Significance of Pure knowledge
Pure knowledge is characterized as an unblemished understanding across numerous philosophical and religious traditions. In Jainism, it signifies an enlightened comprehension free from worldly distractions. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes knowledge acquired through deeper meditation, highlighting clarity and understanding of the self. Vaishnavism associates pure knowledge with wisdom and unwavering devotion to God. Meanwhile, Puranic texts describe it as the ultimate understanding that leads to liberation from sin. Ultimately, pure knowledge reflects an elevated state of consciousness, essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Synonyms: Absolute understanding, Clear insight, Wisdom, Enlightenment, Insight, Understanding, Awareness, Erudition
In Dutch: Zuivere kennis; In Finnish: Puhdasta tietoa; In Spanish: Puro conocimiento
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 knowledge'
Pure knowledge in Buddhism signifies an untainted understanding free from biases and impurities, offering deep insights into the nature of suffering and reality, ultimately guiding practitioners toward enlightenment and the essence of dharma.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A form of understanding that transcends personal biases and is aligned with the intrinsic truths of the dharma.[1] (2) A state of understanding that transcends binary distinctions, allowing the bodhisattva to engage in right livelihood (vishuddhajnana).[2] (3) A form of knowledge that is unhindered and clear, differing from conventional or impure knowledge; it encompasses the ultimate truth in Buddhism.[3] (4) Knowledge that is untainted and insightful about various aspects of the desire realm, including its causes, cessation, and pathways.[4] (5) Knowledge that is devoid of impurities, providing clarity and understanding in regard to formations and sufferings.[5]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The understanding that transcends surface appearances, perceived by those who have correctly understood the Law.[6]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Knowledge that is untrammelled and complete, which may be acquired by Brahma and others through meditation.[7] (2) Knowledge that is derived from a clear understanding of the pure self, unimpeded by impurities or misconceptions.[8] (3) Knowledge that is derived from a pure source, devoid of ignorance.[9]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The awareness that comes from the Buddha's successful overcoming of defilements.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Pure knowledge'
In Hinduism, Pure Knowledge represents profound understanding free from impurities and misconceptions, leading to spiritual liberation and realization of the Supreme Brahman. It embodies enlightenment, essential for achieving Dharma and transcending worldly desires.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Understanding about the nature of the Self and the non-Self, emphasizing spiritual wisdom.[11] (2) The understanding of spiritual truths that leads to the realization of the Divine presence in all beings.[12] (3) Describes Krishna's inherent wisdom and understanding, which he briefly lost due to emotional distress.[13] (4) The untainted understanding of the Supreme Brahman characterized by reality, consciousness, and bliss articulated in the Shrimad Bhagavata.[14] (5) Understanding attained by living a sinless life and following the proper religious duties outlined by the Vedas.[15]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The spiritual awareness that emerges from engaging with the sacred narratives related to Shambhu.[16] (2) The essence of the Lord, described as the embodiment of untainted understanding.[17] (3) The highest form of understanding that is devoid of error or misunderstanding.[18] (4) The untainted, profound understanding imparted by divine intervention aimed at liberation.[19] (5) Crucial understanding connected to spiritual rest and liberation from worldly cycles.[20]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Describes knowledge that leads to liberation from sins, achievable through mastery over one's senses and ego.[21] (2) Another name for the Supreme Soul, representing ultimate understanding achievable through mind control.[22] (3) A state of understanding that arises from detachment and mindfulness, leading to tranquility.[23] (4) Pure Knowledge is a state of understanding that is free from attributes and duality, leading Jiva to comprehend Brahma and attain to true nature.[24] (5) Also referred to as Brahma, it is the ultimate understanding that transcends ignorance and is not confined to any form.[25]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An understanding imparted by the goddess that serves to alleviate the pains caused by phenomenals.[26] (2) The ultimate understanding of one’s essence that liberates from worldly desires.[27] (3) An enlightened understanding that transcends worldly ignorance and is essential for spiritual growth.[28] (4) The unblemished understanding of the universe, equated with Brahma, the divine creator.[29] (5) Pure knowledge is seen as superior, providing enlightenment and clarity that can guide one's actions toward liberation.[30]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The ultimate understanding that transcends ignorance and false perceptions of reality.[31] (2) An understanding that transcends sensory perception, achieved through spiritual insight or scriptural learning, allowing one to perceive the Supreme Self.[32] (3) The highest form of understanding associated with Vishnu, representing ultimate enlightenment.[33] (4) Spiritual understanding that elevates the soul beyond material concerns.[34] (5) An understanding free from negative emotions, recognized as essential for achieving spiritual advancement.[35]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A means by which one is released from all sins.[36] (2) The ultimate understanding that liberates an individual from sins and egoistic attachments.[37]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Knowledge that is free from impurities and attachments, signifying a state of enlightenment.[38] (2) A spiritual state or understanding anticipated during worship, closely associated with the divine essence of lingas.[39]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Pure knowledge is described as an aspect of the Supreme Brahman that is free from attributes and comprehensions.[40]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A form of understanding free from impurities and distractions, leading to truth and realization.[41]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The understanding that leads to final liberation, which King Nimi sought from the Devi, representing the highest form of spiritual attainment.[42]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Knowledge that is devoid of impurities and understood by those who are pure in spirit.[43]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A form of understanding and enlightenment that is free from impurity and is central to achieving Brahminhood.[44]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Pure Knowledge refers to the inherent consciousness that is untainted and absolute, highlighting the essential nature of the Atman.[45] (2) Knowledge that is free from impurities and misconceptions, representing the true nature of reality.[46] (3) Pure Knowledge is the essence of the Supreme Self, signifying a state of absolute understanding beyond modifications.[47] (4) The essence that is identified by the speaker as their true self, indicating a state of being devoid of any impurities or misconceptions.[48]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A state of being aware that is devoid of duality, subject and object, where the Self exists as a witness without attachments.[49] (2) Comprehensive understanding of Brahman achieved through processes of hearing and reflecting, leading to spiritual enlightenment.[50] (3) The ultimate understanding of Reality that transcends and terminates Nescience.[51] (4) Knowledge free from the disturbances of change, grief, and imperfections that defines the intelligent essence of the world.[52]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The state of Consciousness being clear and untainted, recognized from the beginning of existence.[53]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A state of understanding that is untainted by external impurities, allowing for a true realization of the self.[54]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) A state of uncontracted knowledge that the released souls maintain even when manifesting in different forms.[55]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The untainted understanding and wisdom present in the devotees, contrasting with their external appearance.[56] (2) Knowledge that is free from doubt and misconception, attributed to a true Vaishnava.[57] (3) Uncontaminated and true insights that arise in the hearts of living entities.[58] (4) A state of understanding characterized by eternal purity, associated with the Vaishnavas.[59]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Described as jnana, it is considered ineffective and lacking beauty if it does not incorporate devotion to Shri Bhagavan.[60]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A defining trait of the Lord's bodies, emphasizing clarity and enlightenment.[61]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Knowledge that is free from impurities, associated with the Lord's beatific nature.[62]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A means by which one can attain the Supreme Brahman, emphasizing understanding as a pathway to salvation.[63] (2) A means by which Renunciates shake off their sins, emphasizing the role of understanding and enlightenment in religious practice.[64] (3) Refers to the fundamental understanding or wisdom that serves as a necessary complement to actions in the pursuit of Dharma.[65]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The understanding and realization of the true self, free from impurities and distractions.[66]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Knowledge that is untainted and can be perceived through intuition and feeling, as described in the text.[67]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Jnana, representing the integral understanding and wisdom that is essential to the nature of God.[68]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) A state of mind untouched by worldly pleasures due to an understanding of self, allowing one to enjoy life without guilt.[69]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) This term correlates with pratibha, indicating a form of innate understanding that the cultured possess, allowing them to see the truth of everything.[70]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The essence of understanding that is replete with every form of bliss and represents the highest state of consciousness.[71]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The essence of Purushottama, implying a higher understanding free from ignorance and impurities.[72]
Jain concept of 'Pure knowledge'
In Jainism, Pure knowledge is seen as an untainted understanding detached from worldly distractions, represents the ultimate truth misrepresented by arrogance, and is a trait of the Blessed One reflecting enlightenment amidst societal chaos.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A characteristic attributed to the Blessed One, indicating his enlightened state amidst societal turmoil.[73]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Unadulterated understanding free from worldly distractions and impurities.[74]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The ultimate understanding that Jamali claimed to possess, but which he misrepresented through arrogance.[75]
The concept of Pure knowledge in local and regional sources
Pure knowledge encompasses untainted, holy insights rooted in truth and spirituality, often depicted in epics as Sivam. It signifies genuine understanding pivotal for spiritual growth and enlightenment, free from external distortions.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Knowledge that is untainted and holy, reflecting truth and spiritual insight.[76]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Knowledge that is untainted and genuine, referenced in the context of the epics describing it as Sivam.[77]