Significance of Sovereign

The concept of Sovereign varies across texts like Arthashastra, Purana, Vedanta, and Mahayana. In Arthashastra and Purana, it denotes a king or ruler, emphasizing authority and leadership, with cultural implications for figures like King Vishvamitra and Rama. Vedanta highlights sovereignty as supreme authority aligned with cosmic unity, while Mahayana explores it as ultimate power linked to liberation. Overall, Sovereign signifies the recognized authority in different cultural and philosophical contexts.1

Synonyms: Independent, Supreme, Self-governing, Ruler, Monarch, King, Queen, Emperor, Leader

In Dutch: Soeverein; In Finnish: Suvereeni

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

Buddhist concept of 'Sovereign'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Sovereign" signifies ultimate authority, often linked to the concept of Ishvara, and represents supreme power found in the state of unhindered liberation, highlighting the intricate relationship between power and spiritual freedom.

Significance of Sovereign in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Buddhacarita

(1) A term indicating ultimate power or authority, which is debated in the context concerning Ishvara.^[1]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Describes the supreme authority or ultimate power represented by the unhindered liberation.^[2]

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 'Sovereign'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Sovereign" signifies ultimate authority akin to a king, encompassing rulership, freedom to act, cosmic unity, and recognition of leadership, as highlighted through figures like King Vishvamitra and the people's desire for Rama's governance.

Significance of Sovereign in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki

(1) A supreme ruler, particularly a monarch who holds ultimate power and authority.^[3] (2) A title used to refer to King Vishvamitra, indicating his royal authority.^[4] (3) The role that the people desired Rama to assume as their ruler, showing their admiration and loyalty towards him.^[5] (4) Another title for a king, acknowledging his authority and leadership over his people.^[6]

From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)

(1) The ruler or authority in a given context; the text emphasizes that freedom to act is essential regardless of who that authority may be.^[7]

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 of Sovereign in Vedanta (school of philosophy):

Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) An individual who recognizes their supreme authority and unity with the cosmos.^[8]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) A person who holds supreme authority or power, particularly in a political or hierarchical context.^[9]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) A term that refers to the ultimate authority of the Lord, analogous to a king who governs based on the actions of his subjects.^[10]

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 Sovereign in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):

Arthashastra Books

From: Hitopadesha (English translation)

(1) A term used to describe a king or ruler being discussed in the story.^[11]

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.

Last Updated: 26 October, 2024