Significance of Supreme Reality
Supreme Reality encompasses the ultimate truth or essence found across various philosophies and traditions like Shilpashastra, Vaishnavism, and Vedanta. It signifies an existence that transcends the material realm and embodies the highest form of divinity. Various scriptures describe Supreme Reality as unchanging, eternal, and non-dual, often associated with concepts like Brahman and Aum. It represents the source of all existence, guiding individuals toward spiritual freedom and enlightenment beyond dualities and ordinary perceptions, illustrating a unified essence underlying all reality.
Synonyms: Ultimate truth, Absolute existence, Highest reality, Supreme being, Divine essence, Absolute reality, Final truth, Ultimate essence, Ultimate nature
In Dutch: Opperste Realiteit; In Finnish: Korkein Todellisuus; In Spanish: Realidad suprema; In German: Höchste Realität; In Portugese: Realidade suprema; In Italian: Realtà Suprema; In Polish: Najwyższa Rzeczywistość
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Supreme Reality'
In Hinduism, Supreme Reality encompasses the ultimate truth that transcends duality, described as Brahman in Advaita Vedanta. It represents a singular, immutable essence underlying existence, realized through spiritual practices and the teachings of the Guru.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The Supreme Reality is the ultimate truth, which can be realized through negating the attributes and recognizing the undifferentiated Brahman.[1] (2) Atman, considered the ultimate truth in Vedanta philosophy, which remains unrecognized although it is consistently explained.[2] (3) The ultimate truth or existence that one attains by knowing Aum as the foundation of everything.[3] (4) The ultimate truth or existence that one attains by knowing Aum.[4] (5) The ultimate truth or essence of existence, which is considered unborn, undivided, and unknowable to those of small intellect.[5]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Fixing one's gaze on the Supreme Reality is a characteristic of someone who is learned, can differentiate between what is real and what is not, believes in the Vedas, and seeks liberation.[6] (2) The ultimate, unified existence that is one and homogeneous, devoid of diversity.[7] (3) The ultimate truth or existence that is singular and all-encompassing, free from any duality.[8] (4) The ultimate truth or essence of existence that is to be realized for spiritual freedom and enlightenment.[9]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The ultimate existence or truth represented by the term satya, in which all forms of diversity that are not part of the Self are negated.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The ultimate truth or highest state of existence that all texts aim to define, primarily signified by Narayana.[11]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ultimate truth represented by Brahman, illustrating the distinction between the divine and the individual self.[12]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The text indicates an ultimate truth, suggesting a state of being beyond ordinary understanding.[13]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ultimate and absolute existence that transcends the material world, as embodied by Vaikuntha.[14]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The ultimate truth recognized in various scriptures, representing the highest form of divinity.[15]
The concept of Supreme Reality in local and regional sources
Supreme Reality encompasses an ultimate truth beyond names and forms, integral to various philosophies, such as Hinduism. It signifies a singular, eternal existence central to Radhakrishnan's thought, reflecting the essence of all beings and transcending dualities.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) It is the principle of fire, as described in the Rigveda, that is manifested throughout the universe in various forms.[16] (2) The ultimate, infinite, eternal, and immutable existence, which is one, and can be approached in different ways, as described in the text.[17] (3) The ultimate truth and essence underlying all existence, which Sri Aurobindo aimed to express through his life and teachings.[18] (4) The concept of an ultimate truth that transcends names and forms, embraced by various traditions, including Hinduism.[19] (5) The ultimate truth or essence of existence that transcends the individual ego and consciousness, as explained by Krishnamurti.[20]
The concept of Supreme Reality in scientific sources
Supreme Reality, also known as God or nirguna Brahman, is portrayed differently across contexts. It is seen as a source of conflict in secular societies, a common God in world religions, and an imperceptible truth in some philosophies.
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) The supreme reality without form, quality or attribute is nirguna Brahman, and this truth is not only imperceptible, indefinable, and indescribable but also unreachable through reasoning.[21] (2) In some secular societies, Muslims are often portrayed as solely concerned with a fixed this and absolute values, which are perceived as sources of conflict.[22] (3) John Hick concludes that all world religions are legitimate, and their followers can gain salvation based on two common principles, one of which is this (the common God).[23] (4) According to the provided text, this refers to God, whose transcendence and immanence are two aspects of the same being, imminent in creation but not contained by it.[24]