Significance of Pure concentration

Pure concentration is a key concept across different philosophical contexts, including Jainism, Purana, and Mahayana Buddhism. In Jainism, it denotes intense meditation that enhances awareness and leads to liberation from karmas. The Purana describes it as a focused mindset fostering tranquility and understanding. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes pure concentration as a clear and steady mental state crucial for enlightenment, characterized by eight states of clarity and freedom from distractions, achieved through dhyana by the bodhisattva.

Synonyms: Focused attention, Intense concentration, Single-mindedness, Unwavering attention, Attention, Immersion, Absorption

In Dutch: Zuivere concentratie; In Finnish: Puhdasta keskittymistä

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

Buddhist concept of 'Pure concentration'

Buddhism Books

Pure concentration in Buddhism is a state of focused mental clarity essential for enlightenment, characterized by clear, distraction-free mindfulness and mental steadiness attained through practices like dhyana, as exemplified by the bodhisattva.

Significance of Pure concentrations in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A focused state of mind achieved by the bodhisattva through dhyana, free from desires and distractions.^[1] (2) The eight states of concentration (shuddhaka) that are characterized by clarity and freedom from distractions.^[2] (3) Refers to an elevated state of mental steadiness that is free from impurities or distractions.^[3]

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A state of focused mental clarity that the Buddha promotes as essential for achieving enlightenment.^[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Pure concentration'

Hinduism Books

Pure concentration in Hinduism is interpreted as a focused state of mind that fosters deeper understanding and tranquility, enabling individuals to achieve higher spiritual awareness and mental clarity. This state is essential for personal growth and enlightenment.

Significance of Pure concentrations in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Anugita (English translation)

(1) A focused state of mind that leads to a higher understanding and tranquility.^[5]

From: Skanda Purana

(1) States the mental focus required for spiritual practice and remembrance of the Lord.^[6]

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.

Jain concept of 'Pure concentration'

Jainism Books

Pure concentration in Jainism is an intense meditation practice that enhances awareness and spiritual insight, facilitating the liberation from karmas and ultimately guiding practitioners toward spiritual enlightenment and freedom.

Significance of Pure concentrations in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) An intense form of meditation that leads to heightened awareness and spiritual insight, enabling liberation from karmas.^[7]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Pure concentrations.

Last Updated: 22 October, 2024