Significance of Knowledge
Knowledge, as defined across various Indian philosophical traditions, encompasses a broad spectrum of understanding and insight essential for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and successful practice of rituals. In Hinduism, knowledge is crucial for connecting with the divine, while in Jainism, it is an inherent quality of the soul that aids in achieving right faith. According to Vaishnavism, knowledge is fundamental for spiritual insights and liberation. Similarly, Buddhist perspectives emphasize knowledge as a means to discern reality and counter ignorance. Each tradition highlights the transformative power of knowledge in guiding individuals toward a higher understanding of self and spirituality.
Synonyms: Understanding, Awareness, Insight, Wisdom, Learning, Intelligence, Comprehension, Erudition, Cognition.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Knowledge'
In Buddhism, Knowledge encompasses awareness that overcomes ignorance, embodies jnana for discernment, attributes to wisdom from A ro, guides bodhisattvas, and derives understanding from the Buddha’s teachings, essential for liberation and avoiding suffering.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An attribute that precedes the actions of bodhisattvas, essential for guiding them towards beneficial rebirths.[1] (2) Awareness or understanding that contradicts ignorance (avidya) and aids in distinguishing reality.[2] (3) The understanding that guided the Buddha's actions during the debate, leading to the conversion of those present.[3] (4) A profound understanding or insight that the arhats and followers derive from the Buddha's teachings.[4] (5) The understanding acquired through study, reflection, and practice. The Buddha's knowledge is unobstructed and complete.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The understanding and enlightenment that beings must strive for to avoid the fates witnessed in hell.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Wisdom or understanding of the Dhamma, considered essential for attaining liberation.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Sakka emphasizes the importance of wisdom over mere material gains as a remedy for the king's condition.[8]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The useful information amassed from reading good books and learning from the wise, which contributes to having a good mind.[9]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The comprehensive understanding and teachings attributed to A ro, who gained recognition as the origin of wisdom.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Knowledge'
In Hinduism, Knowledge (Jnana) encompasses intellectual clarity, enlightenment, and spiritual wisdom gained through righteous actions, facilitating discernment, liberation, and the understanding of one's true self, ultimately guiding the soul towards realization and liberation.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The principle through which the Soul can be apprehended within its subtile form.[11] (2) The superior aspect of consciousness that illuminates understanding and is represented as a guiding force for the senses.[12] (3) The best of all possessions, according to Yudhishthira, highlighting its value over material wealth.[13] (4) Understanding that can lead to virtue or downfall depending on whether it is mixed with vanity.[14] (5) The awareness from which all objects of knowledge are differentiated; represents the perceiving faculty that gains insight into the essence of the Mind.[15]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A pivotal theme in the text representing the power to transcend suffering and understanding, which aids the king in overcoming grief.[16] (2) Understanding acquired through study and reflection, particularly regarding sacred texts and spiritual principles.[17] (3) Understanding that is critical to discernment between true righteousness and false beliefs as discussed throughout the text.[18] (4) Understanding gained through learning; some regard it as a significant aspect of spiritual practice.[19]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Understanding and awareness that enables spiritual elevation or insight.[20] (2) Crucial understanding that a king must possess in order to effectively rule and avoid ignorance.[21]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the understanding or awareness of spiritual truth.[22] (2) Essential understanding and wisdom that transcends ritualistic actions, highlighted as vital for attaining salvation.[23]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the infinite understanding possessed by the Supreme Spirit, enabling it to dispel delusion and provide clarity amidst the complexities of existence.[24]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Described as conferred through sacred formulae and syllables, emphasized in the context of worship.[25]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Insight or understanding gained through spiritual practices, crucial for attaining tranquillity.[26]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) An essential quality that illuminates the self of the learned man, leading to a deeper understanding of spiritual truths.[27]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The understanding and wisdom associated with Manas, which is considered to be the cause of knowledge.[28]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The enlightenment of the mind that brings clarity and understanding, representing the opposite of ignorance.[29]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A cause that, according to the text, cannot by itself remove ignorance.[30] (2) The understanding or awareness that exists regarding an object known by the knower.[31] (3) The understanding or awareness that the jiva supposedly requires to attain Brahman, which the text ultimately challenges.[32] (4) Understanding or awareness that can influence the nature of the sense organs.[33] (5) The understanding or awareness that brings about the disappearance of ignorance.[34]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The awareness and understanding that allows the soul to navigate its path after death, independent of the circumstances of passing.[35] (2) Understanding or realization that destroys past sins and leads to Liberation at death.[36] (3) The understanding or awareness that is the goal of the Yoga philosophy and is attained through concentration and other means.[37]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The understanding or insight that Janashruti’s great-grandson is seeking from Raikva, symbolized through offerings.[38] (2) The understanding that allows individuals to live longer by acknowledging their identity with the sacrifice.[39] (3) Knowledge, in this context, refers to the deep understanding of the spiritual truths and the essence of reality as Brahman.[40]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Awareness or understanding of spiritual truths that removes obstacles hindering the attainment of ultimate liberation or Brahman.[41] (2) The awareness and understanding that enables the revelation of the Atman’s true nature, countering ignorance.[42]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Understanding or awareness that is argued to lead to Release and is also seen as not persistent according to the theory.[43] (2) Constitutes the essential nature of Brahman, reflecting a unified and all-knowing reality in contrast to the material world.[44]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A function of intellect that is also subject to limitations and cannot encompass the true nature of the self.[45] (2) The domain that encompasses understanding the nature of the self and the Supreme Self.[46]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The awareness or understanding that is considered valid when it is comprehended as it truly is.[47]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The understanding and realization of one's infinite nature and the nature of the world, transcending concepts like renunciation and acceptance.[48]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Understanding or awareness leading to enlightenment, which plays a key role in transcending separation between the two birds.[49]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Understanding gained that can lead to liberation but is shared for the benefit of others.[50]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the understanding or insight that shapes Brahma's perception of reality.[51] (2) The facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.[52] (3) the understanding and awareness possessed by Radha, particularly about the practices of ekadashi and its followers.[53] (4) 'jnana' signifies the understanding and awareness of spiritual truths and realities.[54] (5) Information, understanding, or skills gained through experience or education.[55]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Knowledge, or Jnana, represents the understanding and wisdom possessed by the Supreme Lord.[56] (2) Information, understanding, and skills acquired through experience or education, especially as it pertains to the divine or spiritual insights.[57] (3) Jnana, the quest for understanding and wisdom as part of one’s spiritual development.[58]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The understanding and information that is sought and revered, pivotal in the context of the divine's inquiries.[59] (2) The understanding or awareness that leads to enlightenment, posited as a foundational element for achieving liberation.[60] (3) The facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.[61]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A state of awareness and understanding, particularly in the context of spiritual or transcendental matters.[62] (2) Information, understanding, or skill that is acquired through experience or education; in this context, it highlights the protagonist's superiority over Brihaspati.[63]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Jnana, or the ability to understand spiritual truths, which is distinct from bhakti.[64]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The enlightenment experienced by the inhabitants of Vraja upon witnessing Krishna's divine nature.[65]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the understanding or awareness that forms the basis of human reasoning regarding the origins and functions of the Vedas.[66] (2) Identified as 'moksha' in the text, referring to spiritual awareness and understanding that contributes to the journey towards Liberation.[67] (3) One of the four factors of virtue, emphasizing the importance of learning and understanding in the context of good conduct.[68] (4) Essential for the performance of sacrifices, as indicated by the emphasis on the necessity of knowledge among practitioners.[69] (5) An understanding of the Soul, which includes comprehending the nature and essence of self.[70]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) The understanding or awareness of information, categorized as one of the ten powers.[71]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The understanding or awareness that must encompass the verbal entities; it cannot simply stem from indefinable divisions.[72]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Knowledge denotes the awareness or understanding that counters Ignorance, and its manifestation is pivotal for liberation in philosophical discourse.[73] (2) Generates knowledge and also the concept of Faculty.[74]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The awareness or understanding that Bhrigu believed he possessed more of than Varuna.[75] (2) The understanding required to properly conduct rituals and attain spiritual states, underscoring the importance of wisdom in achieving connection with the divine.[76]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Awareness or understanding of a subject, which, along with verbal expression, follows imagination in sequence.[77]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) Information and insight provided by the Agama that is essential for spiritual progress.[78]
Jain concept of 'Knowledge'
Knowledge in Jainism encompasses profound self-awareness, experiential learning, and insight linked to right faith. It is inherent to the soul, guiding one's spiritual journey and understanding the essence of life and enlightenment.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The understanding that one should maintain in their pursuit of spiritual awakening, particularly regarding what truly matters in life.[79]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) In the context of yogadrishti, it means understanding which can be coupled with right faith.[80]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The profound understanding of self and the world that enables individuals to guide others towards enlightenment.[81]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The understanding or awareness attributed to the aerial beings.[82]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Inherent understanding that is considered an essential trait of the soul and not subject to infatuation.[83]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The understanding and information acquired through experience or education.[84]