Significance of Supreme Lord
Synonyms: Sovereign, Almighty, Creator, Supreme being, God, Deity, High god, Ultimate power, Omnipotent, Ruler, Monarch, Emperor, Overlord, Potentate, King, Master
In Dutch: Allerhoogste Heer; In Finnish: Korkein Herra; In Spanish: Señor Supremo; In German: Höchster Herr; In Malay: Tuhan Yang Maha Esa; In Swedish: Högste Herre; In French: Seigneur suprême; In Swedish: Högsta Herren; In Polish: Najwyższy Pan; In Italian: Signore Supremo; In Portugese: Senhor Supremo
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 Lord'
In Buddhism, "Supreme Lord" can refer to a rejected creator deity, or be a title of honorific respect to Buddha Dipankara, who represents enlightenment and triumph over evil.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The divine entity that interacts with primordial matter to cause creation, subsistence, and dissolution of the universe.[1] (2) A concept of an ultimate divine being mentioned as a target for rejection in the subsequent investigation proposed in the text.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The title given to Buddha Dipankara, reflecting his status as a fully enlightened being who had conquered all evil forces and was revered by devas and humans alike.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Supreme Lord'
In Hinduism, "Supreme Lord" signifies the ultimate, self-effulgent divine being. This entity is the source of creation, sustenance, and destruction, inspiring devotion and love. Manifested through figures like Narayana, Krishna, and Gaurasundara, this Lord is the object of worship.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) This being possesses an eternal body that is free from any negative attributes. The form is a source of purification and sanctification through contact.[4] (2) The Supreme Lord should be considered as master, with living entities as servants; thinking otherwise is an impediment in their constitutional duties of devotional service.[5] (3) A figure may be related to this being, possibly as a menial servant, although the speaker will not enter into unnecessary discussion on the topic.[6] (4) The Supreme Lord is the recipient of service that inspires statements, and the goddess of learning remains engaged in service to the Supreme Lord.[7] (5) In order to exhibit the glories of devotional service, by His inconceivable potencies, mysteriously manifests the transcendental body, senses, and mind of a devotee and mysteriously destroys his false body and senses.[8]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Supreme Lord is also known as Maha Vishnu, who is the In-Dweller and the internal Controller of Shiva, Brahma and all else in the entire Universe, including the high Heaven.[9] (2) The Supreme Lord is the entity who, through spontaneous grace, guides individuals towards God-love and reveals the true nature of their soul, leading to spiritual awakening.[10] (3) The attainment of the Eternal Friend and Relation, the Supreme Lord—Shriman Narayana, signifies the ultimate divine being.[11] (4) This entity is described as pure and exalted beyond words. The union with someone vile is considered unworthy, prompting avoidance of any thoughts of this entity.[12] (5) The Supreme Lord’s easy accessibility (saulabhya) is mentioned, conjuring up the vision of His being tied down to a mere pounder.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The term 'Supreme Lord' refers to the highest divine being, often associated with ultimate authority, power, and the source of all existence within the discussion.[14] (2) When a fraction of a moment had elapsed for this entity, and a hundred of Brahma’s years had elapsed, Brahma concluded his meditation.[15] (3) The supreme lord, Brahma, within this universe manifests, maintains, and destroys the whole cosmos through material energy.[16] (4) It refers to the divine being whose sight has the power to immediately remove any kind of suffering, providing relief and exultation.[17] (5) When one absorbs the mind in the infallible Supreme Lord, one is saved from hell, and even attains heaven and other excellent abodes, and all types of obstacles are destroyed and Brahmaloka becomes insignificant.[18]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Associating with the Supreme Lord’s devotees and serving them leads to the attainment of prema, highlighting the importance of devotion.[19] (2) The Supreme Lord is mentioned in the text as the object of devotion, whose remnants bless the living entity and free them from material existence.[20] (3) The Supreme Lord's sweetness is directly experienced by a sadhaka, leading to the simultaneous visibility of attainment of service, realization of bhakti-related knowledge, and detachment from unrelated matters.[21] (4) The Supreme Lord is reflected in a devotee who remembers pastimes, achieving a transcendental state filled with eternality, knowledge, and bliss, similar to His divine nature.[22] (5) The Supreme Lord destroys offences, impediments, duplicity, and material desires upon entering the heart of the jiva, similar to how the sun drives away darkness, according to the text.[23]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The Supreme Lord is the speaker, conveying a message about nearness and inspiration through natural imagery.[24] (2) A divine being of ultimate power.[25] (3) The ultimate controller, greater than the greatest, to whom one seeks refuge.[26] (4) It refers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, residing in a transcendental abode.[27] (5) A title given to Krishna, who disappeared in his transcendental realm while Akrura prayed.[28]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) It is explained that there is only one Supreme Lord and that He is Lord Krishna.[29] (2) To teach the people the personally manifested in this world and In other Dvapara-yugas the manifested His plenary portion and taught the truth of religion.[30] (3) Whom a person without a tongue can describe wisely, and a fool can describe after being empowered by Lord Gaura’s glory.[31] (4) The divine being who will descend to the earth in Nadiya, bringing fortune to those in the Kali-yuga.[32] (5) This is the entity whose glories Lord Gaura and his followers sang, suggesting a devotional practice.[33]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The goddess of learning ever serves the Supreme Lord and she serves only Him, which is a demonstration of devotion.[34] (2) Those who maintain the doctrine of intolerance of untruth can only be properly answered by the higher doctrine of the realization of the Hand of the Supreme Lord in everything, except in the matter of the individual judgment.[35] (3) The Supreme Lord, Who could have easily disarmed the opposition of all the people, even the most skeptical, by the display of His Divine powers, chose to remain in obscurity.[36] (4) Before beginning his account of the Marriage of Sri Gaursundar and Vishnupriya Devi Thakur Brindavandas takes particular care to mention that the Supreme Lord, Sri Chaitanya never even listened to the name of a female.[37] (5) Goloka is the Abode of the Supreme Lord in the manifest unobstructed enjoyment of His own pure Nature.[38]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The Supreme Lord is the object of Bhagavad-rasa, a sentiment that is extremely difficult for those without devotion to fully understand and appreciate.[39] (2) Meditating upon the lotus feet of this entity or hearing about his glories produces transcendental bliss.[40] (3) A divine figure, characterized in the text as possessing intense emotions and love for His devotees.[41] (4) The highest divine being with eternal form, associated with ultimate power and authority.[42] (5) A title used to refer to the ultimate deity in the context of the text, emphasizing the respect and sanctity associated with Him.[43]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A reference to the highest deity in Hindu belief, often associated with divinity and ultimate power.[44] (2) The ultimate divine entity, known as Krishna, who is the source of all creation and spiritual wisdom.[45] (3) The Supreme Being who activates the previous karmas of living entities and guides them towards liberation.[46] (4) Refers to Krishna, recognized as the ultimate source of all beings in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.[47] (5) The Supreme Lord appears in various forms to address the overburdening of the earth with demonic personalities and the diminishing of religious principles.[48]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The phrase "Supreme Lord" refers to Brahman, highlighting his ultimate authority and control over all creation, signifying his position as the highest power in the cosmos.[49] (2) Worshipping with devotion the god Narayana, the "Supreme Lord" of all creatures, that origin and destruction of the universe, helps one to overcome all difficulties.[50] (3) Supreme Lord is the creator of all creatures, both mobile and immobile, who is without beginning or end and assumes attributes when He chooses to create.[51] (4) This phrase refers to the highest authority, indicating a position of ultimate power, highlighting the significance of the individual, and suggesting their role in resolving the situation within the narrative.[52] (5) The Supreme Lord, endued with the complexion of the Sun, is a reference to Hari, indicating his supreme status and radiant nature, as the refuge of all.[53]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The highest deity that abides within everyone, offering salvation and blessings to those who seek it.[54] (2) The ultimate spiritual entity that is ever vigilant and perceives existence without self-manifestation.[55] (3) This concept identifies God as the highest deity, deserving of admiration and reverence, characterized as the universal soul and intellect.[56] (4) A title for Mahadeva, denoting his position as the ultimate deity and omniscient force within all beings and spaces.[57] (5) Refers to the Divine being who created the world and later chose to send knowledge to humanity.[58]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The supreme lord of all, comprising all that is perishable and imperishable, bears upon him all material and spiritual existence.[59] (2) A title for Vishnu, denoting his ultimate authority and reverence in the texts, highlighting the divine qualities attributed to him.[60] (3) A title attributed to Krishna, recognized by Muchukunda as a divine being with the ability to alleviate distress.[61]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Rama addresses Bibishana as the Supreme Lord of the Titans, acknowledging Bibishana's authority and his role in facilitating Sita's appearance before him.[62] (2) The Supreme Lord is a term used to describe Vishnu, who is universally revered, and Vedavati would fail to pay homage to him.[63]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The ultimate divine presence that pervades all existence and is the source of all life.[64]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The Kshetrajna, free from qualities and symbols, is depicted as the Supreme Lord.[65]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refers to the ultimate divine being who orchestrates the cosmos and embodies supernatural power, influencing Nature and the Soul.[66]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A title attributed to Vishnu emphasizing his ultimate authority and power over all beings.[67]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) I bow dow(?) down to Vishnu, the supreme lord of the three regions, who is without end or origin.[68]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Only when Jnana dawns thus in your heart as non-dual, without any heterogeneities, only then can you free yourself from rebirths and become this himself.[69]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The ultimate authority over the worlds, associated with Brahman.[70] (2) The ultimate divine being recognized as the source and cause of the world, according to the texts referenced.[71] (3) The ultimate intelligent being responsible for global creation, characterized by limitless powers, wisdom, and benevolence, distinct from individual souls.[72] (4) Referred to as the eternal ruler of the worlds, depicted in the Bhagavad Gita as having supreme power and being the source of all beings.[73] (5) The all-knowing, transcendent entity that is distinct from the individual soul and is considered the ultimate reality in certain philosophical systems.[74]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate creator, as described in the text, who is responsible for producing effects through His reflection within elements.[75] (2) The ultimate divine entity that transcends the variations of the world, often described as a personal manifestation of Brahman.[76] (3) Refers to the ultimate reality or higher power that is Brahman, which encompasses all beings and is not the Pradhana.[77] (4) A title used to refer to the highest divine being or reality, which encompasses the essence of the universe in various philosophical discussions.[78]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Indicates the highest divine being or consciousness that oversees and sustains all existence.[79] (2) A title that denotes the highest deity or divine being, often identified with Brahman in this context.[80] (3) The ultimate being who possesses power and authority, responsible for the creation of the universe through maya.[81]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Hari, the Supreme entity who is not discardable and is considered the standard of existence for all beings.[82] (2) The highest being in the philosophical frameworks discussed in the Isha-upanishad, representing ultimate reality and existence.[83]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ultimate entity that represents the source and end of all existence.[84] (2) The ultimate being who is all-pervading, ruler of maya, and exists in the hearts of all beings.[85]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Indicated as the changeless entity, it represents the state where there is a cessation of all miseries.[86]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) This term denotes the ultimate reality or God, who is referred to as Brahman, and emphasizes His incomprehensible and transcendent nature.[87]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The highest manifestation of divine existence, synonymous with Brahman, governing the cosmos and all entities within it.[88]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to the Turiya, who reveals everything to the soul in the state of Mukti.[89]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The creator of the whole universe who also rules the microcosm through the five-fold prana.[90]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The eternal and all-pervading divine presence that exists both within and apart from all creation.[91]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) This refers to Isvara, a concept in dualistic philosophies that represents a personal God who is distinguished from the individual's true self, or Atman.[92]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to Bhagavan, who is described as transcending all things and is central in the meditation of devotees.[93]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The one dwelling in Prana, and knowing the Lord by right means causes the Lord Hari to dwell permanently in his prana, as described in the text.[94]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The term indicates a state of being achieved by someone who understands the pervasive nature of the Sama, granting them dominion over all.[95]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The being described in verse 7, creating Brahma and the entity associated with creation.[96] (2) The divine being who calls into existence various cosmic cycles, acting with a sense of amusement according to the text.[97] (3) The title given to the Brahmana, indicating his highest authority over all beings.[98] (4) Refers to Brahma as the ultimate deity, who is omniscient and responsible for creation.[99] (5) Refers to Hiranyagarbha as a deity with ultimate authority, capable of creation and possessing immense powers.[100]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The Supreme Lord is the being whose grace allowed Sharvavarman to succeed in his promise to teach the king grammar in six months, and the kingdom rejoiced upon hearing that the king had obtained all knowledge.[101]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Supreme Lord should be contemplated by the same mantra, and At the time appointed, with hands held aloft in worship, contemplate, by the same mantra, the Supreme Lord in the centre of the sun’s Orb, in form minute and all brilliant.[102]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The ultimate divine entity that is both the cause and sustainer of all existence, further referred to in various philosophies and texts.[103] (2) The Supreme Lord who is both distinct and identical with various cognitions, possessing independence and the ability to witness all things, manifesting all entities in the mirror of one's soul.[104]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The ultimate divine entity that holds dominion over all worlds and initiates the processes of creation and destruction, driven by desire and will.[105]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) The author acknowledges that only the highest power understands the effort required to produce such a work, recognizing the depth of the process.[106]
Jain concept of 'Supreme Lord'
In Jainism, "Supreme Lord" signifies an exalted spiritual figure, often a Jina or Arhat, revered for ultimate authority, divinity, and freedom from worldly attachments. They are guides to emancipation, honored by gods and central to Jain narratives and teachings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) It refers to an entity bathed with water rising from the horns of four large bulls, highlighting the reverence and ritual purification associated with deity.[107] (2) When the head of the ganabhrits ceased from preaching at the completion of the second division of the day, all the gods bowed to the Supreme Lord.[108] (3) A divine figure whom the king circumambulated and paid homage to.[109] (4) A title attributed to the Blessed Arhat, emphasizing superiority over other deities.[110] (5) Suvrata asked this entity what Virabhadra did in a former birth that had pleasure as its fruit.[111]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Refers to highly exalted beings, including Vijaya, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, and Aparajita, who possess superior qualities.[112]
The concept of Supreme Lord in local and regional sources
Supreme Lord represents the ultimate authority, a divine being embodying ultimate power, grace, and bliss. Deities like Krishna, Narayana, and Ishvara are associated, and devotion aims for unity with this highest power, the source of all existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Supreme Lord is the King, and the messenger tells Kautilya that the supreme Lord the King would speak to him, surprising Kautilya.[113] (2) The statement in the Bhagavad-gita “I am Time the destroyer of the Universe” identifies Time with the Supreme Lord, indicating its profound significance.[114] (3) The highest power, representing the ultimate source of peace and happiness, towards which all human beings strive.[115] (4) This is the individual who the Ashramites believe that anyone who does not earn his daily bread cannot have the beatific vision of, and it is the beginning of wisdom which is the love of God, and is the focus of their faith.[116] (5) This has the theatre, which is the immobiles and mobiles, the Foot, the fire and water regions, and the Five letters, encompassing all of existence.[117]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text refers to the One Supreme who dies not, and advises not to give one's mind to false enjoyment, and to know Him.[118] (2) This phrase is used to describe the cosmic intelligence or God, the source of everything, the ultimate reality that everything manifests from.[119] (3) The Supreme Lord is the manifestation of the Absolute Being, Knowledge, and Bliss, representing the highest form of divine presence.[120] (4) The Supreme Lord, also known as Ishvara, is the ultimate object of love and devotion in Bhakti, and is the focus of the Bhakti-Yoga practice, according to the provided text.[121] (5) This term denotes the highest divine being or entity to whom devotion is directed, as described in the text.[122]
Classical concept of 'Supreme Lord'
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) The personality of Shu-Anhur is united with that of Ra, the supreme lord, with his very substance is blended with the substance of Ra.[123]