Significance of Insight
Insight, as defined across various philosophical contexts, highlights a profound understanding integral to spiritual development and realization. In Buddhism, it encompasses deep comprehension of reality's nature, often attained through meditation, leading to enlightenment and the understanding of impermanence and non-self characteristics. Different traditions emphasize its significance, from the intuitive knowledge recognized by Vaishnavism's Aliavandar to the divine understanding sought in Dharmashastra. Ultimately, Insight is critical for achieving spiritual freedom and making profound ethical choices, enabling one to perceive deeper truths of existence.
Synonyms: Understanding, Awareness, Perception, Comprehension, Realization, Discernment, Intuition, Knowledge, Enlightenment, Wisdom
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Insight'
Insight in Buddhism encompasses a profound understanding of reality achieved through meditation and contemplation, leading to clarity about impermanence, the nature of suffering, and the essence of existence, vital for spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A deeper understanding and awareness that leads to spiritual freedom and happiness, possessed by the ascetics.[1] (2) A crucial state that is achieved through concentration and understanding, allowing individuals to realize the futility of material conquests compared to spiritual victories.[2] (3) A profound understanding or realization often linked to spiritual awakening and enlightenment, which the Bodhisatta momentarily loses due to passion.[3] (4) A deep understanding and enlightenment that leads to the realization of truths in Buddhist philosophy.[4] (5) The realization gained by the Brother when he recognized the impermanence of all compounded things, leading him to a profound understanding and ultimately Arahatship.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The profound understanding gained by Pilindavaccha after being given the right meditation subject, leading him to arahatship.[6] (2) A deep understanding that Venerable Upasena achieved through diligent meditation, leading to the attainment of arahattaphala.[7] (3) The deep understanding that Kisagotami gained regarding the impermanence of life and the nature of suffering.[8] (4) The deep understanding Bhaddha Kaccana strived for as a bhikkhuni, which led her to attain arahatship.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The ability to perceive and understand the deeper truths of existence, essential for leading a modest life and making ethical choices.[10] (2) The understanding and realization that lead to spiritual awakening, allowing one to see the nature of reality clearly.[11] (3) A form of penetrative awareness and understanding in Buddhism, part of the noble eight-fold path leading to enlightenment.[12]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A deeper understanding of the nature of existence achieved through meditation and contemplation.[13] (2) A form of deep understanding gained through meditative practices, essential for developing wisdom in Buddhist teachings.[14] (3) A mental clarity achieved through deep meditation, leading to understanding of impermanence and the nature of existence.[15]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The understanding that arises from meditation, leading to the transformation of one's perception of reality.[16] (2) Insight refers to the deep understanding achieved through meditation and contemplation, leading to the realization of the true nature of phenomena as impermanent, painful, and not-self.[17]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) The realization that one knows very little about oneself and the reality around them.[18] (2) Insight refers to the ability to perceive the true nature of reality, recognizing the impermanence and non-self characteristic of nama and rupa.[19]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The deep understanding and perception of the truths as taught by the Buddha, which the Arahats possess.[20]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) The deep understanding of the nature of reality and phenomena, essential for achieving enlightenment in Buddhism.[21]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The understanding necessary to abandon defilements and achieve liberation as emphasized in the teachings associated with the Ratana sutta.[22]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The clear understanding that leads to the eradication of defilements, crucial for achieving enlightenment.[23]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A form of vision or understanding that is typically said to arise from contemplation and is distinct from the divine eye mentioned in the context of King Sivi.[24]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The deep understanding gained through experience, learning, and reflection.[25]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Deep understanding or realization about the nature of reality, often developed through meditative practices.[26]
From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)
(1) The deep understanding that arises from the realization of the truths taught by the Buddha.[27]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A deep understanding or perception of the true nature of reality, essential for spiritual development.[28]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The deep understanding that enables the realization of dharmas as not distinct entities.[29]
Hindu concept of 'Insight'
In Hinduism, Insight encompasses intuitive understanding, divine perception in worship, and the deep comprehension artists possess, facilitating truth revelation. It emphasizes perceiving beyond literal meanings, essential for spiritual and artistic expression.
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A divine understanding desired and invoked during worship, sought from various deities.[30]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) An important quality that may be invoked in the sacrificial context.[31]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The capacity to perceive beyond literal meanings, crucial for activating Suggestiveness.[32]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) The deeper understanding or perception a poet possesses, enabling them to reveal truths through their art.[33]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The intuitive understanding possessed by the great Aliavandar that led to his recognition of Ramanuja.[34]