Significance of Spirit
Synonyms: Soul, Essence, Energy, Attitude, Morale, Character, Psyche, Ghost, Supernatural being, Specter, Apparition, Life force, Shade, Sprite
In Swedish: Anda; In Dutch: Geest; In Finnish: Henki; In Spanish: Espíritu; In German: Geist; In Malay: Semangat; In French: Esprit; In Italian: Spirito; In Polish: Duch; In Portugese: Espírito
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Spirit'
In Buddhism, "Spirit" connects to identity, consciousness, and survival after death. It's a non-physical essence, the location of desires, unaffected by change. It is also considered a sentient faculty, like consciousness, and can be equated with the soul.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) This is considered to be of the nature of both Exclusion and Inclusion. It is like the Serpent in the coiled and other forms.[1] (2) The spirit is examined regarding its purpose in actions like creating the world, questioning why it performs such acts, as highlighted in Kamalashila’s commentary.[2] (3) The text refers to this as the Soul, and it is of the nature of both states.[3] (4) One of the things of which Buddha is cognisant as an omniscient being.[4] (5) The spirit is used as a comparison to primordial matter, with the suggestion that primordial matter should have sentience, like the spirit, if it has intellect.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The Spirit, who was once the king's chaplain, experiences both heavenly glory and suffering, with the suffering resulting from his past actions of taking bribes and giving false decisions.[6] (2) An entity identified as Satagira in the Jataka tale, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings in the cycle of rebirth.[7] (3) A spirit dwelling in the top of a cotton-tree saw a bird voiding banyan seeds and became terrified.[8] (4) The Master identifies himself as the spirit who was present during the past, connecting the story to his own identity.[9]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Entities from whom Amara could not keep her actions secret, even if she could conceal them from men.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) According to the passage, numerous spirits, like mountain spirits and sea spirits, promised to protect cultivators until they attain Bodhi, safeguarding them from any demonic forces.[11] (2) Spirits, like Vajra-powerful lords, cannot sit in the presence of the Buddha and must stand instead.[12]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) These are beings, both good and bad, that can aid individuals who possess real merit, resolving difficulties and providing unseen support.[13]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Spirit, also known as jiva, is refuted, reinforcing the concept that there is no enduring, autonomous entity as understood by some.[14]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This term appears in the context of debates on the survival of death, suggesting the investigation of concepts related to consciousness.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Spirit'
In Hinduism, Spirit is the fundamental, eternal reality, compared to the cosmic ego, and is the true nature of the soul. It is beyond duality, the source of existence, and manifests to spiritualists, illuminating the world. The Spirit is linked to both the self and the heart, and can be associated with alcoholic beverages.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) It fills the infinite vacuity from all eternity and has no form except that of vacuum. The supreme one is not distinct from the elevations and depressions in a painting. It is the only absolute existence.[16] (2) The Atman was next conceived as the Spirit which is described as air, atma and anime.[17] (3) The spirit is the one entire unit, the only real entity, always calm and quiet, without beginning, middle, or end, and beyond positive and negative.[18] (4) In the understanding of the ignorant, the world appears as apart from the spirit; but to the intellectual soul, the vacuity of the intellect.[19] (5) This is described as being without any unevenness, and it is in this state that the world presents itself to view, implying that all things are equal in the essence of God.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Beings that walk during the midnight hour, along with every power that revels then.[21]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) It is an entity that existed in the beginning alongside with Nature, initially detached, but later desiring creation and dividing itself into three parts.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Those who reside in the home, which is also immortal and free from fear, and is reached by those who have sought the Self, as described in the text.[23] (2) Alcoholic beverages or intoxicants that are often prohibited for certain religious practitioners.[24]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) According to the text, Spirit is greater than Hope and everything is fastened to the Spirit, much like spokes are fastened to the nave of a wheel; this Spirit moves by its own energy.[25] (2) Something that springs from the Self, indicating a fundamental aspect of existence originating from the ultimate source.[26]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) This is a concept proposed as the source of both man and diseases, acquiring merits and experiencing the consequences of actions, according to one perspective.[27] (2) The spirit with its attributes is dependent on the heart, and the ten great-rooted arteries are crucial for carrying the vital essence, supporting the body's functions, and sustaining all embodied creatures.[28]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is considered to have high percentage of alcohol content, as mentioned in the text.[29]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The spirit is enabled to escape from the same number of different hells through the ten days’ rites, and gradually a new body with all its members has been created.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The force that can be compared to mahat, which is mentioned in the Book of Genesis, as moving on the face of the waters, representing the cosmic ego-sense.[31]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Spirit is described as the substance of mind and matter and the Reality, from which all Appearance is fashioned by Its Power.[32]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Dry scholars engage in speculating over this and the soul, aspiring for liberation through understanding the Gita's literal meanings.[33]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The spirits, gods, deities, seasons, Stomas, Prishthas, and metres abide on the day the moon comes to this world.[34]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Spirit rests in Its own nature after the difference between Matter and Spirit has been duly perceived, according to some, who believe this to be Deliverance.[35]
Jain concept of 'Spirit'
In Jainism, "Spirit" encompasses both intoxicating beverages and ethereal beings. The virtuous abstain from the former, while the latter, including various celestial and demonic entities, are subject to cyclical rebirth.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) These are the spirits that walk the air, who, along with the Rakshasas, the dwellers in Yama’s world, the troops of Asuras and Gandharvas, and individual beings, will all be born again and again.[36]
From: Naladiyar
(1) Intoxicating beverages that the faultless virtuous do not drink, considering them to be things they reject.[37]
The concept of Spirit in local and regional sources
"Spirit" is multifaceted, encompassing the non-physical essence of a person, the soul, and a divine connection. It represents unchanging, eternal reality, driving force, and the source of profound knowledge, love, and unity. It is contrasted with matter, and is the focus for spiritual growth.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) It is believed to exist apart from flesh and can communicate with mortals, sometimes even being of a high grade and assisting mankind, though the undeveloped ones are believed to communicate most easily.[38] (2) In matters related to it, people from a specific region are considered the instructors, while in practical affairs, they should learn from others.[39] (3) The text describes how Prof. Max Müller's learning and philosophy have led him to the realization of the Spirit, implying that true knowledge should guide one towards spiritual understanding.[40] (4) An entity that needs to be quickened by an external impulse from another soul.[41] (5) The essence of the self, which is a unit and not matter, and it is what man truly is, as the body changes and grows.[42]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The spirit is an essence that the speaker does not know, even while partaking in what is provided, indicating a lack of deeper understanding.[43] (2) In translation, the champions of free translation argue that their faithfulness is to the spirit and not to the letter, but faithfulness to the original in letter is essential.[44] (3) The "spirit" is described as original and integrated into each unit of matter that we are able to see and perceive.[45] (4) The spirit perceives order in the indiscipline of chaos, suggesting an inherent ability to find structure and meaning in disorder.[46] (5) An entity that Khanna believed could not fully tame Pravin's untrained hands in drawing.[47]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The monkey boy offered the biggest pumpkin to these entities.[48] (2) Spirits, referred to as bongas, were believed by the king of the jackals to have shaved his tail.[49] (3) The essence of individuals after their death, which, according to Santal beliefs, transforms into different types of supernatural entities.[50] (4) The essence of the boy that the bonga girl takes away with her after his death, indicating a connection beyond life.[51] (5) Supernatural entities that the woman observes after the Jugi blesses her eyes, including bongas, bhuts, dains, churins, and souls of dead men.[52]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This refers to the soul, the non-physical essence of a person, the life force.[53] (2) Spirit refers to the nonphysical part of a person, associated with feelings, character, and soul, as the provided text indicates.[54]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The text notes that the greater part sacrifice to the "spirits", revealing a prevalent religious practice involving offerings and devotion to supernatural entities or deities.[55] (2) Entities or deities to whom a few people in the Tuh-ho-lo country pay their adoration.[56]
The concept of Spirit in scientific sources
In this context, "Spirit" denotes the mice's overall mood and behavior. Researchers meticulously documented the mice's "Spirit" as part of their daily observations. It served as a key factor in the experiment's assessment of the mice's well-being.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Transcendental beings, often invoked in magical practices, that are sometimes synonymous with souls or can be categorized as demons or angels depending on the context.[57] (2) Entities that Wu and Xi communicate with, and are a key element in determining whether someone is a shaman, with the ability to give power to make rules in particular fields.[58] (3) Spirits are supernatural entities believed to inhabit objects, plants, and animals according to animistic beliefs, distinguishing animism from other spiritual traditions where spirits may exist independently of physical bodies.[59] (4) The Spirit is described as enabling Ignatius to speak with “the voice of God,” exposing secrets, and declaring words through him to urge the Philadelphians to unite around the bishop, thus presenting Ignatius as a prophet through whom the Spirit speaks.[60] (5) Spirits, along with cultivation technique, immortals, and ordinary people, are Taoist elements in the art of the bedchamber, emphasizing its reflection of the secularization of Taoism.[61]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) Spirits have a relationship with the afterlife, and the ability to perceive them is omitted from Dehlawi's account.[62] (2) The text mentions the spirit as one of the qualities among stations, such as determination and patience, in spiritual development.[63] (3) In the New Testament, it is a human Prophet, so Jesus had predicted the coming of a human Prophet (spirit) after him and not the Holy Spirit.[64]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) The text indicates that narrow technical-minded accessibility does not serve the interests of those concerned if it is not in line with the spirit of fundamental accessibility, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach.[65] (2) The text references spirits production in relation to the HACCP certificate, branding activities, and support through the National Rural Development Programme, demonstrating that spirits are a key agricultural product.[66] (3) It is a value with a rate of 4.21 at UTCB and UPT and a sample average of 4.18. It is a factor for engineers-to-be.[67]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) An acronym for Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials, where The Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) Figure is for the schedule of enrolment, intervention, and assessments.[68] (2) Spirits are a type of alcoholic beverage, and the study found that spirits drinkers had higher BMI compared to never drinkers of spirits.[69]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) Spirit, referring to the general condition or demeanor of the mice, was recorded daily as part of the experimental observations.[70]
Classical concept of 'Spirit'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) Now he issues from the father in spirit as revealer of the mystery of which he alone has ever had an inner view, and Jesus is described in Pistis Sophia as passing through the twelve signs of the zodiac.[71] (2) It is a typical character in Revelation who is not otherwise identified, offering the tree and waters of life.[72] (3) The spirit is the result of the transformation of the human soul, exemplified by Osiris who had to be reconstituted to rise again as the spirit that never died, signifying the ultimate form of existence.[73] (4) The spirit might ascend in a chariot of cloud through a dense column of smoke, achieved by kindling a fire on the grave of the deceased.[74] (5) Spirit is the essence that quickened and transformed the mummy Osiris into the risen sahu, the unleavened bread into the leavened, and the water into wine, according to the provided content.[75]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) Spirit is a being, and Isis esteemed the millions of spirits of more value.[76] (2) The spirit refers to an essence used to work with, located in the heart, suggesting its role in the process of creation and foundation-laying.[77] (3) "Spirits" are among the denizens of heaven, and in the Book of the Dead, their number is stated to be four million, six hundred and one thousand, two hundred.[78] (4) The gods of the later predynastic period developed from the multitude of spirits, both good and bad, in whom the most primitive Egyptians believed.[79] (5) Intangible entities or forces, believed to be possessed by both humans and gods, and considered essential for life and power.[80]
From: The Book of Am-Tuat
(1) The Spirits, also known as KHU, are the fourth group of four bearded gods in the abode of Osiris, distinct from the Kings of the South and North and the HETEPTIU.[81] (2) They are one of the subjects described in the writings and drawings of the Hidden Palace, along with souls, gods and shadows.[82]
From: The Book of Gates
(1) Equipped to travel both in heaven and upon earth, regularly and unceasingly, achieved by making a copy of specific representations and knowing them.[83] (2) The spirits are present in the secret Circle of Amentet, where KHEPERA joins with Ra, and they cry out over the representations of AKERT.[84]
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) The spirit is one of the parts of man's economy that is not confined to the tomb for eternity, as illustrated by the pictures of the soul and the shadow passing through the tomb's door.[85]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) Spirits are entities to whom cakes are offered, and it is wrong to carry off these cakes, indicating a belief in the existence of non-corporeal beings and the importance of honoring them.[86]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) May be a tolerably well way to render khu; the pyramid texts show us that the khu’s of the gods lived in heaven, and thither wended the khu of a man.[87]
From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell
(1) The object of the visit of AFU-RA is to assign thrones to the Spirits who are pure, according to the text.[88]
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) The spirits of the dead and the living partake in the spiritual natures of the material offerings, which are absorbed into their bodies.[89] (2) The text mentions opening the way at the head of the KHU (or, Spirits), and letting him stand at the head of the Spirits.[90] (3) This is a state or form that an entity is intended to become through possessing certain oils. The recitation speaks of making an entity this through possessing the oils.[91] (4) The object of making passes before the statue of the dead, or his mummy, was to give a place in the fore-front of the company of the KHU, or "Spirits", in the Other World.[92]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) The camel is seen as an animal deficient in spirit, which leads man to believe he can control and dominate the creature.[93] (2) The spirit of the Hound remains strong despite his physical decline, as he asserts that his inner resolve is unchanged even though his body is weakened by age.[94]