Significance of Pudgala
Pudgala is a term that carries significant meaning in various philosophical traditions, particularly in Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism. In Jainism, Pudgala pertains to the material aspect of reality and individual material entities. Tibetan Buddhism explores Pudgala as an individual with unique properties and discusses its nature in contrast with thought-phases. Similarly, Mahayana Buddhism defines Pudgala as an individual or person, emphasizing its distinction from the concept of an intrinsic self. Overall, Pudgala represents complex discussions on individuality and material existence across these philosophies.
Synonyms: Substance, Matter, Material, Essence
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Pudgala'
Pudgala in Buddhism refers to an individual entity encapsulating aspects of the self, distinct yet inseparable from thought-phases, lacking eternal substance, and debated philosophically regarding its existence and relationship to the five aggregates.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A specific concept described as a non-entity due to its incapacity to be defined as either eternal or non-eternal.[1] (2) A term that refers to an individual or person, which is examined and challenged by the overarching doctrine of perpetual flux.[2] (3) An object or concept in the discussion that has been asserted to exist but has not been proven.[3] (4) The term 'pudgala' refers to a specific entity that is described as incapable of being spoken of as non-eternal, implying a different ontological status compared to colour and similar entities.[4] (5) A term being examined in the context of philosophical discourse, possibly referring to an individual self or entity, indicating that it cannot satisfy both alternatives of being different and non-different.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The term used to refer to an individual or person, which is discussed in relation to the non-existence of an intrinsic self.[6] (2) A term referring to the individual or person in the context of the Personalists, defined as neither identical with nor different from skandhas.[7] (3) Translated as 'individual'; it is used in some texts to refer to a person or being, though questioned in Buddhist doctrine.[8] (4) An ineffable individual existence that is seen as a composite of the five aggregates within certain schools of Buddhist thought.[9]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Sanskrit term meaning 'that which goes on to repeated reincarnations' or 'sentient being'.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Pudgala'
In Hinduism, Pudgala may be interpreted as representing the material aspect of existence, closely aligning with Jain concepts, emphasizing the physical reality and its material bodies within the broader philosophical discourse on existence.
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A term in Jainism that denotes the physical aspect of reality, encompassing material bodies.[11]
Jain concept of 'Pudgala'
In Jainism, Pudgala represents the material aspect of individuals and reality, encompassing material entities recognized through clairvoyance, thus distinguishing between the physical and non-physical dimensions of existence.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Matter; the substance that plays a crucial role in the existence, experience, and interaction of living beings.[12] (2) A term referring to material entities in Jain philosophy, which includes the substances with form recognized in the context of clairvoyance.[13]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A term used to characterize the material aspect of reality in this context.[14] (2) A term indicating the material aspect of an individual, especially when compared to another living being.[15]