Significance of Salvation
Salvation, according to Vaishnavism, emphasizes spiritual liberation and fulfillment through devotion to the Supreme Lord. It involves realizing truth, chanting holy names, and adhering to practices that promote virtues and meditation. Salvation is achieved through acts of piety and the observance of rituals, including visiting sacred sites, which liberate individuals from the cycle of birth and death. Various philosophical schools, including Vedanta, Shaivism, and Yoga, further elaborate on salvation, highlighting its significance in attaining ultimate liberation and union with the divine.
Synonyms: Deliverance, Redemption, Liberation, Release, Safety
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Salvation'
In Buddhism, Salvation signifies liberation from rebirth and the attainment of nirvana. It involves achieving enlightenment through Dharma understanding and accumulated merit, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation and joy in the presence of the Buddha's light.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The state achieved by individuals who, upon seeing the usual light of the Buddha, find joy and move toward enlightenment.[1] (2) The state of being saved or liberated, particularly in a spiritual context.[2] (3) The liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death, attainable through various means.[3] (4) Salvation (yogakshema) in the context of Buddhist teachings, means liberation from the cycle of rebirth, encompassing the attainment of nirvana.[4]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The liberation and enlightenment achieved through understanding the Dharma.[5]
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) An ultimate state of liberation that can be attained through the merit accumulated over previous lives.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Salvation'
In Hinduism, Salvation signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, attained through devotion, virtuous living, and worshiping deities like Vishnu and Shiva, ultimately leading to eternal bliss and union with the divine.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual practices, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[7] (2) A state achieved by devotees who pilgrimage to Kedara and perform requisite rites.[8] (3) The deliverance from the cycle of birth and death, attainable through the remembrance and devotion to Krishna, particularly emphasized in the final moments.[9] (4) The spiritual liberation available to those who have no desires, as mentioned in the context of bathing and worship.[10] (5) The liberation that can be attained through the worship of the divine at the holy spot of Aruna.[11]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death, attainable through merit and faith.[12] (2) The liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which is the ultimate goal of many spiritual practices and is particularly emphasized through the observance of Mokshada Ekadashi.[13] (3) The ultimate liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth and death, achievable through devotion to Vishnu.[14] (4) A central theme in the text, illustrating the ultimate goal of the king and Hemangi's journey and spiritual practices.[15] (5) The ultimate goal of performing specific vows and acts of devotion as described in the text.[16]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) The ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death, a key aspiration for the devotees frequenting the holy centre.[17] (2) The spiritual liberation attained by worshipping the Sun god and following prescribed rituals.[18] (3) The ultimate goal of spiritual progress, ensuring release from the cycle of birth and death.[19] (4) The ultimate goal of a devotee who seeks liberation from sins and miseries, which can be attained through devotion and rites performed at holy places.[20] (5) The release from the cycle of birth and death, which is attained through devotion and righteous actions.[21]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) A state of liberation and release from the cycle of birth and rebirth, which the devotees aspire to achieve.[22] (2) The spiritual liberation that can be achieved through the worship and devotion to Shiva.[23] (3) The liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, often associated with attaining union with the divine.[24] (4) The state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death, often sought after through devotion and righteous living.[25] (5) The spiritual attainment promised to those who listen to the pious narrative with pleasure.[26]
From: The Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal aimed for by individuals participating in the rituals and worship associated with the holy centres.[27] (2) A state that bestows immortality, which is superior to the enjoyment of worldly pleasures.[28] (3) The ultimate goal that the characters seek to achieve through acts of piety and compassion.[29] (4) The ultimate liberation that one can achieve by visiting the holy centre Vanisangama and remaining pure.[30] (5) The ultimate spiritual goal that even great sinners may achieve through the grace of the Ganga.[31]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ultimate spiritual liberation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death, sought through virtuous living.[32] (2) The act of being saved or delivered from distress, which Draupadi provided to the sons of Pandu.[33] (3) The spiritual state that is questioned in the context of actions and their consequences.[34]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The ultimate goal achieved by the horse after listening to half a verse from the Gita.[35] (2) The ultimate spiritual goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achievable through devotion and righteous living.[36] (3) Refers to the liberation from the cycle of rebirth, a state highly valued in the teachings shared in the text.[37]
From: The Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The liberation from the cycle of birth and death, a desired outcome in Hindu beliefs.[38]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) The ultimate liberation that is said to be unattainable through worldly means, but can only be achieved through renunciation.[39]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The liberation from the cycle of birth and death attained through the realization of self.[40] (2) The ultimate release from the cycle of life and death, achievable through the knowledge of tattvas.[41] (3) The ultimate goal of the practices described, achieved by mastering the eight subtle parts of yoga.[42] (4) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, achieved through wisdom and non-dual awareness.[43]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The state of being saved from harm or evil, often in a spiritual or moral context.[44] (2) A state or condition of being saved or protected from harm, often in a spiritual or religious context.[45]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ultimate liberation or union with the divine, often equated with attaining immortality.[46]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss, often with spiritual or religious connotations.[47]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The spiritual liberation or deliverance one seeks, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Lord in mind.[48] (2) The ultimate liberation and happiness attained by realizing the truth and serving the Supreme Lord.[49] (3) The holy name will confer on its chanters salvation and ‘Dvaya’ would likewise procure salvation.[50] (4) The ultimate spiritual liberation and fulfillment that is attained through devotion to the Deity.[51] (5) The spiritual attainment achieved through loving meditation on Tirukkannapuram and the practice of virtues.[52]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The ultimate goal of chanting the holy name; emphasized as unattainable without adherence to this practice.[53]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual practices, achieved by understanding and meditating on Paramashiva, leading to liberation from worldly suffering.[54] (2) The ultimate benefit or goal associated with preparing Bhasma through any of the four methods, as mentioned by Bhagavan Kalagnirudra.[55]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal referred to in the Bhagavadgita, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and death, aligning with principles of Kashmir Shaivism.[56]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The deliverance from hell or suffering, which is a central theme associated with the birth of a son.[57] (2) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice and life stages, representing liberation from worldly attachments.[58]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The ultimate goal for individuals within the orders, often referred to as liberation from the cycle of life and death.[59]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) In Buddhism, it refers to two types of liberation: Nirvana (jivanmukti) which pertains to liberation during life, and Parinirvana (videhamukti) relating to liberation after death.[60]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The state achieved when one transcends bodily identification and the cycle of birth and death.[61]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The spiritual liberation or freedom from the cycle of rebirth obtained through devotional practices.[62]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) The ultimate goal in many Indian philosophical systems, often achieved through devotion or ethical living.[63]
The concept of 'Salvation' in local and regional sources
Salvation signifies spiritual liberation achieved through devotion and divine grace, representing the ultimate goal of spiritual practice that frees one from the cycle of birth and death.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, signifying liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[64] (2) Spiritual liberation or deliverance often sought through devotion and the grace of God.[65]