Significance of Spiritual power
Synonyms: Spiritual strength, Spiritual energy, Spiritual force, Inner power, Divine power, Metaphysical power, Transcendent energy, Divine energy, Inner force, Mystical power, Sacred energy, Higher power, Spiritual might, Soul energy, Enlightenment, Cosmic energy, Mystical abilities, Spiritual gifts, Transcendent faculties, Magical abilities, Supernatural abilities, Divine abilities
In Dutch: Spirituele kracht; In Finnish: Henkinen voima; In Spanish: Poder espiritual; In Portugese: Poder espiritual; In German: Spirituelle Kraft; In Swedish: Andlig kraft; In Malay: Kuasa rohani; In French: Pouvoir spirituel; In Finnish: Hengellinen voima; In Polish: Moc duchowa; In Italian: Potere spirituale
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 power'
Spiritual power in Buddhism encompasses various extraordinary abilities. These include aiding sentient beings, arising from spiritual practice, and demonstrating enlightenment. It involves capabilities of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and others, often developed through meditation, and can be used to influence the spiritual realm.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Greed for spiritual powers can lead to being turned by them, underscoring the importance of detachment and proper use of energy rather than seeking personal gain.[1] (2) Is how Shakyamuni made distant places close, reducing all the myriad lands throughout the great trichiliocosm into a single one.[2] (3) The abilities cultivated by enlightened beings that assist in guiding and transforming the understanding of their followers.[3] (4) The ability to perform extraordinary acts and influence positive change in the dharma realm derived from deep meditative insights into emptiness.[4] (5) The innate ability developed through practice that facilitates spiritual breakthroughs, as seen in Matangi's daughter's transformation.[5]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Spiritual power is the strength that Earth Store Bodhisattva possesses, which is used expansively for the benefit of beings, helping them overcome suffering.[6] (2) The extraordinary abilities and influences of a Bodhisattva to aid and protect beings.[7] (3) The innate ability of enlightened beings, such as Bodhisattvas, to influence the spiritual realm and assist suffering beings.[8] (4) The extraordinary abilities that may result from deep spiritual cultivation, exemplified in the actions of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas.[9] (5) The extraordinary abilities possessed by the Thus Come One and Bodhisattvas, enabling them to aid sentient beings.[10]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) The divine strength attributed to the Buddha and Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva used to assemble and protect beings.[11] (2) The divine capability attributed to enlightened beings, allowing them to impart wisdom and guidance, as demonstrated by the Buddha in this passage.[12] (3) Inconceivable abilities attributed to Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva that allow him to aid and protect sentient beings.[13] (4) Extraordinary abilities that help beings achieve liberation and happiness.[14] (5) The abilities that the Earth Goddess Prthivi claims to possess, which she uses to protect individuals from various forms of harm.[15]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) Supernatural abilities possessed by the Arhat, allowing him to interact and inquire about the young Bodhisattvas in the narrative.[16]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The innate abilities that advanced spiritual beings possess, which allow them to perform extraordinary feats and understand deeper truths.[17]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A means by which one mounts through space, leaving the sorrow-bearing vessel of the body and dispelling the gloom of doubt with bright rays of wisdom.[18] (2) The capability of the lord of the world to transport himself and the congregation across the river, representing the passage from this world to Nirvana.[19] (3) The inherent ability that Buddha demonstrates, drawing upon his past lives to articulate the origins of his career in virtue and enlightenment.[20] (4) The miraculous abilities exhibited by Buddha, showcasing his enlightenment and potential to teach profound truths.[21] (5) The ability to transcend worldly limitations through meditation and moral practice.[22]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) What happens when the replica takes over this associated with the original and supersedes it, thus taking on the persona of the original itself?[23] (2) The dharani is said to be endowed with great spiritual power, and if good people preserve and preach it, all unwholesome ghosts, gods, dragons, yakshas, humans-yet-not-humans, and so forth, will not be able to harm them.[24]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Abilities beyond the ordinary that are often developed through meditation and spiritual practices in Buddhist traditions.[25] (2) Powers or capabilities that are often believed to arise as a result of intensive meditative practices in Buddhism.[26] (3) Abilities developed through spiritual practice, enabling individuals to perform various extraordinary acts or attain insights.[27] (4) Supernatural abilities attributed to the figures in the text, including the ability to perform miraculous acts.[28] (5) The potential for extraordinary feats and meditative accomplishments; referenced when U rgyan pa was challenged to demonstrate his abilities.[29]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Spiritual powers (bala) are mentioned as one of the elements, highlighting their importance in spiritual development and the path to enlightenment.[30] (2) Higher abilities, or abhinna, that allow practitioners to transcend ordinary human experiences and achieve extraordinary feats.[31] (3) Refers to magical powers or supernormal abilities that can be developed through deep meditation and concentration.[32]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The extraordinary capabilities of Venerable Upavana derived from his past life as a guardian spirit and his later practice as an arahat.[33]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Refers to the divine abilities attributed to the Blessed One, illustrating the respect and awe that characters in the text express towards him.[34]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual power'
Spiritual power in Hinduism encompasses blessings from deities, divine abilities gained through worship, and the capacity to influence reality through practices like yoga. It manifests as strength, insight, and transformative energy, attainable through devotion, penance, and connection with sacred objects and places. It is also the power of the divine.
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The mystical abilities that accompany Vishnu, symbolizing his divine authority and strength.[35] (2) The advanced abilities achieved through deep meditation and understanding of Brahman that allows interaction with different realms of existence.[36] (3) Abilities acquired through Yoga and mental culture to create and govern various creatures.[37] (4) The abilities or virtues acquired by a person who listens to the Bharata with devotion and a controlled mind.[38] (5) The energy or strength gained through spiritual practices, enabling individuals to attain higher states of consciousness.[39]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This refers to Durvasa's ability to perceive future events, indicating a supernatural capacity and the source of his influence.[40] (2) Atri, of high austere virtues and great spiritual powers, accepted the gifts from the king without any breach of propriety.[41] (3) The strength derived from spiritual practices, which the Muni claims protects them from the fear of death.[42] (4) Brahma refers to the spiritual or divine capabilities of a Brahmana, contrasting the martial prowess of Kshatriyas, highlighting the theme of spiritual strength over physical might.[43] (5) Refers to the abilities of Dvaipayana (Vyasa) to understand and foresee events, indicating a connection to divine insight and wisdom.[44]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) This refers to the inner strength and influence that strengthens both the body and mind, which is a central theme in the princess's transformation.[45] (2) The ability or force derived from the soul that transcends physical existence.[46] (3) The energy gained through devotion, allowing the sage to rise toward the sun.[47] (4) The abilities or faculties possessed by the spirit that govern bodily actions and sensations.[48] (5) Greater abilities believed to reside within the divine compared to the mental capabilities of the mind.[49]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The true source of strength exemplified by Shri Vasishtha, contrasting with Vishvamitra’s physical might in the narrative.[50] (2) The divine energy and capabilities that are attributed to ascetics and sages, which can be affected by curses and blessings.[51] (3) The immense inner strength that the Rishi Agastya utilized to defeat the demons.[52]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The powers that can be achieved by men through the holy centre Siddhatirtha.[53] (2) The beneficial abilities and effects derived from engaging with holy centres, such as gaining worldly pleasures and achieving salvation.[54] (3) The strength that allowed Dadhici to attract gods and defeat powerful Daityas and Danavas.[55]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The inherent quality attributed to the work that contributed to its commercial success in Marathi.[56] (2) The inherent energy and influence associated with spiritual teachings and practices, capable of inspiring and motivating individuals.[57]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The inherent divine energy associated with sacred beings or texts that can influence the material and spiritual realms.[58]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Sri Lakshmi Devi is the Plenary aspect of the Spiritual Power of the Lord, and the relation of the Spiritual Power to the Supreme Lord is indivisible.[59] (2) The essence of Godhead that is distinctly different from material energy, governing and uplifting bound jivas toward realization.[60] (3) The divine force guiding actions and events, often allowing or restricting perceptions and understanding.[61] (4) The intrinsic force that enables the Divine to manifest in the material world while remaining untouched by its imperfections.[62]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The inherent force believed to exist in sacred objects and places that can influence the divine and material world.[63] (2) The inherent sanctity and transformative energy found within the narrations of Krishna which aims to eradicate sinful reactions.[64]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Cakra-tirtha is said to possess spiritual power due to its creation by the touch of the Lord's Sudarshana-cakra, offering purification.[65] (2) The divine influence attributed to the actions and blessings of the higher spiritual beings, as described in the text.[66]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Abilities or capacities granted to individuals as a result of their devotion and relationship with the Lord.[67] (2) The influence and effectiveness that the Holy Name possesses to transform the heart and mind.[68]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The intrinsic divinity and strength associated with the idols enshrined in the temples that could be threatened by the Cola king's actions.[69]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The inherent strength and capabilities derived from devotion to God that protects devotees from harm.[70]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The supreme ability of Lord Gauracandra to bestow mercy freely upon all beings, transcending their individual worthiness.[71]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The strength gained through Gopa-kumara's chanting, which allowed him to rise to a higher position.[72]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This refers to a yogi's ability to achieve a higher state of consciousness, which is linked to the quality of sleep.[73] (2) Spiritual powers are believed to be possessed by Mantras, which are words or sounds in Sanskrit that practitioners believe have psychological and spiritual powers.[74]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Adhyatmavidastatparasya translates to who have full knowledge of the spiritual power and devoted to it.[75] (2) The impact of Yoga and Naturopathy creates positive attitude and strengthens it.[76]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The extraordinary abilities granted to Naravahanadatta, allowing him to endure and conquer adversities.[77] (2) The supernatural strength exhibited by Manorama in her quest to rescue her husband, Sudarshana, from wrongful punishment.[78]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) This refers to the divine representatives of the Brahman, which is mentioned in the text as Agni and Indra, as well as Mitra and Varuna.[79] (2) A force attributed to the Purohita that enables the destruction of enemies and elevation of relatives through the act of sacrifice.[80]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Power that is stored within Yantras, significant in esoteric worship.[81] (2) The motivating force behind the construction of significant religious edifices, which embodied the beliefs and values of the culture.[82]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The remarkable abilities or influence attributed to beings such as the Pitris, which is highlighted to argue their importance in rituals.[83] (2) The merit acquired by the Religious Student through various kinds of knowledge, which can be diminished or lost due to immoral acts.[84]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The inherent force that is believed to influence the spiritual landscape and consciousness, particularly in the context of Indian philosophy.[85]
The concept of Spiritual power in local and regional sources
Spiritual power, as described, encompasses various supernatural abilities, transformative experiences, and inherent strengths linked to religious figures, practices, and beliefs. It involves capacities like performing miracles, influencing the natural world, and achieving higher states of being. It also reflects inner energy, divine influence, and the capacity for moral guidance.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) These assist man in conquering and controlling the forces of nature, leading to thorough knowledge and supremacy over the universe.[86] (2) The excerpts decipher the spiritual power of India, which is relevant to “the reconstruction of India’s national life for its larger fulfilment in the future.”[87] (3) The fund of power and guidance that the younger figure's resplendent gaze and youthful appearance gathered around him.[88] (4) This is a direct power, or soul value, that provides a poem with its true existence, which has no theological undertones but reflects the same meaning as Tate's term for aesthetic essence.[89] (5) Spiritual power is emphasized by the Hindu, who does not say that physical force should not be used, and the ideal Brahmin is to use spiritual force against physical violence even for self-protection.[90]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text refers to spiritual powers as being quickly developed by Westerners who practice religion.[91] (2) This is the strength of the priest, which can quench the despotic royal will, and is used to influence others.[92] (3) A force that comes from the teacher, and it is what is needed for the teacher to be a transmitter, which is essential for spiritual growth.[93] (4) This is gained by transforming animal energy into Ojas, and is essential for those who seek to become spiritual and understand their connection to a higher power.[94] (5) The capacities associated with the spiritual realm, which the individual is wished to have ever on the increase.[95]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A capacity possessed by Tuka that allowed him to bring the Lord of Vaikunth into presence, amazing those around him with his devotion.[96] (2) Tulsidas demonstrated spiritual power by having a stone bull eat an offering.[97] (3) The child possessed remarkable spiritual powers allowing him to carry out thoughts and wishes instantly, control his mind, and utilize blessings that had immediate effects.[98]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) At noon the Arhat, by his spiritual power, stretched forth his hand and concealed the sun, signaling the genii to drop the relics into the stupas.[99] (2) This refers to the ability of the Tathagata, indicating that he used it to help ananda, highlighting his supernatural capabilities.[100] (3) The power that permitted the Arhat and other Buddhist figures to perform miraculous acts or attain enlightenment.[101] (4) Qualities attributed to the image of the Deva within the temple, suggesting its importance to the local worshippers.[102] (5) The ability of Mudgalaputra to manifest in the sun's disc to receive worship.[103]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Buddha's ability that allowed him to pierce the rock and comfort Ananda, illustrating his mastery over physical limitations.[104] (2) Buddha's ability to influence the natural world and facilitate the conversion of beings.[105]
The concept of Spiritual power in scientific sources
Spiritual power, as defined by regional sources, encompasses two aspects. Firstly, it involves interactions with supernatural entities for medicinal knowledge. Secondly, it includes the belief that specific rituals can enhance blessings sought by parents during conception.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Spiritual power for the community is mystically linked to the body and personality of the traditional leader, which the traditional leader passes on to the people.[106] (2) Through spiritual power and the co-construction of Mazu culture, the collective memory of the ethnic group is linked with the local identity, connecting worshippers with their distant hometowns.[107] (3) A g urukkal is, therefore, not only a teacher, but also a medium through whom spiritual power is transmitted according to the information provided.[108] (4) The text indicates that dolls or ningyo as material items endowed with spiritual power have been regarded as something magical and spiritual.[109] (5) The spiritual power that holds the center between God and the material world in the sense of Philo is a possible meaning of the Logos, which is ruled out, according to Barth.[110]
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) The best is what assures the highest development of the spiritual powers of the earth, reshaping notions of personhood, action, and growth.[111] (2) Plaskow does not see female exemption as the result of their spiritual richness, but calls their quietness, or 'behind-the-scenes' role, as the otherness of women.[112]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) A power that iTaukei healing narratives revealed that healing is related not only to knowledge but also to the unseen existential that only healers/elders are able to access.[113]
Classical concept of 'Spiritual power'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) The loftiest rank was something, and this primacy originated not in men becoming bishops, but in their possessing those faculties which have been repudiated by the Churches.[114]