Significance of Supreme Brahman
Supreme Brahman in Hinduism is regarded as the ultimate reality or consciousness that serves as the foundation of all existence. It is acknowledged across various philosophical schools, including Vedanta, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism, where it represents a source of creation, maintenance, and destruction. This concept is often associated with attributes of being unchanging, infinite, and beyond duality. Supreme Brahman embodies the highest spiritual truth, guiding seekers toward enlightenment and the understanding of the self in relation to the universe.
Synonyms: Absolute reality, Ultimate reality, Transcendental being, Supreme being, Infinite consciousness, Universal spirit, Absolute, Highest self, Paramatman
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Supreme Brahman'
In Buddhism, Supreme Brahman represents the ultimate essence recognized by Yogins through their disciplined minds, facilitating their journey toward Prosperity and the Highest Good, highlighting a spiritual truth transcending ordinary perception.
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The essence that is perceived by Yogins with aided minds, leading to Prosperity and Highest Good.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Supreme Brahman'
Supreme Brahman in Hinduism embodies the ultimate reality and consciousness, being the source of all existence, characterized by pure bliss, transcending duality, and sought through spiritual practices, representing the essence of divinity.
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or consciousness that transcends all forms.[2] (2) Krishna as the ultimate reality and source of all existence.[3] (3) The ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy that a practitioner seeks to realize through spiritual discipline and self-control, transcending all dualities.[4] (4) The ultimate reality or consciousness in Hinduism, into which the self-controlled sage absorbed himself.[5] (5) The ultimate reality or truth in Vedic philosophy that Dhruva aspires to understand and connect with through his ascetic practices.[6]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, from which all beings emanate.[7] (2) A term denoting Shiva as the ultimate reality, independent and transcendent, who is the essence behind all existence.[8] (3) The ultimate, transcendent spirit recognized in many Indian philosophies, often associated with purity and enlightenment.[9] (4) The ultimate reality of which the lore is ignored by Mena’s daughter.[10] (5) The ultimate, unchanging reality in Hindu philosophy that devotees strive to understand through meditation.[11]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The ultimate reality that Sage Galava meditates upon during his ascetic practices.[12] (2) The ultimate reality and source of all existence, equated with the essence of Vishnu in the text.[13] (3) The ultimate principle in the universe, which devotees aspire to realize through good conduct and faith.[14] (4) The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit that Krishna is recognized as in the context of the teachings.[15] (5) A title given to the Purusha, representing the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy.[16]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) The ultimate principle in Vedic philosophy, often represented by the syllable that encapsulates profound spiritual truths.[17] (2) The ultimate reality in Vedic philosophy, described as undecaying and cosmic, superior to all forms of knowledge and existence.[18] (3) The ultimate reality or consciousness that is identified with the soul and is distinct from the body.[19] (4) The Supreme Brahman is described as imperishable, eternal, unborn, and mighty, embodying the single consciousness and supreme being in philosophy.[20] (5) The ultimate reality or source of all existence in Hindu philosophy, worshipped in the unique twenty-five compartment formation.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ultimate reality or entity that encompasses all aspects of existence.[22] (2) The ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, signifying the transcendent and formless absolute.[23] (3) The ultimate reality that Mahadeva embodies, declared by the Vedas.[24]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The supreme and indestructible being that is the ultimate reality.[25] (2) The ultimate reality that is beginningless and endless, beyond the dualities of existence and non-existence.[26] (3) The ultimate reality and source in the spiritual philosophy, often regarded as the most sacred.[27]
From: The Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The ultimate unity that Yogins aim to achieve through their practices.[28] (2) The ultimate reality or universal spirit in Hindu philosophy, which the Yogin aims to unite with through meditation.[29] (3) Refers to the ultimate reality or consciousness that Yogins aim to connect with through practices like dharana.[30]
From: The Brahma Purana
(1) Para Brahman, the ultimate realization which transcends material existence, characterized by pure consciousness and knowledge.[31] (2) The ultimate reality or divine consciousness that one aims to merge with during deep meditation.[32] (3) The ultimate reality or absolute principle that encompasses all existence, often identified with divinity in the text.[33]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit that is devoid of duality, from which Prakriti (nature) emanates.[34] (2) Denotes the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, glorified by the goddess.[35]
From: The Linga Purana
(1) The ultimate reality and ultimate goal of yogic practice, which a yogin can realize by overcoming obstacles.[36] (2) The ultimate reality or absolute spirit, in which Siva may also be understood to exist.[37]
From: The Anugita
(1) The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, representing the essence of everything.[38]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy that individuals can attain through righteous actions and devotion to Savitri.[39]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The highest aspect of Brahman, representing ultimate reality and consciousness.[40]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit with which the goddess is identified, embodying truth.[41]
From: The Garuda Purana
(1) The ultimate reality that one should contemplate to realize the self of God.[42]
From: The Brahmanda Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or absolute in Hindu philosophy, closely associated with Mahadeva.[43]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The ultimate reality or truth in the context of the investigation, as opposed to the conditioned self, which is seen as more limited.[44] (2) The highest principle or ultimate reality that all beings emerge from, live by, and ultimately return to.[45] (3) The ultimate reality or the highest spiritual principle that is directly indicated through the agent and the act but cannot be directly denoted by words.[46] (4) The highest reality in Advaita philosophy, which is non-different from the knower and cannot be understood as an object of knowledge.[47] (5) The ultimate reality that has been defined as real, knowledge, and infinite as per the Upanishad.[48]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The Supreme Brahman is described as pure, absolute, infinite, motionless, and changeless, representing the ultimate reality and existence without a second.[49] (2) The ultimate reality that is replete with the current of the nectar-like Bliss of the Self, beyond expression and conception.[50] (3) The ultimate reality that is the essence of the universe, characterized as pure, the One without a second, and the source of all knowledge.[51] (4) The ultimate reality or absolute Self, characterized by being imperishable and devoid of any change or multiplicity.[52] (5) The ultimate reality or absolute consciousness in Hindu philosophy, considered as the source of all existence.[53]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate, unchanging reality that transcends the dualistic nature of existence, as interpreted through the teachings of both the Mundaka and Katha texts.[54] (2) The ultimate reality or absolute truth in the context of the discussion about the names Ahar and Aham.[55] (3) The ultimate reality or absolute truth that the meditator seeks to comprehend as identical with oneself.[56] (4) The ultimate, indivisible, and eternal principle in Vedanta, into which all Pranas and elements dissolve.[57] (5) The ultimate reality or absolute being in the philosophical context, which is formless, of the nature of intelligence, and homogeneous.[58]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The highest state of being that an individual can identify with, according to the texts.[59] (2) The Supreme Atman, the bright, immortal Person who encompasses both the celestial (superphysical—Adhidaiva) and corporeal (Adhyatma) regions.[60] (3) The Supreme Brahman is the highest reality that is changeless, unique, and without beginning, cause, or effect.[61]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ultimate reality or the highest cosmic spirit sought by seekers of Brahma-jnana.[62] (2) The highest spiritual reality which is meditated upon through the Great Ineffable Name.[63] (3) The ultimate reality or God, acknowledged as the highest being that transcends all others.[64]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to Aniruddha, who is praised as the ultimate reality or highest divinity, encapsulating the divine attributes that transcend ordinary understanding.[65] (2) The ultimate, all-encompassing reality represented as Brahman in various spiritual teachings.[66] (3) The ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, transcending all existence and comprehension.[67]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The ultimate reality or the highest spiritual truth that one seeks to realize; central to the philosophy discussed.[68] (2) The ultimate reality that is devoid of conditions and the source of all existence, described as immutable and unchanging.[69] (3) The ultimate realization of Brahman, identified with the heart in the text.[70]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit that is the source and essence of all existence, which Shvetaketu is encouraged to understand.[71] (2) The ultimate reality or spiritual essence that the meditators seek unity with through meditation.[72]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate reality which is defined as Real, Consciousness, and Infinite.[73] (2) The ultimate reality or the highest state to which the liberated soul becomes identical, emphasizing non-duality.[74]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The ultimate, unblemished entity characterized by qualities like omnipotence and omniscience, known solely through Scripture.[75] (2) The concept of the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit highlighted in Vedanta teachings, representing the cause of the universe and distinct from non-sentient matter.[76]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The ultimate, all-pervading reality that is meditated upon and recognized in one's heart.[77]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The Supreme Brahman refers to Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the ultimate reality and remains awake while Jivas experience deep sleep or pralaya.[78]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The ultimate reality or truth that is worthy to be known, indicating that there is nothing beyond it, and represents the highest form of knowledge.[79]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ultimate reality or consciousness in the universe, characterized as fearless, eternal, and all-knowing.[80]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ultimate reality that cannot be apprehended through the senses, requiring grace or wisdom for true realization.[81]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The highest reality that is imperishable and actionless, embodying truth and supreme existence.[82]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The ultimate reality or consciousness, of which Gaurasundara is an embodiment.[83] (2) The ultimate reality or absolute being in Vedantic philosophy, recognized as the source of all existence.[84] (3) The ultimate reality present in the form of a linga, symbolizing divinity at Ekamraka.[85] (4) The ultimate reality and source of all existence, directly associated with Nityananda and referred to as Krishna.[86] (5) The ultimate reality and source of all existence, symbolized by Lord Vishnu in the context of the text.[87]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The highest reality, referred to as Parabrahman, which jivas are always distinct from.[88] (2) Parabrahman, or the Supreme Brahman, is the ultimate reality from which jivas emanate and is superior in nature.[89] (3) This term indicates the ultimate reality or the highest spiritual principle, which is personified as Shri Bhagavan.[90] (4) The ultimate reality or the highest spiritual truth in Vedic philosophy, representing the source of all existence.[91] (5) The ultimate reality or absolute consciousness that is the source of everything, which Bhagavan represents.[92]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) parasmai—To the Supreme; brahmane - English translation of verse 4.22.6: Brahman;[93] (2) The ultimate reality or spiritual truth in Hindu philosophy, often referred to as the highest state of existence.[94] (3) The highest spiritual reality or ultimate cause of all existence, indicated as 'param brahma'.[95] (4) The Supreme Brahman denotes the highest reality or ultimate truth in spiritual philosophy, representing the source of all existence.[96] (5) Refers to the ultimate reality or the highest spiritual entity, which the demon is questioned about in relation to.[97]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The ultimate reality or the highest spiritual principle characterized by concentrated bliss.[98] (2) The ultimate reality or spiritual essence in which all forms of existence are manifested.[99]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The ultimate reality that is greater and subtler than all material existence.[100]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The ultimate reality or universal spirit that represents the highest state of consciousness and existence.[101] (2) The ultimate reality or state of existence that leads to salvation, characterized by pure bliss.[102] (3) The ultimate reality that can be attained by one who is well-acquainted with the Verbal Brahman.[103] (4) The ultimate reality or spiritual foundation of the universe, which one attains by overcoming diversities and negativity.[104] (5) Refers to the concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality or transcendent being, associated with the syllable 'om'.[105]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The ultimate truth and absolute reality in creation, associated with the one-faced Rudraksha.[106] (2) The ultimate reality or divine essence that individuals aim to understand and merge with, which grants immortality.[107] (3) Supreme Brahman denotes the ultimate reality or consciousness that is sought through spiritual practice and the study of the Vedas.[108] (4) The ultimate reality or consciousness that is the source of all existence, esteemed in Vedantic philosophy.[109] (5) Described as the soul of all, it represents the ultimate reality, subtler than any material existence and eternal.[110]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The ultimate reality or divine principle that can be understood through mastery of Grammar.[111] (2) The ultimate form of purity in knowledge is compared to pure Consciousness, likened to the sea without ripples, representing the supreme Brahman.[112]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The ultimate reality or consciousness that all forms of existence ultimately refer back to.[113]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) In Hindu philosophy, the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit that is the source of all existence, often equated with the concept of God.[114]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The ultimate reality or universal spirit in Hindu thought, which transcends all forms and attributes.[115]