Significance of Spiritual attainment
Spiritual attainment is a multi-faceted concept across various traditions, notably within Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Purana. In Buddhism, it signifies progress in spiritual practice, leading to significant milestones like arahatship, while Vaishnavism emphasizes devotion and connection to the divine as a means to achieve higher states of consciousness. Additionally, Purana describes it as the pursuit of enlightenment through rituals and knowledge. Across these frameworks, spiritual attainment is consistently associated with achieving deeper understanding, awareness, and connection to the divine or true Self through dedicated practices.
Synonyms: Spiritual achievement, Spiritual realization, Spiritual enlightenment, Spiritual growth, Spiritual development, Transcendental experience, Enlightenment, Self-realization, Spiritual fulfillment, Transcendence, Spiritual awakening
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Spiritual attainment'
Spiritual attainment in Buddhism represents a journey of realization and understanding through dedicated practice, aiming for enlightenment, compassion, and wisdom, ultimately leading to liberation from suffering and higher states of consciousness.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, which includes insight, wisdom, and liberation from suffering.[1] (2) The higher states of realization that a bhikkhu may achieve, referenced in context with the Pali terms related to moral superiority.[2] (3) Goals or achievements in the spiritual realm that individuals aim for on their path to enlightenment.[3] (4) The levels of spiritual development that a Bodhisatta achieves, aiding in their understanding and practice of compassion and wisdom.[4] (5) The achievement of higher states of consciousness and understanding through meditation and practice in Buddhism.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The process of reaching higher states of understanding and wisdom, which includes achieving arahatship as mentioned in the stories.[6] (2) Achievements in the realm of spirituality, often resulting from diligence and mindfulness in practice.[7] (3) The levels of achievement reached in the pursuit of spiritual goals, such as enlightenment or liberation.[8] (4) The achievements or milestones reached in one's spiritual journey as a result of recognizing and acting upon true values.[9] (5) The progress or realization experienced in one's spiritual practice, which can include reaching higher states of understanding and insight, as discussed within the precepts for monks.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The achievements in spiritual development that result from dedicated practice, such as meditation and ethical living.[11] (2) A significant progression in one’s spiritual journey, here relating to the choleric Brother’s growth.[12] (3) The level of understanding and insight that a practitioner gains through meditation and spiritual practice.[13]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The levels of realization or progress on the holy path achieved by practitioners in Buddhism, leading to liberation from suffering.[14] (2) The process of reaching higher levels of understanding and fulfillment in religious or spiritual practices, particularly as related to the Arahats and Buddha.[15]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Levels of realization and understanding that arise from sincere spiritual practice, leading to greater happiness than ordinary pleasure.[16] (2) The highest levels of spiritual development and realization that individuals strive to achieve through their dedicated efforts.[17]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Accomplishments and milestones reached in one’s practice or understanding of Buddhist teachings.[18]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) A level of enlightenment or insight achieved by the Pacceka Buddhas, often denoted by significant names.[19]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The process of developing wisdom, compassion, and insight as one progresses on the path to enlightenment.[20] (2) The process of acquiring merit and virtues through the teachings and influences of Buddhas.[21]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) A subject of controversy regarding Queen Shrimala's level on the bodhisattva path and implications of female spirituality.[22]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) The text explores spiritual evolution, including the emergence of Buddhahood and rebirth among beings due to their actions and conditionings.[23]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Achievements in one's spiritual practice, such as attaining arahatship, which Nanda reached after becoming a monk.[24]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The progress and deep understanding achieved through meditation and the practice of Dharma, as exemplified by Master spyan snga.[25]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual attainment'
Spiritual attainment in Hinduism signifies the journey toward higher understanding of the divine or true Self, facilitated by practices like devotion (bhakti), knowledge, and discipline, ultimately aimed at liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The realization of one's spiritual goals, often associated with liberation and the understanding of one's true nature.[26] (2) The goal of the sage’s austerities and practices which connect him to divine energies.[27] (3) The achievement of higher knowledge, peace, and eventual liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[28] (4) The achievement of religious and moral goals within the framework of Hindu philosophy, often linked to the motherly figure.[29]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The goal of achieving higher states of consciousness and eventual liberation through diligent practice and adherence to one's duties.[30] (2) The goal achievable through Yogic austerities, emphasizing the pursuit of strength and clarity in practice.[31] (3) The realization of one's true nature and understanding of Brahman through knowledge, discipline, and renunciation.[32] (4) The realization and achievement of higher states of consciousness and virtue through dedicated practices and observance.[33]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The achievement of enlightenment or realization of one's true nature through disciplined practice.[34] (2) The achievement of higher states of being or enlightenment through the practice of mantras and rituals.[35] (3) The achievement of spiritual goals and the assimilation of sacred Mantras as conveyed by Agastya.[36]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Spiritual attainment is one of the many things that Lakshmi pervades.[37]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The myriad benefits and spiritual growth achieved through the devotion and worship of Rudraksha seeds.[38]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The achievement of higher states of consciousness, understanding, or liberation through sincere practices and devotion.[39]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The achievement of higher spiritual states through practices of devotion and wisdom.[40]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ultimate goal of Pandu’s strict practices and ascetic life, aiming for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[41]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The achievement of a higher state of existence or realization in a spiritual context.[42] (2) the process of reaching higher states of consciousness or divine places as described in the context.[43] (3) The achievement of a higher state of being or consciousness through practices such as bathing and devotion.[44]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The process of achieving spiritual goals, primarily through the practice of bhakti.[45] (2) The achievement of a high level of spiritual enlightenment or realization.[46]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The achievement of higher states of consciousness or realization of one’s true nature through devotion and practice.[47] (2) The accomplishment of reaching a higher level of connection and understanding with the divine.[48]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The achievement of higher states of consciousness and closeness to the divine through practice.[49] (2) The achievement of higher states of consciousness or realization through dedicated practice and devotion.[50]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The process of achieving higher states of consciousness and mastery in spiritual practices, as related to madhumati.[51]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The achievement of a higher state of connection with the divine through devotional practices.[52]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The act of achieving higher states of existence through spiritual practice and knowledge.[53]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The process or state of achieving higher understanding or realization of the divine or true Self, often obstructed by ignorance.[54]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Rituals must align with the spiritual progress and dispositions of worshippers, varying according to individual understanding.[55]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Referred to in Buddhism as progress made in spiritual practices, which can be impeded by illness.[56]
The concept of Spiritual attainment in local and regional sources
Spiritual attainment involves aspirations for deeper life understanding, personal growth, and enlightenment. Influenced by teachings like the Gayathri Mantra, it manifests in characters like Maji from 'Heat and Dust,' illustrating profound spiritual insights.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The higher level of personal and moral development that comes from love, compassion, and a vision of equality, as argued by the professor in 'The Pilgrim.'[57] (2) The achievements or progress made toward spiritual enlightenment and personal growth within a philosophical framework.[58] (3) Larry's spiritual attainments reflect aspirations towards a higher understanding of life, central to Maugham's themes.[59] (4) Goals related to personal spiritual development, referenced in connection to the Gayathri Mantra and teachings of Rishi Viswamitra.[60] (5) The spiritual experiences and capabilities of characters such as Maji in 'Heat and Dust', representing a deeper understanding of spirituality beyond superficial perceptions.[61]