Significance of Omniscience
Synonyms: All-knowing, All-wise, Infinite knowledge, Complete knowledge, Universal knowledge, All-seeing, Complete awareness
In French: Omniscience; In Dutch: Alwetendheid; In Finnish: Kaikkitietävyys; In Spanish: Omnisciencia; In German: Allwissenheit; In Swedish: Allvetenhet; In Malay: Maha Mengetahui; In Italian: Onniscienza; In Portugese: Onisciência; In Polish: Wszechwiedza
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Omniscience'
In Buddhism, omniscience signifies complete, all-encompassing knowledge. It's the ultimate state of understanding sought by those on the path to Buddhahood, achieved through merit and wisdom. This profound knowledge, possessed by Buddhas, allows for complete comprehension of reality and the ability to guide others.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Buddhas, who are omniscient, can render suitable puja to the omniscience of the other Buddhas, because they know the qualities of the Buddhas.[1] (2) Omniscience, also known as sarvajnana, along with wisdoms of all kinds, is considered a part of the buddhaviharas, reflecting the Buddha's comprehensive understanding.[2] (3) The text mentions that the Buddha calls himself omniscient, but it also acknowledges the difficulty of possessing omniscience due to the infinite treatises, arts, sciences, knowledges, crafts, and methods in the world.[3] (4) Omniscient refers to the quality of knowing everything, which the Buddha Ratnakara possesses, raising questions about why he inquires about Shakyamuni's well-being.[4] (5) Represents the state of knowing all things in a complete and exhaustive manner, achieved through unhindered wisdom and knowledge of all aspects.[5]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) This refers to the state of knowing everything, which bodhisattvas strive to achieve through their divine sight and practices.[6] (2) This is the highest knowledge that the bodhisattvas seek to achieve, and it is the thought they transform into.[7] (3) The meaning is the complete awakening to this through insight appearing in a moment of thought, as the letter displays the mass of qualities in the bodhisattva.[8] (4) This refers to the thought of awakening which is the cause of the knowledge of omniscience, or that thought of awakening that in its essence is not different from omniscience, which is not subject to perishing.[9] (5) This is the ultimate goal toward which all of the bodhisattva's practices are directed, and it is described as being unchanging and all-encompassing, like open space.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A state of total knowledge and understanding, particularly within the context of Buddhahood.[11] (2) The state of having complete and infinite knowledge, which the Buddha has achieved through ultimate wisdom.[12]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The state the individual vows to win, even in the face of great suffering and hardship.[13]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) It is the Supreme Enlightenment, a fruit of the paramis. No one can fathom its depth. It is compared to the immeasurable nature of the ocean, earth, and open space.[14] (2) Omniscient is the quality Subhadda sarcastically attributes to the Buddha, suggesting that the Buddha should have known that Subhadda's offering was not acceptable, revealing his bitterness and resentment.[15] (3) A state towards which the Bodhisatta inclines their mind in whatever they do bodily or verbally, accruing merit from such action.[16] (4) The Buddha's ability to survey the world of living beings, a power that allows Him to perceive events and people, as mentioned in the provided text.[17] (5) The ultimate state of enlightenment and the complete understanding of all things, which Bodhisattas strive to attain.[18]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) This is a quality that is questioned if the Buddha did not know that Devadatta would stir up a schism.[19] (2) The state of perfect knowledge, which the Tathagata gradually brought to perfection over an extended period for the purpose of the salvation of the masses.[20] (3) A state of complete or unlimited knowledge, which the Bodisat seeks to achieve.[21]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The profound knowledge that the Bodhisatta seeks in giving away his tusks to the forester, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom over material possessions.[22] (2) The state of having complete knowledge and understanding, which the Bodhisatta seeks through his acts of giving.[23]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) This term represents the thorough knowledge of all dhammas, a key attribute of the Buddha, encompassing the ability to know everything, forming a central component of the unique attributes possessed by the Buddha, allowing for complete comprehension of the universe.[24] (2) The condition of having complete and infinite knowledge, which Baka Brahma believed he possessed but was challenged by the Buddha.[25]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Omniscience refers to the state of knowing everything, which was King Vessantara's aim and motivation behind his self-sacrificing actions.[26]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Describes someone who possesses complete and infinite knowledge, often associated with the awakened state.[27]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) According to the text, omniscience is a state where non-omniscience has been discarded, leading to agreement and reliability in speech, as it is prompted by conceptual content.[28] (2) Having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things, which is argued against in the context of teachers and poets.[29] (3) The text argues that a man is called 'omniscient' because he knows all things, but this knowledge cannot be achieved through sense perception due to limitations.[30] (4) It is a quality that cannot have incompatibility with non-omniscience in connection with a person who is not capable of being apprehended.[31] (5) Complete and unlimited knowledge, the existence of which is questioned if the oneness of the creator is not proven and there are multiple creators.[32]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Indeed, in this very pallanka, the omniscient knowledge had been comprehended by me.[33] (2) The state of being all-knowing, which the Buddha attained after his great renunciation.[34]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The excellent attitude produces omniscience, signifying a state of complete knowledge and understanding that arises from cultivating this particular mindset.[35] (2) This is the state of having complete knowledge and understanding, which is attained through immeasurable merit.[36]
Hindu concept of 'Omniscience'
In Hinduism, omniscience signifies complete and unlimited knowledge and awareness. It's the state of knowing all things, achieved through spiritual insight, understanding the Atman, or recognizing the all-encompassing nature of reality. This attribute is associated with various deities, the Absolute Self, and enlightened beings.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The state of knowing everything, which is a characteristic attributed to Brahman, and is questioned in relation to Brahman's awareness of the soul's suffering.[37] (2) The text indicates that the Lord is not this because of the influence of the adrishta.[38] (3) One of the attributes of Brahman, indicating all-knowingness.[39] (4) The quality of knowing all things, ascribed to the Indestructible which is the source of all beings.[40]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Omniscience refers to the Lord's characteristic of possessing complete knowledge, as mentioned in the provided text, and it becomes a central point of discussion in the philosophical arguments presented.[41] (2) The quality of omniscience, along with omnipotence, and the power of illusion, makes it reasonable for the Lord to be capable of both activity and non-activity.[42] (3) A term describing the highest Lord's all-knowing nature, which implies awareness beyond human comprehension.[43] (4) Indicates that Brahman possesses infinite knowledge and awareness of all things.[44]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Describes the state of possessing all-encompassing knowledge of everything, as achieved by the ancient scholars.[45] (2) The state of having complete and unlimited knowledge, which Shvetaketu desires to attain through deeper understanding.[46] (3) The state of knowing all things, achieved by one who understands the Sama as all-encompassing.[47]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Omniscient defines Brahman as all-knowing, encompassing all that exists and representing consciousness or awareness itself, making it the ultimate source of knowledge.[48] (2) Having complete or unlimited knowledge; an attribute linked to the understanding of Atman.[49]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Omniscience is a characteristic of the Deva whose is all this glory, as mentioned in the provided text, indicating extensive knowledge.[50] (2) An individual who possesses complete and infinite knowledge, not subject to the cycles of samsara.[51]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The quality of having complete or unlimited knowledge, suggesting an all-knowing aspect of the Absolute Self.[52]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A quality of the Lord, indicating that He possesses complete and unlimited knowledge of all things.[53]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An attribute of being all-knowing; similarly, the liberated soul does not view itself as such, despite its superior nature.[54]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to an all-knowing being who is aware of everything, including past, present, and future.[55]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The quality of knowing all things, an attribute associated with Prajna.[56]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The text refers to Brahman as the Omniscient, highlighting his all-knowing nature and his complete awareness of everything that occurs in the universe, including the Earth's plight.[57] (2) This describes one that is possessed of omniscience, signifying comprehensive knowledge and awareness.[58] (3) Narada is referred to as such, indicating his all-knowing nature and comprehensive understanding of events.[59] (4) Nara and Narayana are described as being endued with omniscience, meaning they possess complete knowledge and understanding, and they are associated with the destruction of all creatures.[60] (5) The state of having complete knowledge and understanding, particularly relating to the nature of the soul and existence.[61]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Omniscience is described as the soul of all, where all things exist and from which they originate, pervading all of infinity and displaying everything within itself.[62] (2) The quality of having universal knowledge that the Intellect possesses, representing the divine mind.[63] (3) The state of having infinite knowledge, attributed to the divine intellect.[64]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Yama is omniscient.[65]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The state of knowing everything, an attribute associated with Mahaprabhu, which Advaita Acarya aimed to reveal to the people of the world.[66] (2) A quality of the Supreme Being, signifying complete and unlimited knowledge, beyond the grasp of ordinary beings.[67] (3) The quality of knowing everything, which the Lord sometimes concealed by acting as if He did not understand.[68] (4) Possessing complete and unlimited knowledge; having awareness of all things, including the past, present, and future.[69] (5) Omniscience refers to the quality of having complete or unlimited knowledge, which is attributed to Shri Shacinandana.[70]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The quality of being all-knowing, attributed to Shri Brahma, who understands the inclinations of others.[71] (2) Possessing complete and unlimited knowledge, particularly in understanding the desires of others.[72]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Describes a being that possesses complete and infinite knowledge, understanding all aspects of reality.[73]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Capable of seeing all, a reference to Lord Rama's understanding and knowledge.[74]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Complete knowledge and awareness, suggesting the Supreme being’s ability to understand all things.[75]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Meaning all-knowing, this term denotes the Lord's comprehensive knowledge of everything.[76]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The state of having unlimited knowledge and understanding of all things.[77]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The condition of having simultaneous and discriminative knowledge of the qualities of all phenomena, signifying complete understanding and awareness.[78]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) It is the accurate understanding of the qualities as they exist in calm, enlivened, and latent states, leading to a comprehensive knowledge of all things.[79]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The invocation of the Seven-tongued one (Fire), who is the protector, who is of this quality.[80]
Jain concept of 'Omniscience'
In Jainism, Omniscience, or *Kevalajnana*, signifies perfect, complete, and infinite knowledge, independent of sensory input. It's a state achieved by enlightened beings like the Tirthankaras and Munis, after destroying karmas. This all-knowing state encompasses complete comprehension of reality, past, present, and future.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Omniscience became manifest to the Lord on the fifteenth day of the black half of Magha after a two-day fast, marking a significant spiritual attainment.[81] (2) The Omniscient refers to Nemi, whose words about the killing of Krishna by Jarakumara were proven true, according to Siddhartha, emphasizing the reliability of prophetic knowledge.[82] (3) To be omniscient is to have complete and unlimited knowledge, a state attained by several characters through the destruction of ghatikarmas, marking a significant spiritual achievement.[83] (4) Omniscience was generated on the third day of the white half of Urja, signifying the attainment of complete knowledge by the Lord of the World.[84] (5) The omniscient one, the Blessed One, is addressed by Ashanighosha, who expresses gratitude for hearing about his pain arising in a former birth.[85]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The Omniscient, or kevali, is worthy of veneration and worship, preaching the Truth and possessing perfect conduct, knowledge, and faith.[86] (2) This state, also known as kevalajnana, is attained after the destruction of delusion, knowledge-covering, perception-covering, and obstructive karmas, representing the ultimate state of perfect knowledge and understanding, and the complete comprehension of reality.[87] (3) The knowledge that extends to all substances and all their modes simultaneously.[88] (4) A being that possesses all-encompassing knowledge and is not reliant on sensory experiences for acquiring knowledge.[89] (5) Refers to the Tirtkankara, an enlightened being of supreme knowledge, whose teachings form the cornerstone of scriptural authority.[90]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The omniscient, who is on this earth, gives replies about the import, etc. and communicates with the gods born in the anuttara vimanas.[91] (2) A being endowed with unlimited knowledge and awareness, capable of perceiving all sounds and objects without limitation.[92] (3) A being possessing complete and infinite knowledge, who does not engage in laughter or curiosity.[93] (4) One who possesses complete and unlimited knowledge, especially regarding the Dharma and the nature of existence.[94] (5) Refers to those who possess infinite knowledge and understanding.[95]
From: Gommatsara by Acharya Nemichandra
(1) A way of gaining a slight and distant idea of Omniscience is to consider the Jaina Theory of Numbers.[96] (2) This subtle Karmic matter, though imperceptible to humans, is perceivable, appreciable, and knowable by the Omniscients.[97] (3) A source from which the book "Gommatasara" and its contents claim direct descent, representing a great Sun of knowledge.[98] (4) This refers to the infinite knowledge possessed by GOD, of which individuals are a part.[99]
The concept of Omniscience in local and regional sources
Omniscience, as described in the text, signifies complete knowledge and understanding, a characteristic of a deity. It is the highest measure of knowledge, evident in Ishvara and Jinendra, and is fundamental to the author's religious basis. The text also connects omniscience to being beyond all law.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Omniscience is an obvious quality, and there is no need for an argument to prove its existence, as it is a quality of the totality that is Ishvara.[100] (2) The text mentions this as an attribute of God, but it also states that we have no idea about it.[101] (3) One of the characteristics of the principle that the author is describing as the basis of religion.[102] (4) This word describes the attribute of possessing complete knowledge, understanding everything that exists, and it is a characteristic of a deity.[103] (5) This describes having all knowledge, and the text asserts that if we are beyond all law, we must be omniscient, ever-blessed.[104]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) It is a quality attributed due to the imagination of humanity, ancient and modern, civilized and uncivilized.[105] (2) Describing a being that is all-knowing, possessing complete understanding and knowledge.[106]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Omniscience is defined as the highest measure of knowledge, referred to as "knowledge that Kevali possesses" or "knowledge that Jinendra possesses" in different texts.[107]
The concept of Omniscience in scientific sources
Omniscience, commonly attributed to God, signifies the quality of possessing unlimited knowledge. It's a key attribute often associated with the divine.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is a feature of classical theism, in the sense of God knowing, with absolute assurance and in minute detail, everything that will happen.[108] (2) Commonly believed to be an attribute of God, referring to the quality of having unlimited knowledge.[109]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Omniscience should be understood as knowledge of everything logically possible to know, but it is confined to knowledge of the past and of any necessary truths.[110]