Significance of Spiritual attainment
Spiritual attainment, as understood in various contexts, encompasses a wide range of achievements. In Buddhism, it often refers to progress in practice, such as attaining arahatship. Vaishnavism sees it as achieving higher states of consciousness and divine connection. Purana views it as realizing spiritual goals through devotion and discipline. Theravada Buddhism defines it as milestones in a spiritual journey, including enlightenment and liberation. India's history sees it as personal spiritual development and higher understanding, open to all.
Synonyms: Spiritual achievement, Spiritual realization, Spiritual enlightenment, Spiritual growth, Spiritual development, Mystical attainment, Transcendental experience, Enlightenment, Self-realization, Spiritual fulfillment, Transcendence, Spiritual awakening
In Dutch: Spirituele verwezenlijking; In Finnish: Hengellinen saavutus; In Spanish: Logro espiritual; In German: Spirituelle Errungenschaften; In Swedish: Andlig prestation; In Malay: Pencapaian rohani; In French: Accomplissement spirituel; In Swedish: Andlig uppnåelse; In Portugese: Realização espiritual; In Italian: Realizzazione spirituale; In Polish: Osiągnięcie duchowe
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 encompasses progress in practice, leading to higher understanding, insight, and liberation. It involves achieving milestones like arahatship and enlightenment through meditation, ethical living, and the practice of Dharma, ultimately transcending suffering.
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: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This is a concept related to the second chapter of the book, and the focus is on confirmative visions that were interpreted as verifiable signs of the described state.[19] (2) The level of spiritual development or progress, and the miracles only manifest according to expediency, appearing to those of high spiritual attainment.[20] (3) Humanity is the focus here in a different sense; it is through offering services to mankind that the protagonists are able to demonstrate their spiritual attainment and usefulness, and as consequence their worthiness of canonisation.[21]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A set of eight attainments, necessary for a recluse's aspiration to be accomplished.[22] (2) Achievements in one's spiritual practice, such as attaining arahatship, which Nanda reached after becoming a monk.[23]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The process of developing wisdom, compassion, and insight as one progresses on the path to enlightenment.[24] (2) The process of acquiring merit and virtues through the teachings and influences of Buddhas.[25]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) The text explores spiritual evolution, including the emergence of Buddhahood and rebirth among beings due to their actions and conditionings.[26]
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.[27]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual attainment'
Spiritual attainment in Hinduism encompasses various practices, including devotion, wisdom, and rituals, aimed at achieving higher states of consciousness, enlightenment, and connection with the divine. It involves realizing one's true nature, often leading to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Spiritual attainment, specifically through devotional service, is presented as a gift from the divine, unattainable without divine distribution and grace.[28] (2) The achievement of a higher state of being or union with the divine, resulting from engaging with particular teachings or practices, suggesting a transformative journey.[29] (3) A very high qualification that usually takes lifetimes to achieve, but was attained rapidly by two individuals through a specific figure.[30] (4) It is a level of devotion and service that surpasses conventional measures, as demonstrated by the great personality.[31] (5) The process of reaching the highest level of spiritual growth, which involves liberation and service to the Lord, as highlighted in the text.[32]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Spiritual attainment is exemplified by the stage of prema, a state of bliss that can be achieved through serving holy places or, more directly, by touching Mathura.[33] (2) Spiritual attainment refers to the achievement of a higher state of consciousness or realization through dedicated spiritual practices, leading to profound transformation.[34] (3) The absence of prema, bhakti, yoga, jnana, and shubha-karma in the text indicates the importance of these practices for spiritual attainment and the speaker's perceived lack thereof.[35] (4) The achievement of a higher state of connection with the divine through devotional practices.[36]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Spiritual attainment refers to the realization of divine grace and eternal joy through devotion and adherence to the teachings, as evidenced by the experiences of Catakopan.[37] (2) The achievement of higher states of consciousness or realization of one’s true nature through devotion and practice.[38] (3) The accomplishment of reaching a higher level of connection and understanding with the divine.[39]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The achievement of a higher state of existence or realization in a spiritual context.[40] (2) the process of reaching higher states of consciousness or divine places as described in the context.[41] (3) The achievement of a higher state of being or consciousness through practices such as bathing and devotion.[42]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The process of achieving spiritual goals, primarily through the practice of bhakti.[43] (2) The achievement of a high level of spiritual enlightenment or realization.[44]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The achievement of higher states of consciousness and closeness to the divine through practice.[45] (2) The achievement of higher states of consciousness or realization through dedicated practice and devotion.[46]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Spiritual attainment is one of the many things that Lakshmi pervades.[47]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The myriad benefits and spiritual growth achieved through the devotion and worship of Rudraksha seeds.[48]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ultimate goal of Pandu’s strict practices and ascetic life, aiming for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[49]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) 'Spiritual attainment' is the realization of a higher state of being through practices such as worshipping intelligence as Brahman, leading to the achievement of desired outcomes.[50] (2) The act of achieving higher states of existence through spiritual practice and knowledge.[51]
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.[52]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) Spiritual attainment can be seen when one reaches the supreme non-dual state, yet may still be subject to lust and sexual activity, presenting a paradox between spiritual aspirations and worldly desires.[53]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Referred to in Buddhism as progress made in spiritual practices, which can be impeded by illness.[54]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This refers to the highest level of spiritual achievement, which the Buddha reached, as described in the provided text.[55]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This is achieved by raising the subtle vital energies of an individual and the environment through the performance of sacrificial rituals with medicinal ingredients.[56]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Rituals must align with the spiritual progress and dispositions of worshippers, varying according to individual understanding.[57]
The concept of Spiritual attainment in local and regional sources
Spiritual attainment encompasses achieving higher consciousness, understanding, and enlightenment, evident across diverse contexts. It involves personal growth, philosophical frameworks, and transcending social barriers. Characters and figures like Sri Aurobindo and Krishna exemplify this pursuit of spiritual advancement.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Rabindranath dedicated his first volume of spiritual verse “Naibedya” as a token of appreciation.[58] (2) The poetic vision and spiritual attainment of Sri Aurobindo have enabled him to perceive the character of Indian art.[59] (3) The process of achieving higher states of consciousness and understanding, a recurrent theme in Arundale's works.[60] (4) 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.'[61] (5) The achievements or progress made toward spiritual enlightenment and personal growth within a philosophical framework.[62]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Spiritual attainment is a goal that was open to all, irrespective of sex or caste, as promoted by Krishna, regardless of social differences.[63]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The Son of Anusaya is supreme among those who have achieved spiritual attainment, a status Tulsidas shares among Vaishnavas.[64]
The concept of Spiritual attainment in scientific sources
Spiritual attainment, as highlighted in regional sources, involves achieving a higher spiritual state, exemplified by Hyujeong's renunciation of his title for spiritual cultivation, with actions validating one's status.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) His focus on the utility of various types of expression for this is illustrated by examples of purposely puzzling sayings that reflect a fundamentally paradoxical view of reality.[65] (2) Spiritual attainment is the level of enlightenment or spiritual progress a monk claims to have achieved, and falsely claiming it is a serious offense.[66] (3) The achievement of a higher spiritual state, with acts often serving as evidence of the practitioner's status.[67] (4) This was prominently featured in the stele inscriptions, with Hyujeong relinquishing his title to continue his spiritual cultivation.[68]