Significance of State of ignorance
The State of ignorance, as outlined in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, encompasses a lack of awareness and understanding that leads to misconceptions about life, reality, and the true self. This condition results in negative actions, duality perception, and cycles of rebirth, obscuring the path to knowledge and liberation from suffering. Ignorance impairs recognition of Brahman's true nature and the individual's eternal self, perpetuating confusion and limiting spiritual growth across multiple disciplines, from Purana to Vedanta and beyond.
Synonyms: Unawareness, Lack of knowledge, Ignorance, Oblivion, Innocence
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'State of ignorance'
In Buddhism, the State of Ignorance signifies a lack of awareness about reality, resulting in suffering and attachment to concepts, hindering true understanding and contributing to the cycle of existence in the Wheel of Becoming.
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A condition of lacking knowledge about the true nature of reality, leading to attachment to concepts rather than direct understanding.[1]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A condition characterized by a lack of knowledge or awareness, which is essential to the process of forming various states of suffering and existence in the Wheel of Becoming.[2]
Hindu concept of 'State of ignorance'
In Hinduism, the State of ignorance signifies an individual's misidentification with transient attributes, obscuring their true Self. This lack of awareness leads to misconceptions about reality, suffering, and perpetuates cycles of rebirth, hindering understanding of non-duality and Brahman.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A condition in which the true nature of reality is obscured, leading to false perceptions in both dream and waking states, preventing the recognition of the mind's identity with the ultimate Reality.[3] (2) The condition in which individuals misapprehend the nature of reality, resulting in a failure to realize their true self.[4] (3) The condition of unawareness about the true nature of reality, leading to the false perception of the universe's existence.[5] (4) A condition from which illusions and duality are perceived, obscuring the understanding of unity with Brahman.[6] (5) A condition of unawareness that obscures the understanding of truth and ultimate reality.[7]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The condition in which the true nature of Brahman is not realized, leading to misconceptions about liberation.[8] (2) The condition of being unaware or uninformed about the true nature of bliss, requiring the use of inference.[9] (3) A condition in which a person fails to recognize the true nature of the Self, leading to misconceptions.[10] (4) The condition wherein the individual mistakenly identifies with their transient physical and mental attributes, rather than the eternal Self.[11] (5) A condition characterized by a lack of understanding or awareness that reflects the internal organ's modifications.[12]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A condition in which one's understanding is clouded, resulting in the perception of the Finite.[13]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The lack of awareness or understanding that limits the recognition of the true nature of the Self.[14]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) A condition where the mind is covered with sleep, lacking awareness and perceivable knowledge.[15]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to a condition where individuals lack knowledge or awareness, leading them to believe they are knowledgeable.[16]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) This contrasts with a state of perfect knowledge, highlighting a lack of awareness in Profound sleep compared to the state of Samadhi.[17]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A condition in which a being lacks awareness or understanding, leading to misconceptions about life and death.[18] (2) An unawareness that obscures one’s true self and leads to cycles of rebirth.[19]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A condition that Brahma addressed with Duhsaha, indicating a lack of awareness or understanding that leads to negative actions and consequences.[20]
From: Padma Purana
(1) An attribute of beings that hampers their understanding of truth and leads to suffering.[21]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) The lack of knowledge, particularly regarding chemical practices in traditional medicine, that affects practitioners of Ayurveda in contemporary times.[22]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A condition where one is unaware of their true self, resulting in identification with the material world and leading to confusion.[23]
The concept of State of ignorance in local and regional sources
The "State of ignorance" denotes a lack of awareness that fosters prejudice and discrimination, concepts that Gandhiji vehemently opposed, underscoring the importance of education and understanding in combating societal injustices.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A lack of awareness or understanding that leads to prejudice and discrimination, which Gandhiji strongly opposed.[24]