Significance of Omnipotent

Omnipotent in various philosophical and religious contexts denotes the quality of being all-powerful. In Buddhism, it relates to the Bodhisatta's aspiration to attain full knowledge as a Buddha. Tibetan Buddhism discusses it as an unattainable state of complete knowledge. In Vaishnavism, it refers to Lord Krishna and Vishnu's abilities to fulfill devotees' desires effortlessly. The Purana highlights the Devi's power, while Yoga links it to the limitless nature of the Atman. Vedanta attributes it to Brahman, emphasizing its boundless capabilities. Nyaya considers it a divine trait, though its validity faces challenges.

Synonyms: All-powerful, Supreme, Absolute, Invincible, Sovereign, Almighty, Unlimited, Godlike

In Dutch: Almachtig; In Finnish: Kaikkivoipa; In Spanish: Omnipotente; In German: Allmächtig

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Omnipotent'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Omnipotent" signifies a complete state of knowledge and power, yet no individual has achieved it. It reflects the Bodhisatta's ultimate potential as he strives for the omniscience of Buddhahood.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Refers to a state of complete knowledge or power; however, the text suggests that no one has been found to attain such a state.[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) The ultimate capability of the Bodhisatta as he aspires to become an omniscient Buddha.[2]

Hindu concept of 'Omnipotent'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Omnipotent" signifies the all-powerful nature of deities like Lord Vishnu and Krishna, representing their limitless capabilities. It also reflects Brahman's essence and the Devi's strength, while debated by critics regarding its absolute validity.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) The all-powerful father, the Sire, that all the creatures went before in distress.[3] (2) The all-powerful being, the Sire of worlds, who possessed the authority to grant the ascetic his desired title and acknowledge his efforts.[4]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Referring to the Devi's boundless power and ability to conquer foes, as hailed by the Devas.[5]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) The quality of being all-powerful, specifically referring to Lord Vishnu's capability to perform any action effortlessly.[6]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The quality of the Lord indicating that He has the power to fulfill the requests of His devotees.[7]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A quality attributed to Lord Krishna, highlighting His control over all aspects of existence.[8]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) An attribute of being all-powerful, which the liberated soul does not claim for itself in its Pure Intelligence state.[9]

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) Describes Brahman as all-powerful, indicating its limitless capabilities beyond the constraints of existence.[10]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)

(1) The quality of being all-powerful and subject to no limits, attributed to the true nature of the Atman.[11]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).