Significance of Soul
Synonyms: Spirit, Essence, Psyche, Heart, Temperament, Character, Life force, Inner self, Mind, Consciousness, Anima
In Spanish: Alma; In Dutch: Ziel; In Finnish: Sielu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Soul'
In Buddhism, the Soul embodies spiritual essence, consciousness, and existence, serving as a concept distinct from physical attributes, while engaging philosophical debates about its nature, eternal qualities, and relationship with consciousness and matter.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) In the discourse, this term represents a concept that is denied by some views which assert that elements such as Colour and Cognition are not the Soul.[1] (2) A term referring to the spiritual essence discussed in both Buddhist and Vedantic thought.[2] (3) The entity that is viewed as eternal and conscious, according to the Advaita philosophy, and perceived through various illusory forms.[3] (4) In the context of this discussion, it refers to a fundamental idea related to consciousness and existence, akin to the arguments made about atoms.[4] (5) Another term for ‘Atman’ that must represent something different from physical elements like Body, Sense-organs, Mind, Intellect, and Feelings.[5]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A philosophical inquiry by the king, which Nagasena clarifies does not exist in the highest sense.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Soul'
In Hinduism, the Soul is viewed as an eternal, unchanging essence distinct from the physical body, governing life, embodying principles, and experiencing reincarnation through joys and sorrows, ultimately connected to a divine, universal spirit.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The indestructible essence that transcends the physical body and senses; it is apprehended by knowledge and the illumination of the mind.[7] (2) The eternal essence that sustains life, perceived as distinct from the physical body, and capable of existing independently of it after physical death.[8] (3) The soul is regarded as superior to the understanding and is the presiding chief over the senses.[9] (4) A term used to emphasize Bhimasena's commitment to his vows and principles.[10] (5) The Soul is described as the entity presiding over all objects without being connected to them, existing without beginning or end.[11]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to individual beings, or Pashus, as recognized in the spiritual context presented in the text.[12] (2) In this context, the soul is described as embodied beings' essence, which is ultimately united with Shiva, who is seen as the supreme spirit.[13]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) In this context, it pertains to the essence or innermost being of characters.[14]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Referring to purusha, signifying the individual or supreme soul.[15]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The essential life principle residing within all beings, governing existence and manifesting through the form of Brahma.[16]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The eternal and unchanging essence that is distinct from the physical body.[17]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The eternal essence of a being, which reincarnates and experiences suffering and joy throughout different lifetimes.[18]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The essence that is believed to be accompanied by the pranas during the life cycle of birth and death.[19] (2) The essence or spiritual aspect of an individual, which is portrayed as undertaking a journey through various realms, ultimately seeking reunion with the divine.[20] (3) The essence of a being that is believed to ascend after death, following the rays of the sun.[21] (4) Described as pure intelligence, inactive, changeless, and eternally emancipated, the soul is central to the discussion of purpose and realization within Sankhya.[22] (5) The immaterial essence of a person that is thought to persist after death, discussed concerning the fate of physical organs.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The spiritual component of a living being that departs from one body and transitions to another.[24]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The Personified Consciousness of all creatures, understood as the Self, that is immortal and all-pervading, like Akasha.[25]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The quintessence of the Individual, recognized as extremely minute and subtile.[26] (2) Described as being devoid of qualities, the Soul undergoes experiences and interacts with the aforementioned qualities, emphasizing the distinction between the essence and the qualities it experiences.[27] (3) Represents the heart and the navel; in the Upanishads, it refers to an all-pervading entity that resides within the heart.[28]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The essence of a person that, according to Vedic belief, is involved in spiritual practices and sacrifices.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The essence or true nature of an individual, which becomes pure through the process of meditation.[30] (2) The vitalizing and conscious principle of life that is considered separate for each being; fundamental in both Sankhya and Buddhist theories.[31] (3) The experiencer in the form of a ruler, distinct from the experience, and the entity that perceives joys and sorrows.[32] (4) Discussed in contrast to the First Principle, it is portrayed as an instrumental cause of character rather than material.[33]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The essence of an individual, which seeks emancipation from the bondage of worldly attachments.[34] (2) The innermost essence of the Alvar, which is described as being entangled with matter, reflecting the depth of the divine connection.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The spiritual essence of an individual, often associated with their inner self or life force.[36]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The soul is the vital essence from which the first man was fashioned; it is seen as the core of all vital airs.[37]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The essence or spiritual aspect of a being, distinct from qualities like Goodness.[38]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Mentioned as another instrumental cause of all things, but distinct from Space and Time in that it is not the container of all things.[39] (2) Refers to the vital or spiritual aspects of beings, which possess attributes such as Intellect, Pleasure, Pain, and Desire.[40]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) A spiritual concept mentioned in the context of trust and betrayal, emphasizing deep philosophical themes.[41]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Kshetrajna is identified as the entity that enlivens the body, synonymous with atma (self) and purusha (soul or person).[42]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The essence or spiritual being of a person, emphasized as a vital component in the context of the OM.[43]
Jain concept of 'Soul'
In Jainism, the Soul is the spiritual essence present in all beings, embodying their essence across various forms and experiences, and governs existence through right-belief, knowledge, and conduct.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The spiritual essence believed to be present in all living beings, central to Jain philosophy.[44] (2) The essence of a being that may inhabit various forms of bodies over time, experiencing different states of existence.[45]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Described in terms of its relation to the body, the text argues that the soul does not exist independently outside the body.[46]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The essence of a living being that is involved in the process of movement down.[47]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Described as the essence of a being, which governs the body through right-belief, knowledge, and conduct.[48]
The concept of Soul in local and regional sources
Soul embodies a divine essence within humans, representing love, strength, and beauty. It drives personal growth and seeks deeper connections and understanding, emphasizing the importance of fulfillment beyond mere material wealth.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The essence of the individual that is capable of creating both happiness and suffering.[49] (2) The essence of an individual, which is often in longing for connection and fulfillment beyond material wealth.[50] (3) Described as love, strength, fortune, and beauty, the soul is seen as eternally searching for upliftment and understanding.[51] (4) A divine fragment enshrined within each human, driving growth and expressing truth in life.[52]