Significance of Self and body

The keyphrase "Self and body" explores various philosophical perspectives in different Indian traditions. Jainism questions whether the soul and body are distinct or one. Vaishnavism emphasizes their roles in spiritual practice. Vedanta illustrates the connection between the essential self and the physical body, while Nyaya examines the relationship between consciousness and materiality, with the Carvaka school suggesting they are identical, while others argue for their distinction. Each tradition offers unique insights into this complex relationship.

Synonyms: Self, Individuality, Identity, Physique, Form, Body, Being, Corporeal self, Soul, Ego, Essence, Anatomy

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

Buddhist concept of 'Self and body'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the concept of Self and body challenges the idea of a lasting self, illustrating the interdependence of physical form and mental experience, and underscoring the transient nature of existence.

Significance of Self and body in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Buddhacarita

(1) The concept that challenges the notion of a permanent self, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body and mind.^[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Self and body'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Self and body encompass the conscious self's relationship with the material body, distinguishing between views of unity and separation, while highlighting the essential self's expression through physical manifestations in spiritual contexts.

Significance of Self and body in Vedanta (school of philosophy):

Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The relationship between the individual's essential self and the physical body, illustrating how the Self operates through physical manifestations.^[2]

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) The distinction made in philosophy to explain the relationship between individual consciousness (Self) and its physical manifestation (body).^[3]

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 of Self and body in Nyaya (school of philosophy):

Nyaya Books

From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)

(1) The relation between the conscious self and the material body, with the Carvaka view asserting that they are identical, while opposing views argue that the self is distinct and separate.^[4]

Nyaya refers to a school of Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. The Nyaya philosophy is known for its theories on logic, methodology and epistemology, however, it is closely related with Vaisheshika in terms of metaphysics.

Significance of Self and body in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The components of an individual that are offered in the context of spiritual friendship or practice.^[5]

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 of Self and body in Kavya (poetry):

Kavya Books

From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)

(1) Discussion about the difference between the insentient body and sentient soul, underscoring the transient nature of physical existence.^[6]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance of Self and body in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) Represents the individual's physical and spiritual aspects that participate in the sacrificial understanding and practice.^[7]

Jain concept of 'Self and body'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the concept of Self and body involves examining whether the soul is an independent entity or if it is intrinsically linked to the physical body, prompting a profound philosophical exploration of existence and identity.

Significance of Self and body in Jainism (general):

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) The philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, questioning if the soul and body are one or distinct entities.^[8]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Last Updated: 04 October, 2024