Significance of Pure consciousness
Pure consciousness is a multifaceted concept across various Indian philosophies. In Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies a state of untainted awareness and cognition, while Vaishnavism describes it as a heightened awareness free from external influences, enabling profound spiritual realizations. In Purana, it characterizes the essence of the soul, identifying with Turiya, the state of ultimate self-awareness beyond duality. Similar themes emerge in Yoga, Vedanta, and other traditions, depicting Pure consciousness as a fundamental, unchanging reality that transcends material existence and offers insight into the true nature of the self and divinity.
Synonyms: Awareness, Mindfulness, Sentience, Presence, Consciousness, Transcendental consciousness, Absolute consciousness, Perception, Cognition, Wakefulness
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 consciousness'
In Buddhism, Pure consciousness is an unchanging state of awareness, free from impurities, essential for articulating dharma and achieving enlightenment. It represents a transcendent understanding that underlies varying perceptions and promotes the transformation of beings.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The awareness that transcends distinctions, remaining unchanged despite varying states of perception.[1] (2) A state of awareness that allows for the articulation of dharma, enabling the teaching and transformation of living beings.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) An elevated state of awareness and understanding, important for achieving enlightenment.[3]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A state of awareness that is free from all adventitious impurities, representing the essence of cognition.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Pure consciousness'
Pure consciousness in Hinduism signifies a unified state of awareness devoid of duality and impurities, reflecting the true nature of the Self and Brahman. It transcends material existence, embodying clarity, self-assuredness, and spiritual essence.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Describes the essential nature of the Self, which is not classified as a knower, known, or unknown, distinguishing it from insentient objects.[5] (2) A state of awareness that is free from impurities and limitations, as described in the verse.[6] (3) The fundamental nature of the Self, which is described as being incapable of having any different nature.[7] (4) The state of consciousness that remains constant across all states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, and is recognized by the spiritual aspirant as the true Self.[8] (5) The state of awareness and understanding that transcends the distinctions and labels attached to existence, as referred to in the context.[9]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The single cognizer of the deep sleep and Avyakrita states, suggesting a unified perception behind all states of consciousness.[10] (2) Refers to the state of being free from material influences and distractions, which Purushas embody according to the text.[11] (3) Consciousness that is free from the illusions of forms and is immutable, yet appears to be associated with ideas such as birth and death.[12] (4) The fundamental state of awareness that is non-dual, rooted in the Supreme Reality.[13] (5) The unchanging awareness that is fundamental to the understanding of Turiya, consistent across all states.[14]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A state of awareness that is free from the limitations of name and form, associated with Brahman.[15] (2) The aspect of existence that is the underlying awareness and essence behind all creation.[16] (3) The ultimate state of existence, Para Brahman, where liberation is attained, and there is no further cycle of rebirth.[17] (4) A state of existence characterized by clarity and devoid of any duality or form.[18]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) An essential nature that is infinite and unblemished, representing the true self beyond physical form and individual identity.[19] (2) My true self is nothing but pure consciousness, which does not include any bondage or liberation.[20] (3) The essence of self that is free from attachment, desire, and the illusion of material existence, highlighting a state of ultimate peace.[21] (4) The realization of one's true essence as supreme and beautiful, which transcends lust for physical pleasures.[22]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The essence of awareness devoid of any attachment or distraction.[23] (2) A state of being that is not influenced by external conditions or thoughts.[24] (3) The essence of existence devoid of any physical attributes.[25] (4) The fundamental essence of existence, untainted by the constructs of the physical body or mind, representing the ultimate truth.[26]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The singular essence that manifests the three different parts of the antah karana in various ways, integral to cognition.[27] (2) The underlying essence that represents both man and God, highlighting their fundamental identity.[28] (3) Pure consciousness is described as the ultimate reality and serves as the baseline for the creation of the world appearance under the influence of Maya.[29]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A theoretical state of consciousness devoid of objects and a substrate, which is contested in the debate presented.[30] (2) A state of awareness that some believe persists even after personal existence has ended, which the text contests.[31] (3) The state that some assume exists during deep sleep, but it is described as inadequate for representing a state of awareness absent from egoity.[32]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The essence of Brahman is seen as a consciousness that is not altered by experiences or objects it perceives.[33] (2) The essence of Brahman recognized as eternal and fundamentally distinct from material attributes.[34]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The essence denoted by Prajna, highlighting the return to wisdom, rest, and stillness in Creation.[35] (2) The untainted, essential state of being that characterizes Turiya and contrasts with the changing nature of the relative world.[36]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) It denotes the state of undiluted awareness and understanding, free from dualism, which comprehends the ultimate reality beyond specific forms and experiences.[37]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The common element running through all accounts of Brahman, indicating that Brahman is of the nature of Pure Consciousness.[38]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A state of awareness that is beyond any form of expression or description, referred to as 'yat' in the text.[39]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The state of the jiva after the dispelling of ignorance and association with material bodies.[40]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A state of awareness that is clear and untainted by thoughts or external influences, achieved through deep meditation and realization.[41]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Describes the inherent nature of the Lord, who illuminates the existence around and within all creatures.[42]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A subtle state of existence and a characteristic associated with Brahman, representing the ultimate reality.[43] (2) The essential nature of Krishna, described as absolute reality, eternal and perfect.[44] (3) A state of being characterized by knowledge and the absence of personal ego, associated with the supreme reality.[45] (4) Pure consciousness is one of the six attributes of God manifest at the end of mahapralaya, equivalent to jnana.[46] (5) The ultimate state of existence described in the text, representing transcendence beyond material attachments and duality.[47]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The ultimate state of awareness that transcends material desires and distractions.[48] (2) The original state of existence prior to the fragmentation into individual souls, characterized by undivided awareness.[49] (3) The undifferentiated, divine awareness that exists before individual consciousness and is ultimately the source of all existence.[50] (4) The essential part of the mind that remains after detachment from worldly thoughts, considered to be irrepressible and indivisible.[51] (5) A state of awareness untainted by material grossness, symbolizing the clarity of the Divine Intellect.[52]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ultimate state of awareness that transcends both the mind and physical existence, regarded as the essence of all things.[53]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The state of realization Narada achieves upon re-emerging from her bath, recognizing her true identity as Narada.[54]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The state of clarity and spiritual purity that the preceptor aims to transfer to the disciple during the initiation.[55]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The fundamental state of being that remains once all intellectual faculties are gone.[56]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The ultimate state of self-awareness that transcends the mind, senses, and actions, identified with the highest aspect of being known as Turiya.[57]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A state of being that is free from all physical attributes and dualities, often associated with Shiva.[58]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The fundamental nature of the soul, described as free from duality, beginning, and end.[59]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The nature of the Knower, distinct and untainted by the afflictions.[60] (2) This refers to the state of pure awareness self-existence, represented by purusha in the context of asmita.[61] (3) The nature of purusha that is absolute, independent, and imperceptible, transcending all forms and descriptions.[62] (4) The state of being that is watching over the mind's activities, indicating the essence of purusha.[63] (5) A state of awareness where the seer is identified solely with its own self, undistracted by external objects.[64]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A state of awareness that is undifferentiated and free from thoughts, synonymous with the essence of the Atman.[65] (2) The state of the Atman when it reveals its intrinsic essence, free from the influence of gunas.[66] (3) A state of awareness where there are no dualities or divisions; one experiences unity with reality itself, particularly with Brahman.[67]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The essential nature of the Purusha, distinct from experiences and notions.[68] (2) A state of being that is untouched by characteristics or qualities, representing the unchanging essence of the seer.[69]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The essential nature of the entity, highlighting an untainted state of awareness and existence.[70]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A state of awareness that allows the speaker to move or act on the inspiration of Shri Caitanya.[71] (2) A state of heightened awareness where spiritual truths and realizations can be accessed.[72]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A state of awareness in devotees where happiness manifests abundantly, contrasting the indistinct happiness of samadhi.[73] (2) An unstained state of heart where Vasudeva can manifest.[74]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A state of being in which an individual's heart becomes stimulated, leading to various emotional reactions that enhance the experience of bhakti.[75]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The essence of awareness that is free from any external influence, representing a state of purity and clarity.[76]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The original, untainted state of awareness that is affected when it comes into contact with external objects.[77] (2) A formless state of awareness that is colored by the objects perceived, similar to how sentence-meanings are colored by the words used.[78] (3) An untainted and absolute state of awareness that transcends verbal expression.[79] (4) A state of awareness devoid of any surface disturbances or differentiation, likened to a calm sea, representing the essence of supreme Brahman.[80] (5) An untainted state of awareness that does not possess diversity or distinctions related to time and space.[81]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A state of being untainted by external influences, representing the highest form of awareness in Shaivism.[82] (2) The aspect of existence that is the Witness and is distinct from enjoyable objects, the enjoyer, and enjoyment itself.[83] (3) The state of awareness of the Supreme Being that exists beyond the three Gunas of Nature.[84] (4) The manifest primal substance that embodies pure love and light, existing everywhere as infinite intelligence and power.[85] (5) The formed-formless mode of Shiva, identified as Parashakti, representing the awareness aspect of existence.[86]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Pure consciousness is described as cidanu.[87]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A state of being that is untainted by duality or illusion, regarded as the ultimate truth in many Indian philosophical texts.[88] (2) Describes a state of awareness devoid of forms and distinctions, emphasized in certain philosophical interpretations.[89] (3) Pure consciousness is the underlying state of being that exists beyond all mental and sensory limitations, representing the essence of Cit that is changeless and eternal.[90]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) A state of awareness that is not different from the self, embodied by Bhairavi, enabling the understanding of the Supreme's essence.[91]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The essence of Brahman, representing a state of being free from attachment and dualistic experiences.[92] (2) The ultimate state of being that is free from the impurities associated with physical existence, representing a true spiritual identity.[93] (3) An elevated state of being characterized by freedom from sin and impurities, correlating with having a body of light.[94]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The essence of the divine, embodied by the figure of Shiva, representing the ultimate reality and source of existence.[95] (2) The fundamental aspect of the Self that is inherently aware and distinct from ignorance.[96]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) The true nature of the individual self, characterized by being self-shining, self-proved, and consistent.[97]
The concept of Pure consciousness in local and regional sources
Pure consciousness is a profound state of awareness that encompasses understanding the mind, the essence of clarity, and ultimate realization, transcending physical existence and embodying truth in Vedanta while reflecting deep inner self-awareness.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A state of awareness that allows for observation and understanding of the mind's operations.[98] (2) The state of being achieved through the inaction of the mind and the senses, synonymous with the inner self.[99] (3) Described in the text as Vimala vignanaam, representing the essence of understanding and clarity attributed to Saraswati.[100] (4) A state of awareness identified as Truth in Vedanta, representing the ultimate realization of human possibilities.[101] (5) A heightened state of awareness experienced by the protagonist amidst the wonders of the Emerald Kingdom.[102]