in sculpture.[39]