Significance of Highest Knowledge
In various philosophical and spiritual traditions within Indian thought, Highest Knowledge is a concept that denotes the supreme understanding of reality and existence. In Jainism, it is referred to as Kevala, encompassing complete insight achieved by enlightened figures such as Mahavira and Arhat Parshva. Within Vaishnavism, it describes the ultimate understanding leading to liberation through devotion. Similarly, Yoga and Vedanta emphasize an awareness of the nature of the Atman and Brahman, showcasing a comprehensive pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Thus, Highest Knowledge transcends mere intellectual understanding, marking a profound realization integral to achieving spiritual liberation and clarity.
Synonyms: Superior understanding, Advanced knowledge, Comprehensive awareness, Supreme understanding
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Highest Knowledge'
Highest Knowledge in Hinduism encompasses the ultimate understanding of Brahman, reality, and existence, leading to enlightenment, liberation from worldly attachments, and profound spiritual insights, highlighting the path to transcending human limitations and achieving self-realization.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The ultimate spiritual wisdom that one attains through dedicated worship, especially in connection with Ganga.[1] (2) A state of deep understanding and spiritual insight that leads to liberation from worldly attachments and suffering.[2] (3) A profound level of understanding that transcends ordinary awareness, typically associated with spiritual enlightenment.[3] (4) The superior spiritual understanding attained by dedicated practitioners residing at Avimukta.[4] (5) The ultimate understanding or wisdom that leads to happiness and clarity about life's truths.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The supreme or most elevated form of understanding, especially concerning the Soul and the ultimate truth.[6] (2) An elevated understanding that enables an individual to attain true happiness and fulfillment.[7] (3) An understanding that transcends worldly knowledge and leads to enlightenment.[8] (4) A representation of wisdom that Yudhishthira seeks from Krishna regarding historical events and their implications.[9] (5) The ultimate understanding that enables one to transcend worldly existence and achieve liberation.[10]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The ultimate understanding and liberation achieved by remaining in one's true nature.[11] (2) The ultimate understanding or wisdom attained through spiritual practices and teachings, as exemplified by the characters in the narrative.[12] (3) The pinnacle of understanding that can still be affected by human errors.[13]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The profound understanding of the Supreme Brahman that dawned on Prahlada after the Lord touched him.[14] (2) The supreme understanding of Krishna's divine nature and majesty, designated as the Bhagavata.[15] (3) A state of enlightenment or understanding that leads to the disappearance of afflictions.[16]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The ultimate understanding or wisdom about reality, morality, and existence from a spiritual perspective.[17] (2) Described as wealth, it signifies a pure form of understanding and awareness in the context of sacrifices.[18] (3) The most elevated form of understanding, linked to spiritual insight and realization of the Brahman.[19]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate reality and understanding of existence attributed to the Goddess.[20] (2) The ultimate understanding that can be attained through the proper observance of the Shirovrata, distinguishing the devout from the ignorant.[21] (3) The profound understanding and application of spiritual and philosophical principles in life.[22]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The best of all sorts of knowledge, which enables sages to reach perfection beyond the bonds of the body.[23]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) The supreme understanding or wisdom that Dhritarashtra seeks from Sanatsujata.[24]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The ultimate understanding and enlightenment promised to the sons, suggesting a future where they can transcend their current forms and limitations.[25]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The ultimate wisdom or realization attained by Dhruva through devotion and the guidance of Vishnu.[26]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The ultimate understanding or wisdom imparted by a father to his sons, reflecting parental care.[27]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Refers to the profound wisdom and understanding achieved by the daughters of Svadha, embodying noble virtues.[28]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The understanding that can be attained through the study of Vedanta, accessible even to women and Shudras.[29] (2) The realization and understanding of the non-dual nature of existence, which is essential for enlightenment.[30] (3) An advanced understanding that surpasses the limitations of ignorance, revealing the true nature of the mind.[31] (4) The profound understanding necessary to realize the truth about the Highest Reality, beyond mere thoughts on creation.[32] (5) This refers to the understanding or enlightenment that transcends the mere consideration of creation, leading to the realization of the Highest Reality.[33]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The ultimate understanding or awareness that one reaches through meditation, specifically tied to the concept of Brahman.[34] (2) The ultimate understanding that leads to the realization of Brahman, which transcends qualities and desires.[35]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The ultimate realization of spiritual truth that leads to emancipation and understanding of Brahman and Parabrahman at their deepest level.[36] (2) The highest knowledge refers to the ultimate understanding of reality, encompassing both the true nature of existence and the distinctions between sentient and insentient, thereby removing bhranti.[37]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Self-knowledge is regarded as the most significant form of understanding, emphasizing its supreme value in the pursuit of happiness.[38]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The understanding achieved through identifying with Brahman, viewed as essential for liberation.[39]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate understanding or truth that encompasses all forms of knowledge, specifically referring to spiritual or philosophical realization.[40]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The ultimate understanding or insight into the nature of Brahman, which constitutes its true essence.[41]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The ultimate understanding that liberates a person from the cycle of birth and death, identified as the goal of spiritual pursuits.[42] (2) The pinnacle of wisdom that surpasses all other forms of gifts, associated with enlightenment and teaching.[43]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The ultimate understanding or awareness that is conducive to a knowledge of God, described as the most estimable state.[44]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The ultimate understanding that one can achieve regarding the nature of the Atman and existence.[45]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A figurative phrase indicating the ultimate understanding that is revealed by the use of secondary ashes.[46]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Abhinavagupta considers knowledge as the paramount aspect on the path to emancipation, clarifying what constitutes true wisdom.[47]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A reference to the supreme understanding that encompasses the three worlds, deemed to be the ultimate wisdom.[48]
Jain concept of 'Highest Knowledge'
In Jainism, Highest Knowledge, or Kevala, signifies the ultimate spiritual insight achieved by enlightened beings like Mahavira and Arhat Arishtanemi, representing supreme comprehension of truth and reality, integral to spiritual awakening and understanding.
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) Refers to the ultimate insight and understanding achieved by Rishabha, distinctively qualifying him as an enlightened being.[49] (2) Also referred to as Kevala, it is described as infinite, supreme, unobstructed, unimpeded, complete, and full; a state attained by Arhat Parshva.[50] (3) Refers to the advanced spiritual insight attained by Arhat Arishtanemi, known as Kevala, marking a pivotal point in his mystical journey.[51]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Referred to as Kevala, this is the supreme state of knowledge obtained by Mahavira.[52]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The profound understanding associated with spiritual awakening and faith in the teachings.[53]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Kevala, denotes the ultimate and unrestricted comprehension of truth and reality.[54]
The concept of Highest Knowledge in local and regional sources
Highest Knowledge encompasses the ultimate enlightenment and wisdom obtained through meditation, disciplined practices, and understanding of the divine, as articulated by sages and Vedic Rishis for personal growth and societal benefit.
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) The ultimate understanding or enlightenment that a Rishi, or sage, attained through serious contemplation and meditation, leading to the sharing of insights in discussions.[55] (2) The ultimate understanding that students sought to gain, referred to as Para Vidya.[56] (3) The ultimate level of understanding that students aimed to achieve following the development of character and discipline.[57] (4) Knowledge that distinguishes itself from all other forms and is necessary for self-realization; it includes both Para and Apara Vidya.[58] (5) The ultimate understanding attained through practices such as Tapas and Samadhi, regarded as Absolute knowledge or Paramabrahmajnana.[59]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ultimate level of understanding and wisdom, particularly in medicinal or herbal practices.[60] (2) The understanding that comes from the realization of the divine within the human soul.[61]