Significance of Infinite
Synonyms: Endless, Limitless, Boundless, Eternal, Unending, Never-ending, Immeasurable, Incalculable, Unbounded, Inexhaustible, Countless
In Dutch: Oneindig; In Finnish: Ääretön; In Spanish: Infinito; In Portugese: Infinito; In Italian: Infinito; In German: Unendlich; In Malay: Tak terhingga; In Swedish: Oändlig; In French: Infini; In Polish: Nieskończony
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Infinite'
In Buddhism, "Infinite" (Ananta) symbolizes boundless existence, akin to space and wind. It describes the immeasurable nature of Prajnaparamita, a state of limitless potential. This concept signifies a realm without boundaries or measurable limits, emphasizing vastness.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The concept of infinite, ananta, is explored in contrast to the finite, and the text notes that questions about the finite and infinite are often left unanswered in Buddhadharma.[1] (2) Just as space is infinite, so wind too is infinite, and the true nature of the Prajnaparamita is immense and infinite, and it can make the finger have such strength.[2] (3) Identified as ananta; it denotes a state that is without limits or measurable boundaries.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Infinite'
In Hinduism, "Infinite" signifies the boundless Atman, Brahman, and the ultimate reality, transcending limitations of space, time, and form. It represents liberation, unity with the cosmos, and a state of pure being, beyond measure and duality. This infinite nature is often associated with the divine and the cosmos.
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Describing Brahman, infinite signifies the boundless nature of this ultimate reality, emphasizing its lack of limitations and eternal existence beyond the universe.[4] (2) The verse indicates that 'infinite' is boundless and without limitations, suggesting a reality that extends beyond any finite measure, encompassing all possibilities.[5] (3) A characteristic of Brahman, or the Supreme Truth, which is without limits or boundaries.[6] (4) This describes the teacher as being without limits, and boundless in their qualities and attributes.[7] (5) It is a characteristic of someone who has attained their real nature after being freed from egoism.[8]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A state of being without limits or boundaries, which makes mirroring or reflection impossible because nothing exists outside of it.[9] (2) A quality attributed to Brahman, along with being real and consciousness, representing a state without limits or boundaries, beyond the finite and limited nature of the unreal.[10] (3) Infinite is a descriptor of Brahman, detailed as real, knowledge, and infinite, pointing to the unbounded and limitless nature of Brahman, extending beyond all finite measurements and concepts.[11] (4) A characteristic attributed to the essence by the sentence, in addition to being real and knowledge, thus refuting the idea that the sentence points to a non-entity.[12] (5) A characteristic of the supreme Brahman, indicating that it is not limited by time or space.[13]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) It is described as large, unexcelled, and the highest state, synonymous with Much. It is considered to be Bliss itself, lacking any sources of pain like longing.[14] (2) The concept representing Pure Being, which is inherent and absolutely real, distinguishing it from false notions of reality.[15] (3) Represents a concept that goes beyond all limitations or forms, identified as part of the true essence.[16] (4) An entity characterized by the absence of distinctions, wherein one sees, hears, and understands nothing else other than itself, making it immortal.[17]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The soul can be seen as infinite, which is an alternative to the idea that the soul adapts to the varying size of its bodies, and this contrasts with the idea of it being minute.[18] (2) It represents the highest Self, the ultimate entity with which the soul unites, as the scripture indicates, and is essential for understanding.[19] (3) The ultimate state of existence where there is no distinction or duality, as expressed in scriptural teachings.[20]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The text explains how to meditate on the infinite, one way is to think of akasha, or space, so that consciousness will go.[21] (2) The infinite is the state of bhuma, where only that exists, and nothing else is perceived, heard, or known; this state is characterized by immortality and oneness.[22] (3) Describes a state beyond measure, implying that the true understanding of the Self transcends finite concepts and boundaries.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) This term is used to describe speech, mind, and breath, and also used in meditation, implying abundance of activities.[24] (2) The text mentions the infinite in relation to Brahman, suggesting a characteristic associated with the divine entity and its essential qualities, as per the information provided.[25]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to the concept of fullness in a spiritual context, indicating the boundless nature of existence and divine essence.[26]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The organs are all-comprising and infinite, but their functions contract or expand based on work, knowledge, and past impressions.[27]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A word that indicates Brahman by excluding all else, signifying absence of limitation.[28]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) This is an epithet like ‘Immortal’ and ‘Self’ that shows that Akasa here refers to Brahman.[29]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The recognition of one’s true essence as eternal and boundless, not limited by physical existence.[30] (2) The ultimate state of existence or reality sought after through spiritual practices, representing liberation and unity with the cosmos.[31]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Describes the boundless and limitless qualities of the divine, suggesting that true divinity cannot be confined or fully understood.[32]
Jain concept of 'Infinite'
In Jainism, "Infinite" denotes boundlessness and limitless quantity. It manifests as ananta, encompassing paritananta, yuktananta, and anantananta. This concept applies to space-points of matter (pudgala) without contradiction, illustrating an understanding of infinity across different aspects.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The term infinite describes the countless instants of time, especially when considering the past and future, illustrating the boundless nature.[33] (2) This is ananta, which encompasses three kinds, paritananta, yuktananta and anantananta, and it is used in a general sense to describe the space-points of the matter (pudgala) and is not considered contradictory within the provided context.[34]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Describing boundless quality, without limitation.[35]
The concept of Infinite in local and regional sources
"Infinite" is a central concept, representing an indivisible, boundless reality beyond the material world. It encompasses the self, ultimate reality, and the soul's true nature. It is the goal of spiritual realization, freedom from limitations, and the foundation of religion, and the ultimate truth.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) No power can bind the Infinite but Itself, suggesting that the ultimate source of limitation or freedom lies within the divine or absolute.[36] (2) It is the ultimate state achieved when the individual self is transformed through love and devotion.[37] (3) This is a concept that cannot be divided, and it always remains infinite, and if it could be divided, each part would be infinite, and there cannot be two.[38] (4) This is what the lion-souls have touched, and is a state of being, and is what the lion-souls have connected with.[39] (5) This refers to the boundless, the limitless, which must be judged by its own standard, and is the foundation of religion.[40]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The **infinite** represents the vast and boundless nature of existence, against which the finite and ephemeral quality of life is contrasted, as symbolized by a leaf in a storm.[41] (2) The concept of being limitless or without end, used to describe the nature of the song emanating from the speaker's heart, highlighting the boundless devotion.[42] (3) The limitless and boundless reality that the conscious seeker is attempting to connect with and understand.[43] (4) The embodied invokes it in various ways suitable to one's samskaras, psychic development, and the end in view.[44] (5) The sun serves as a representation of the limitless, highlighting its importance as a central component within the universe and its effect on life.[45]
From: Gommatsara by Acharya Nemichandra
(1) Infinite signifies a quantity without limit or end, used in various categories of Jaina numbers.[46]
The concept of Infinite in scientific sources
Infinite, in this context, is described as "mere infinity," which is empty, formless, and incapable of understanding finite objects or concepts.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The infinite is a concept used by Levinas to describe the transcendence proper to the humans one encounters in everyday life, representing a quasi-divine designation of the other as lord and master.[47] (2) It cannot be cognitively grasped because it exceeds any concept a finite thinker can formulate for it.[48] (3) It describes the temporality of the shapeless dao, which is conceived of as a continuous temporal succession that is imperceptible.[49] (4) Mere infinity is empty and formless, and the merely infinite cannot know finite things according to the text.[50]