Significance of Purification of minds
Purification of mind is a multifaceted process across various spiritual traditions that emphasizes cleansing one's thoughts, emotions, and intentions to achieve clarity and spiritual liberation. It involves deep meditation, adherence to yoga philosophy, and devotion, allowing individuals to align with spiritual practices and attain higher states of consciousness. Each tradition, including Purana, Yoga, Vedanta, Shaivism, Mahayana, and Theravada, highlights the importance of mental clarity and moral integrity as vital for spiritual growth and personal development.
Synonyms: Mental purification, Spiritual cleansing, Mental clarity, Mind purification
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Purification of minds'
Purification of mind in Buddhism involves cleansing thoughts and intentions to achieve clarity, overcome ignorance, and access higher states of consciousness, ultimately leading to spiritual enlightenment. It emphasizes moral faculties and practical guidance for mental refinement.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The state achieved when a person overcomes ignorance and negativity, leading to spiritual enlightenment and liberty.[1] (2) The state of the mind that has been cleaned of defilements (samklesha) and distractions, facilitating access to higher states of meditation.[2] (3) The process described in the text where the mind is cleansed through five moral faculties leading to the establishment of understanding.[3] (4) The process of cleansing one's mind from impurities and disturbances, necessary for achieving higher states of consciousness and understanding.[4]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The process of cleansing one’s thoughts and intentions to prepare for receiving the Dharma.[5] (2) The process of clearing one's thoughts and intentions to achieve clarity and understanding of the Essence of Mind.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The process of cleansing one’s thoughts and perceptions from unwholesome influences, as advised by Venerable Ananda.[7] (2) The process of cleansing the mental states, essential for higher spiritual development.[8]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The process through which a meditator clarifies and disentangles consciousness and mental activities from material phenomena.[9] (2) A key theme in the Visuddhimagga, which emphasizes practical instructions for the spiritual development and cleansing of thoughts and emotions.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The act of cleansing and refining one's thoughts and mental states.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Purification of minds'
Purification of mind in Hinduism encompasses refining thoughts through knowledge, meditation, and devotion, fostering internal clarity, moral integrity, and spiritual liberation, ultimately leading to a deeper realization of one’s true self and oneness with the Supreme.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The process of cleansing one's thoughts and understanding through yoga philosophy and other enlightening practices.[12] (2) An essential practice aimed at refining one's thoughts and feelings, stressed as crucial for personal development.[13]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A process where a Vanaprastha or sannyasin meditates deeply to realize the oneness with the Supreme, aiming for spiritual liberation.[14] (2) The process by which a person's mental impurities are cleansed, often through devotion and the remembrance of the Lord's qualities.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The process of cleaning or refining thoughts and desires through knowledge and understanding to attain a state of higher consciousness.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The process of cleansing one's thoughts and intentions, regarded as more significant than external bodily purifications.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The emphasis on maintaining mental clarity and morality as a vital characteristic esoteric to the Brahmana's teachings.[18]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The process of cleansing one's thoughts and intentions to align with spiritual practices.[19]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The process of cleansing one's thoughts and intentions through devoted worship of the Devi, leading to spiritual elevation.[20]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The process of cleansing the mind, referred to as cittashuddhi, which is conducive to the attainment of the good.[21] (2) A state that is attained through karma, allowing for clarity and the emergence of true knowledge.[22] (3) The state achieved by a spiritual aspirant after continuous contemplation, which is necessary for gaining discriminating knowledge.[23]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The process of cleansing one's thoughts and emotions to perceive the Self clearly.[24] (2) The process of cleansing mental impurities to attain clarity and realization of one's true self.[25]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The outcome of engaging in practices such as sacrifice, charity, and sense-control as described in the Bhagavad-Gita.[26]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A state of mental clarity and calmness, free from hate and distractions, conducive to spiritual contemplation.[27]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The process of removing evils and fostering a sense of cleanliness of mind, leading to internal purification.[28]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The process of achieving clarity and clean mental state through spiritual practices.[29]