Significance of Spiritual realization
Spiritual realization, in various traditions, refers to the profound understanding and enlightenment achieved through dedicated practice, meditation, and teachings. In Tibetan Buddhism, it encompasses insights related to the Great Seal, deep comprehension of spiritual truths, and transformative experiences realized by practitioners. Similarly, other spiritual paths like Vaishnavism and Vedanta emphasize understanding one’s true self and connection to the divine. Overall, spiritual realization signifies the culmination of sincere devotion and effort leading to higher states of awareness and unity with the universal truth.
Synonyms: Spiritual awakening, Enlightenment, Self-discovery, Transcendence, Self-realization, Mystical experience, Spiritual insight, Awakening, Illumination, Nirvana
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 realization'
Spiritual realization in Buddhism encompasses a transformative journey towards enlightenment, achieved through meditation, teachings, and dedicated practice. It results in profound insights, understanding of spiritual truths, and liberation from suffering, signifying deep spiritual awakening.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A profound state of understanding or enlightenment that arose in Rgyal ba rin po che after being blessed by Lord spyan snga.[1] (2) The process of achieving a deeper understanding or awakening within one's spiritual practice, often leading to enlightenment.[2] (3) The attainment of a deep understanding and insight into the nature of existence and consciousness, achieved through dedicated practices like a secret mantra.[3] (4) An important concept throughout the text, indicating a deep understanding and transformation as experienced by various monks and masters.[4] (5) A state of achieving a deep understanding and insight in the context of spiritual development.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The transformative understanding and insight that occurs as a result of receiving blessings and engaging in practice, leading to liberation from suffering.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The understanding attained by arahants through the supermundane paths that transform one’s life and nature, often associated with entering Nibbana.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual realization'
Spiritual realization in Hinduism encompasses understanding the divine essence, recognizing one's true self as an eternal servant of God, and transcending material consciousness through devotion, meditation, and connection with the Supreme, ultimately leading to liberation and enlightenment.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) This is the ultimate achievement of the sannyasis through their devoted practices, leading to an understanding of higher spiritual truths.[8] (2) The attainment of true understanding of the self and its relationship with the divine.[9] (3) The understanding and experience of spiritual truths and the divine, especially in relation to Krishna.[10] (4) The process and outcome of understanding and experiencing the true nature of reality and the Supreme Lord.[11] (5) The process of attaining knowledge and understanding of the Supreme Being and the true nature of reality.[12]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The process of attaining understanding and vision of the divine, cultivated through devotion and introspection.[13] (2) The profound understanding and experience of one's true nature as an eternal servant of God.[14]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The understanding and experience of one's true spiritual nature and relationship with the Supreme Person, attained through the practice of bhakti-yoga.[15] (2) The understanding and experience of one's true spiritual nature and connection with the divine, often achieved through bhakti.[16]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The profound understanding and awareness of spiritual truths that leads to transformative experiences during devotional activities.[17]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A profound understanding or enlightenment attained through dedicated meditation and chanting.[18]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The ultimate goal for jivas, achieved through the mercy of Krishna and His devotees, allowing a return to the knowledge of their eternal nature as servants of God.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate goal of the paths described in the Bhagavata Purana, which leads to union with the Supreme.[20] (2) The process of attaining a deep understanding of the divine nature of existence and the underlying reality beyond illusion.[21]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Spiritual realization is the deep understanding and internalization of spiritual truths and principles, which requires meditation and genuine practice beyond mere intellectual learning.[22]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The achievement of insight into the Atman or self that occurs during the last stages of the Kali Yuga despite earlier moral and societal degradation.[23]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The understanding and connection to the divine that one can attain through specific devotional practices, as demonstrated by King Khadgabahu.[24]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The attainment of profound understanding or awareness of one’s true self in relation to the divine, considered the ultimate goal in the teachings of the Gita.[25]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The outcome desired by devotees through the worship of Vishnu, aiming for the ultimate truth.[26]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The process of acquiring wisdom, innocence, and silence necessary for understanding the Supreme Reality.[27] (2) The moment of understanding or perceiving one's true self as Turiya after negating relatable phenomena.[28]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The understanding and remembrance of one's true nature beyond physical and emotional identities.[29] (2) The deep understanding of spiritual truths, which Shankara attained through Govindapada.[30]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The understanding that leads gods and goddesses to turn away from Vedic rituals and instead seek a deeper spiritual connection through the recitation of Om.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The attainment of true understanding regarding the nature of the Self and Brahman, leading to liberation from ignorance and worldly suffering.[32]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The pursuit of understanding and achieving a connection with the divine or higher existence, often reflected in the lifestyle of ancient Indian sages.[33]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) The understanding of one's place in the universe and one's relationship with the divine, emphasized throughout the sacred cento.[34]
The concept of Spiritual realization in local and regional sources
Spiritual realization encompasses understanding one's divine essence and connection to the divine across various traditions, including Sri Aurobindo's poetry, Sufism, Chinese art, and Buddhist practices, ultimately aiming for union with the Supreme.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The understanding and recognition of one's connection with the divine, as expressed in Tagore's rejection of asceticism in favor of active engagement with life.[35] (2) A deep understanding of spiritual truths which Swami Vivekananda conveyed through his teachings, as a result of his personal experiences and meditations.[36] (3) The awakening or understanding of deeper truths about existence and consciousness, typically achieved through meditation and devotion within Buddhism.[37] (4) The understanding and awareness of one's spiritual essence and connection to the divine, often expressed in the context of Sri Aurobindo's poetry.[38] (5) The ultimate goal of overcoming obstacles to achieve a divine union with God, as interpreted through various stories and symbols.[39]