Significance of Purusha
Purusha, in various philosophical traditions, represents the cosmic being or universal spirit that embodies the essence of consciousness and existence. In Hinduism, it is seen as the supreme spirit from which the universe is created, often associated with sacrifice. Different systems like Samkhya and Yoga view Purusha as the unchanging consciousness or self, distinct from the material world. Additionally, Ayurveda and other philosophies emphasize Purusha as the holistic integration of body and soul, highlighting its spiritual significance across various contexts.
Synonyms: Person, Individual, Man, Human, Soul, Spirit, Being, Self, Essence
In Dutch: Purusha
In Finnish: Purusha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Purusha'
Purusha in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations, including the cosmic being, spirit, and consciousness governing the universe. It symbolizes the eternal self, the primal man from whom creation emerges, and the ultimate reality beyond physical limitations.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The golden image referred to in the context of the Yajna, symbolizing the cosmic being.[1] (2) A term used to refer to Krishna, denoting his status as a divine person or cosmic being.[2] (3) The sentient entity, essential to the philosophical framework discussed, representing consciousness.[3] (4) The messenger of Yama who guides Nimi and explains the nature of sin and punishment.[4] (5) Individual spirits or conscious beings that arose from the interplay of Pradhana and Maya, tasked with experiencing reality.[5]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The figure of Shiva, who was mistaken by Indra for a mere Avadhuta.[6] (2) The second form of Shiva, presiding over objects of enjoyment and supporting attributes.[7] (3) In this context, it refers to the ultimate spirit or consciousness that is beyond the material world, described in Vedic texts.[8] (4) A term used to denote Lord Shiva as the great cosmic being and leader of gods, embodying ultimate reality.[9] (5) Purusha refers to the excellent, primordial being who created the visible universe while embodying both immanence and transcendence.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Supreme Man or cosmic person, representing the material cause of the universe in many Hindu philosophical systems.[11] (2) The Supreme Spirit, often associated with Krishna, reflecting completeness and beauty.[12] (3) The Inner Controller abiding in the body, serving as a basis and mirror reflecting the twenty-five categories.[13] (4) The principle of consciousness and knowledge that designates individuality in conjunction with Prakriti.[14] (5) The supreme cosmic person, often identified with the Virat form, encompassing all of existence.[15]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The enjoyer or the universal being, often associated with the form of Kshetrajna.[16] (2) The cosmic person or spirit that interacts with Pradhana, playing a key role in creation.[17] (3) The individual soul that presides over the principle of Mahat and the aspects of creation.[18] (4) An all-pervasive essence that is central to spiritual understanding, described as having no physical attributes.[19] (5) The supreme being associated with the creation and cosmic order, often linked to the identity of the Yaksha.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the Supreme Self or male essence, which is unified with the Devi; signifies the oneness despite perceived differences.[21] (2) The principle of consciousness and individual soul in Hindu philosophical context.[22] (3) The Lord of Sacrifices; a supreme being in the context of spiritual practices.[23] (4) The cosmic being or consciousness that witnesses the phenomena of the universe without being the doer.[24] (5) The spirit or consciousness that experiences and interacts with the material universe, dependent on the Goddess for creation and dissolution.[25]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The conscious self or individual soul that coexists with the Pradhana, representing awareness in the process of creation.[26] (2) Referring to the noble-souled being from whom the sage emerged, symbolizing creation and existence in the narrative.[27] (3) The cosmic being or universal spirit from which all forms of life and existence emerge, embodying the totality of creation.[28] (4) The cosmic being that lies latent in the universe, connecting various forms of life and embodying the essence of creation.[29] (5) The ancient, powerful, and unchanging aspect of the divine, often referenced in the context of adoration and reverence.[30]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term for man, which implies strength and the ability to confront enemies.[31] (2) The spirit or consciousness that is self-aware and distinct from Prakriti.[32] (3) The primordial person or cosmic spirit that transcends the physical universe and is an aspect of Narayana.[33] (4) Refers to the cosmic being or the underlying essence of the universe, associated with eternal and transcendent reality.[34]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) In the Samkhya philosophy, refers to the conscious self that exists independently of the physical body.[35] (2) The Spirit or the Knower in Samkhya philosophy, defined as being separate from Matter and unchanging in nature.[36] (3) In Samkhya philosophy, it refers to the Spirit, the eternal and self-conscious aspect of existence.[37] (4) In Samkhya philosophy, the pure consciousness or Spirit that observes and experiences the universe without influencing its material qualities directly.[38]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A cosmic entity that represents the essence of consciousness and creation.[39] (2) Refers to the cosmic being or consciousness, associated with enjoyment and worldly experiences.[40] (3) The divine person or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, often linked to creation and universal consciousness.[41]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The self, spirit, or ultimate knower in Samkhya philosophy, regarded as eternal and non-doer.[42] (2) The twenty fifth principle in Samkhya philosophy that is conscious but inactive, playing a crucial role in evolution when it interacts with Prakriti.[43] (3) In Hindu philosophy, the individual self or soul, seen as a principle that experiences happiness and sorrow.[44]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The formative consciousness that directs the union of elements in creation.[45] (2) The highest being or cosmic spirit, often associated with creation and the essence of the universe.[46]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The Supreme person, contemplated at Purushavata.[47] (2) The primordial being that remains pure and undecaying, ultimately merging back into the Supreme Soul.[48]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The concept of male being or the cosmic man, representing the primal essence of all creation.[49] (2) The eternal subjectivity that is the final state in the sequence from Nature.[50]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The first male power, known as Virat, manifesting in various forms that govern the universe.[51]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A term describing Lord Vishnu as the Universal being that transcends human traits.[52]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The original corporeal being who emerged from the egg of creation, symbolizing the primal man in the universe.[53]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A personage representing the mind that experiences pain and confusion within the forest of worldly life.[54]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The concept of the Self or individual consciousness that experiences life and reality, often discussed in philosophical contexts.[55] (2) The goal or purpose that influences the qualities of sensation and existence.[56] (3) The distinct entity for whom the mind exists; it is characterized as indifferent, not acting by combination, and differs from other objects.[57] (4) In the text, Purusha is described as conscious and inactive, and is used to illustrate the nature of certain characteristics that are ascribed to it.[58] (5) Purusha signifies a conscious entity or individual who experiences existence and evolution, associated with both knowledge and liberation.[59]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) A concept referring to the immutable master of the mind, representing pure consciousness that remains constant amidst the modifications of the mind.[60] (2) The individual soul, reflecting the buddhi (intellect) of the devotee, is realized through the understanding of God.[61] (3) The pure consciousness or the true self, which, when realized, leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[62] (4) The principle of consciousness in Sankhya philosophy that is attributeless and independent of prakriti.[63] (5) The concept of an individual consciousness or self, which is affected by karma and experiences but remains distinct from Ishvara.[64]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The primeval being known as the source of creation and existence, preceding the three worlds.[65]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) In contrast to Prakriti, Purusha refers to the individual self or soul, which Patanjali considered to be separate from Prakriti.[66]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The ultimate reality or self that transcends individuality, signified as the destination for all that seeks union and becomes devoid of parts.[67] (2) The ultimate reality or the eternal self, which is described as unconditioned and beyond physical limitations.[68] (3) Purushas are the representations of waking, dreaming, and sleeping states, illustrating different phases of human consciousness.[69]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The ultimate form of divinity; in context, refers to the body and characteristics of Parabrahman.[70] (2) In Samkhya philosophy, the term refers to the sentient essence, which is distinct from the insentient Prakriti.[71] (3) The conscious principle or individual spirit associated with existence.[72]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The primal man or cosmic being from whom all creation emerges.[73] (2) The Supreme of the supreme, representing the ultimate reality or consciousness in spiritual teachings.[74] (3) The universal spirit or consciousness, often distinguished from the individual self.[75]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The Purusha, or Cosmic Soul, signifies the universal spirit or consciousness that transcends the individual self and connects all existence.[76] (2) Purusha refers to a transcendent being or cosmic spirit signifying a universal essence, often depicted as having the size of a thumb.[77]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Represents the highest consciousness or the true self that exists beyond all conditions and forms.[78] (2) The fundamental source from which the oceans, mountains, rivers, medicinal plants, and tastes proceed.[79]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The term used to denote the self which burned all evils preventing the attainment of the highest status.[80] (2) Refers to the spiritual self or the infinite entity that exists beyond the limiting contexts of the body and mind.[81]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Purusha denotes the higher self or cosmic being, often referenced in the context of its small size yet vast spiritual significance.[82] (2) The all-pervading consciousness beyond the manifest universe, fundamentally changeless and eternal.[83]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The term used to refer to the Self, indicating purity and hidden presence.[84] (2) The term 'man,' as designated after the fifth oblation.[85]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The sentient being that is deemed inactive, with all activity attributed to Prakriti, as per Sankhya philosophy.[86]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The immortal entity that is greater than the Gayatri and represents the essence of all beings.[87]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A concept from Shruti text indicating a state of existence that is forever devoid of relations.[88]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The self that experiences the material world and its dual realities of pleasure and pain.[89] (2) The individual self that is enabled by the above-mentioned tattvas.[90]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) In Kashmir Shaivism, refers to a bound entity that experiences limitation and is associated with the five kanckas.[91] (2) The empirical self or the consciousness where individual souls reside, distinct yet interconnected with prakriti.[92]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A term referring to the cosmic being or the self, represented in various philosophical discussions within the Upanishads.[93]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The eternal, unchanging essence that is explained as being ubiquitous and capable of being perceived only through knowledge.[94] (2) The Cosmic Being or Supreme Self, transcending all physical existence.[95] (3) The Imperishable Hari, who manifested from the primal darkness and is depicted as the creator of the universe.[96] (4) In Vedanta and Sankhya philosophy, the Purusha represents the true self, consciousness, or spirit.[97]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The cosmic being or universal man, often identified with the essence of sacrifice, integral to Vedic thought.[98] (2) Represented as the supreme spirit or 'Person' from whom the universe is created, associated with sacrifice in the Purusha-hymn.[99] (3) Described as an entity associated with Agni, Arka, and Uktha, representing unity with these concepts.[100]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The formless consciousness, positioned against Prakriti in Samkhya philosophy.[101] (2) Refers to the aspect of Spirit or consciousness in the Samkhya philosophy.[102]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the original being from whom the world is created and in whom it is dissolved.[103]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A term referring to Shri Kshirodakashayi, indicating Bhagavan Shri Krishna in the context of the text.[104]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The concept of self-conscious organic individual in Ayurveda, representing the holistic integration of body and soul.[105]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) The self-conscious subjectivity that enters into the primal cause and evolves into the individual.[106]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term referring to the Soul or the principles mentioned which serve the higher purpose of existence.[107] (2) Purushas refer to two forms of existence mentioned by Vyasa: the Perishable associated with the material world and the Imperishable as the unchangeable essence.[108]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) An entity in Sankhya philosophy that is neither productive nor produced, characterized as having no attributes.[109]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A term used to define the principle of consciousness or the self in various Indian philosophies, specifically relating to existence.[110]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The Cosmic Man representing metaphysical principles in Vastu-Purusha-mandala, symbolizing unity of man and universe.[111]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The pure conscious agent that perceives the pratyaya belonging to buddhi, while remaining distinct from it despite the illusion of identification.[112]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A term referring to the cosmic being or universal consciousness, deemed superior to all material manifestations.[113]
Jain concept of 'Purusha'
In Jainism, Purusha is interpreted as a southern country, indicating a geographical or cultural significance within the belief system, rather than the more commonly understood philosophical meaning associated with self or spirit in various Indian traditions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A southern country mentioned within the text.[114]
The concept of Purusha in local and regional sources
Purusha signifies the cosmic spirit or higher self in Hindu and Vedic philosophy, embodying universal interconnectedness, individual consciousness, and the essence of existence, often represented in rituals like the Ashvamedha sacrifice.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The cosmic being or universal spirit according to Vedic philosophy, representing the interconnectedness of all existence across time and space.[115] (2) The cosmic spirit or the higher self in Hindu philosophy, often juxtaposed with Prakriti.[116] (3) The eternal essence in the individual that represents pure existence and consciousness.[117]
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) A divine being symbolically represented in rituals, notably associated with the Ashvamedha sacrifice.[118]
The concept of Purusha in scientific sources
Purusha, in the Atharva Veda, signifies an entity with spiritual importance within the physical body, while in Samkhya philosophy, it represents the consciousness or soul that engages with Prakriti to manifest the material universe.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) The comprehensive component of a person in Ayurvedic medicine, combining the body and the soul.[119] (2) The individual referred to in Ayurveda, emphasizing intrinsic characteristics that affect susceptibility to diseases.[120] (3) The subject matter of Ayurveda, constituted by the combination of Sattva, Atma, and Sharira.[121] (4) The human being or individual in Ayurvedic philosophy, representing the complex interactions of body, mind, and environment.[122] (5) Refers to the existence of a human being, which is said to derive from Rasa Dhatu.[123]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Refers to the human being or life form, whose creation is attributed to the combination of the five elements with Chetnadhatu (Atma).[124] (2) Refers to the individual self or soul, seen as a part of the universe.[125]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) In the context of Samkhya philosophy, it refers to the consciousness or soul that interacts with Prakriti to create the material universe.[126]
From: AYU (Journal of Research in Ayurveda)
(1) A concept from Atharva Veda representing a person as an entity residing within a physical body and having spiritual significance.[127]
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) The composite living being formed by six constituents in Ayurveda, including the physical elements and Atma.[128]