Significance of Secret

The concept of Secret is multifaceted across various traditions. In Arthashastra, it refers to confidential information between a king and a minister. Vaishnavism interprets it as hidden knowledge about Lord Balarama, emphasizing discreet communication and intimate moments. Purana highlights esoteric teachings and confidential expiation methods. Vedanta speaks of internal insights, while Dharmashastra focuses on undisclosed information. Theravada involves secretive teacher-student interactions. Additionally, Indian history reveals shocking truths and emphasizes personal growth through understanding the "secret" of self-belief and detachment.1
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Synonyms: Confidential, Hidden, Private, Mysterious, Internal, Concealed

In Dutch: Geheim; In Finnish: Salaisuus; In Spanish: Secreto; In German: Geheimnis

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Secret'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Secret" suggests a concept where teachers guide students to procure items like dresses and ornaments through discreet means, highlighting the importance of concealed actions and their moral implications regarding misconduct.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The manner in which the teacher requests his pupils to obtain the dresses and ornaments, emphasizing the notion of hidden actions as it relates to wrongdoing.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Secret'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Secret" encompasses confidential knowledge shared among trusted individuals, hidden spiritual insights aided by a Guru, and esoteric information about deities and practices, emphasizing its mystical, privileged, and sacred nature.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Information that is hidden or not revealed, specifically about the names of Lord Balarama.[2] (2) The hidden or confidential nature of Lord Balarama's patala, as indicated in the text.[3] (3) Refers to information that is concealed, suggesting its mystical or privileged nature.[4]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) gopana–refers to handling information in a discreet and hidden manner.[5]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Refers to the knowledge or information that is not widely known and is conveyed by Shrivasa.[6]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Referring to a moment of intimacy between the Lord and His consort, away from the public eye.[7]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) The confidential nature of the means of expiation that should not be disclosed to others.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Kaivalya Upanishad

(1) A subtle understanding that arises internally, potentially supported by a Guru, which represents deeper insights into spiritual knowledge.[9]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) Confidential information discussed among the King and his trusted Minister.[10]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Referring to the hidden nature of information that is not meant to be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.[11]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

The concept of Secret in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Secret" signifies profound truths and teachings in various contexts: understanding the universe, self-belief for achievement, the importance of detachment, familial revelations, and hidden knowledge that the author hints at but keeps from others.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The author is indicating that a specific piece of information should be kept confidential, implying that the matter is not intended for public disclosure or general knowledge.[12] (2) This refers to the ability to realize spiritual truths and bring them to society, which is a central aspect of religion and a critical part of the journey.[13] (3) Secret is something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others, and the whole secret of existence is to have no fear.[14] (4) This refers to a key principle, indicating the core element or crucial factor for achieving success, and a critical aspect of a particular endeavor.[15] (5) The secret of Advaita is to believe in yourself first, and then in anything else, which is essential for personal and national greatness.[16]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A hidden truth that Pasupati reveals about Dhanalakshmi being Sukumaran's mother, which confuses and shocks the boy.[17]