Significance of Individual being
Individual being is a concept that varies across different philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Jainism, it encompasses distinct forms of life, including humans. Tibetan Buddhism focuses on the individual’s role in understanding Apoha. The Purana describes it as unique life forms that worship celestial deities, while Vyakarana emphasizes unique entities in relation to broader concepts. In Vedanta, individual being refers to specific entities with unique identities, highlighting their consciousness in contrast to a universal self.
Synonyms: Person, Individual, Entity, Human, Character, Soul, Being
In Dutch: Individueel wezen; In Finnish: Yksilöllinen olento; In Spanish: Ser individual
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Individual being'
In Buddhism, "Individual being" signifies the unique identity of a person, crucial for grasping the concept of Apoha, which emphasizes distinguishing concepts and categories while acknowledging the impermanent nature of existence.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The concept of an individual, which is central to the understanding of Apoha and its properties.[1]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Unique persons or entities who perceive and understand syllables and their meanings.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Individual being'
In Hinduism, "Individual being" signifies unique entities like Hiranyagarbha, emphasizing distinct identities and consciousness. This concept contrasts with a universal self, highlighting individual life forms that seek divine knowledge through worship in Vedic traditions.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Distinct entities in the cosmos, each with their own identity and experience, commonly distinguished from the unified essence of Brahman.[3] (2) The final forms or entities that arise from the act of differentiation, each possessing unique attributes and identities.[4] (3) Entities or souls that seek union with the highest Self, implying a reconnection to their source without losing their identity or becoming indistinguishable.[5] (4) The distinct entities resulting from the combination of the united elements.[6] (5) Specific entities or entities with unique characteristics, such as Hiranyagarbha.[7]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Entities that exist in a distinct form, differentiated from the cosmic manifestation.[8] (2) All entities that have come into existence, which are related to the concept of food as Brahman.[9] (3) The individual being is described as a modification of the cosmic being, reflecting the nature of the Viraj.[10]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The various distinct forms or entities that emanate from Brahman, representing the manifestation of the infinite consciousness.[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The unique life forms that worship and seek knowledge from celestial deities according to Vedic traditions.[12]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A unique entity or person, particularly in relation to a broader concept.[13]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The destiny of individual beings is a central theme in the cosmic drama of Shaivism.[14]
Jain concept of 'Individual being'
In Jainism, Individual being signifies distinct life forms, encompassing humans and diverse creatures, highlighting the varied classes of living beings coexisting on Earth, each possessing unique qualities and consciousness.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Distinct forms of life, including humans and various other creatures, as exemplified by different classes of living beings on Earth.[15]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Distinct entities that possess consciousness and experience existence separately.[16]
The concept of Individual being in local and regional sources
Individual beings highlight the significance of personal character development and experiences shaped by art, emphasizing that these individual influences hold greater importance than broader societal changes.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The impact that art has on each person's character and experience, deemed more important than societal changes.[17]