Significance of Parabrahman
Parabrahman denotes the ultimate reality or supreme being across various Indian philosophical traditions including Jainism, Vaishnavism, Vedanta, Yoga, Purana, Shaktism, Shaivism, and Kavyashastra. It represents a state of liberation, the Supreme Absolute Truth, and the highest essence of existence, transcending all forms and attributes. Parabrahman is often linked to concepts such as divine consciousness, the source of creation, and the ultimate consciousness that spiritual aspirants seek to unite with for enlightenment and emancipation.
Synonyms: Absolute reality, Ultimate reality, Supreme consciousness, Transcendent being, Non-dual existence, Divine essence, Supreme being, Highest self
In Dutch: Parabrahman; In Finnish: Parabrahman; In Spanish: Parabrahman
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Parabrahman'
Parabrahman in Hinduism signifies the supreme consciousness, ultimate reality, and singular essence that transcends duality. It embodies the source of all existence, guiding aspirants toward spiritual enlightenment and union with the supreme being.
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The Supreme Reality in Svaminarayana’s philosophy, representing the ultimate divine essence beyond all forms.[1] (2) The Universal Supreme Being that the individual seeks to realize and connect with, particularly in the context of liberation.[2] (3) Parabrahman is described as the very life and vital force of all jivas, empowering them to act and enjoy, and is recognized in the Vedas as the source of all capabilities.[3] (4) The ultimate reality in the context of devotion, to whom bhakti is directed and whose greatness is acknowledged.[4] (5) The ultimate, unchanging reality in Hindu philosophy, often identified with God; the source of all creation.[5]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ultimate reality or absolute consciousness, beyond all dualities, that encompasses all beings and existence.[6] (2) Parabrahman is beyond the matras and considered the pure, all-pervading source of all jyotis.[7] (3) Parabrahman refers to the ultimate reality, the supreme consciousness which is Narayana, and is regarded as causeless and beyond all attributes.[8] (4) The ultimate reality, which is beyond all attributes and manifests as the non-dual truth.[9] (5) The ultimate reality that is partless and the source of all existence.[10]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The highest state of being in which the eternal light shines, representing ultimate reality.[11] (2) The state of Pure Consciousness; the ultimate aim of spiritual realization beyond physical existence and successive realms.[12]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The concept of the supreme God in Shankara’s philosophy, representing the ultimate reality that exists beyond all worldly relations.[13]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The Para Brahman refers to the ultimate reality or consciousness that is revealed to those who meditate on the syllable 'Om'.[14]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or absolute consciousness associated with the Devi.[15] (2) The ultimate spiritual reality or consciousness that Jivatma aspires to unite with.[16] (3) Para Brahma refers to the highest universal spirit in Hindu philosophy, encompassing the essence of divine presence and consciousness.[17] (4) The ultimate reality or supreme spirit that one realizes through the deep knowledge attained via Jnana.[18] (5) The supreme reality or ultimate consciousness in Hindu philosophy, beyond all limitations.[19]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The imperceptible and qualityless Brahman, the ultimate reality, which is one and all-pervasive, beyond Names and Forms.[20] (2) The ultimate, formless reality which is the source of all existence in Vedanta philosophy.[21] (3) The supreme, formless essence that underlies all existence according to Vedanta, positioned as distinct from the duality of Matter and Spirit in Samkhya.[22] (4) The ultimate reality that exists homogeneously in all created things.[23]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The supreme aspect of Brahman discussed in a seminar comprising several sages.[24]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The supreme form of Brahman, representing the ultimate reality or consciousness.[25]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The Supreme Spirit and the second type of Brahman, emphasizing a higher form of existence.[26]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The supreme Brahman arising from discrimination, representing a higher understanding and the essence of being.[27]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or absolute existence that is beyond all dualities and phenomena.[28]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Term used to denote the ultimate reality or supreme cosmic spirit that creates and destroys the universe.[29]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The concept portraying Shiva as the ultimate reality and the source of all creation as mentioned in the Shvetashvataropanishad.[30]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The supreme absolute reality in Vedanta philosophy, beyond all forms and attributes.[31]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The absolute reality that is distinct from the individual spirit souls or jivas.[32] (2) The highest aspect of Divinity that possesses ultimate opulence and sweetness.[33] (3) The ultimate reality or supreme absolute, from which all things manifest, distinct from the temporary material world.[34] (4) an indication of an object that is superior to Brahman.[35] (5) The Supreme Spirit, identified with Shri Krishna, representing the highest state of reality and existence.[36]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A term used to describe the ultimate reality or supreme being, identified here as Krishna.[37] (2) The supreme conception of God, from which the idea of Shantoparasa is derived.[38]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) the Supreme brahma, Shri Bhagavan.[39]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The highest, most transcendent form of Brahman, which encompasses all existence and cannot be fully comprehended by ordinary perception.[40] (2) The ultimate reality or absolute being that encompasses all and is beyond all forms and distinctions.[41] (3) The ultimate reality or the dissolution of the five Brahmans as discussed in the Pancabrahma Upanishad.[42] (4) The ultimate reality that is to be recognized and meditated upon, as linked with the letter 'Om'.[43] (5) The ultimate reality or supreme being, which is the target for the aspirant's understanding.[44]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Represented as a singular entity without duality or any implication of difference.[45]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The expansive form of god that encompasses all creation and reality.[46]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The ultimate reality or the highest consciousness in Vedanta philosophy, often associated with bliss and spiritual fulfillment.[47] (2) The Absolute Truth or the highest form of reality being sought.[48]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The ultimate reality or the supreme being upon which the yogi should focus their mind.[49]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The supreme consciousness or ultimate reality described as the void within Nirvana-Shakti.[50]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The Supreme Absolute, which the Mistress of the Urdhvamnaya embodies, signifying ultimate reality.[51]
Jain concept of 'Parabrahman'
In Jainism, Parabrahman signifies emancipation and liberation, representing a fully expanded soul free from illusion. It embodies the supreme essence, aligning with concepts from Vedanta about ultimate spiritual freedom.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) A state described in Vedanta that signifies a fully expanded soul, liberated from the veils of maya, often considered the supreme essence.[52]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Emancipation; a term signifying liberation or freedom.[53]