Significance of Truth
Synonyms: Veracity, Reality, Honesty, Accuracy, Authenticity, Certainty, Genuineness, Sincerity, Integrity, Actuality
In Dutch: Waarheid; In Finnish: Totuus; In Spanish: Verdad
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Truth'
In Buddhism, Truth encompasses ultimate reality, moral teachings, and profound insights shared by the Master, guiding individuals towards enlightenment, understanding suffering, and the importance of ethical principles embedded in narratives and teachings.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The moral lessons or insights that the Master declares at the end of the tale, emphasizing the teaching provided through the story's events.[1] (2) Teachings that the Master shares after the tale, aimed at guiding the Brethren towards moral enlightenment.[2] (3) The fundamental teachings imparted by the Master that guided individuals toward realizing enlightenment and overcoming material attachments.[3] (4) The theme emphasized in the tale where the mother appeals to truth to prove her connection to the king.[4] (5) The ultimate lessons conveyed by the Master after the tale, leading to moral teachings and virtues.[5]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Concepts held as valid regarding existence and self, sometimes mistakenly interpreted as permanent or singular.[6] (2) Another meaning of dhamma, reflecting its association with ultimate reality and correctness.[7] (3) Fundamental principles that convey essential aspects of existence and suffering within the Buddhist worldview.[8]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Refers to profound insights about suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path presented by the Buddha.[9] (2) The teachings of the Buddha that lead to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.[10] (3) The principle of honesty and factuality that a Bhikkhu should uphold in his words and actions.[11]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A concept emphasized by the Buddha in response to the monks' inquiry about Tissa's state of anger or attachment.[12] (2) The quality or state of being in accordance with fact or reality, which can be used to overcome falsehood.[13]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A certain understanding or realization that the four persons experienced that prompted them to seek ordination.[14] (2) The fundamental reality that the Buddha teaches, which leads to the understanding and cessation of suffering.[15]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Described as a fundamental force that can bring about profound effects and transformations in the world, pivotal to the stories and teachings within the narrative.[16] (2) A fundamental concept in Buddhism that is preached by the Buddha and serves as a means of understanding his nature.[17]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Conformity to fact or reality, essential for the one being reproved to uphold.[18]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Denoted by sacca, it represents the fundamental realities that are central to Buddhist teaching.[19]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Fundamental insights in Buddhist practice that facilitate the abandonment of certain defilements when seen clearly.[20] (2) The four fundamental truths that the faculties strive to understand and embody.[21] (3) Fundamental aspects of reality that are contemplated to gain a deeper spiritual understanding.[22]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The ultimate reality or principles in Buddhism that one strives to understand.[23] (2) The ultimate reality that one seeks to discern and uphold, especially in the context of the Dharma.[24]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ultimate understanding or realization that the monks aspire to gain through the teachings of the Exalted One.[25]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Fundamental realities that can lead to insight and understanding, helping to transcend the cycle of samsara.[26]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The ultimate understanding or reality intended to be ascertained through the Means of Right Cognition.[27] (2) The ultimate reality or principle that is devoid of temporal limitations, as described in the commentary.[28] (3) The ultimate reality or principle from which deviation leads to destruction.[29]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The ultimate reality or principle that is revealed through the teachings of the Tathagatas.[30]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The ultimate reality that transcends physical concepts and leads to a profound understanding of existence and non-existence.[31] (2) The ultimate reality of existence that one strives to understand through the teachings and practices of Buddhism.[32]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The realization that led Bimbisara Raja to offer his adoration to Buddha and return to his palace.[33]
Hindu concept of 'Truth'
In Hinduism, Truth embodies ultimate reality, reflecting divine honesty, adherence to fact, and essential virtues. It supports spiritual realization, aligns with righteousness, and represents the unchanging essence of existence, crucial for wisdom and liberation.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The quality or state of being in accordance with fact or reality; something that has been stated as a fact without any falsehood.[34] (2) A concept of reality or sincerity; here, it refers to the speaker's assertion of ownership of the body.[35] (3) The concept or idea being communicated as factual and genuine.[36] (4) The state of being in accordance with fact or reality; in this context, it emphasizes the speaker's declaration of sincerity and conviction in their feelings.[37] (5) The quality or state of being in accordance with fact or reality; in this context, it refers to the honest answer being sought.[38]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) In reference to 'satya', it represents the concept of truth.[39] (2) Truth encapsulates the concept of honesty and reality, contrasting with the notion of lying.[40] (3) An important concept in the text, connected to the expectations of statements made by characters.[41] (4) A reference to the honest information that is being requested, important for resolving the situation.[42] (5) The essential elements or realities of the universe that manifested in the child’s mouth.[43]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ultimate reality or fact that is being conveyed, specifically related to the message of liberation.[44] (2) The essence or reality about Brahma that Gopa-kumara seeks to understand.[45] (3) The ultimate reality or fact that is unchangeable and universally acknowledged.[46]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ultimate reality or existence that transcends all forms and phenomena.[47] (2) The ultimate reality or principle, highly valued in the context of virtuous behaviour and moral conduct.[48] (3) Refers to Krishna's desire for openness and honesty in her communication with Bhima.[49] (4) The principle that Sivi upholds and insists upon, claiming it cannot be sacrificed for anything.[50] (5) Truth is presented as a vital component for kings and sages, inspiring confidence and bringing prosperity both in this life and the next.[51]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Represents the ultimate reality as described in the Vedas.[52] (2) The ultimate reality associated with Somesha, characterized by purity and permanence.[53] (3) An assertion reaffirming the claims made about the significance of Kashi as a place for attaining salvation.[54] (4) The assurance given by Shri Bhagavan regarding the Moon's future behavior as impartially treating all his wives.[55] (5) Narayana's identification with ultimate reality and truth.[56]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The knowledge and reality concerning Sita’s abduction and whereabouts.[57] (2) Rama speaks of the reality surrounding his circumstances and his feelings towards his family.[58] (3) The principle that Shri Rama was wholly devoted to, which defined his character.[59] (4) The quality of being honest and free from falsehood, highlighted as a vital virtue.[60]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A pivotal concept in the narrative, wherein Kaikeyi insists on the king's adherence to the promises made to her.[61] (2) A foundational principle that aligns with the righteousness of Vishnu, believed to manifest in the eradication of evil.[62] (3) Indicated by yathartham and yathatatham.[63]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A key concept emphasized by Narada, asserting the genuineness of his words and actions.[64] (2) A concept signifying honesty and reality, often emphasized in the context of divine statements and actions.[65]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or essence that Ikshvaku sought to understand, leading to his establishment in Jnana-yoga.[66] (2) The ultimate reality that Bharata implied was attainable through self-realization and philosophical understanding.[67]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The ultimate reality or essence that is regarded as vital in spiritual teachings.[68] (2) An assertion of Krishna's extraordinary nature and prowess, as acknowledged by the cowherds who regard him as more than an ordinary person.[69]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The absolute reality or fact, emphasized as being the entirety of what was conveyed.[70]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) The ultimate principle upon which all worlds rest, crucial to achieving immortality and spiritual realization.[71]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The quality of being in accordance with fact or reality, recognized as a fundamental virtue.[72]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The statement of facts presented exactly as they are observed.[73]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The concept that represents honesty and the correspondence of words and actions with reality.[74]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A virtue that becomes increasingly rare in Kali Yuga, finding little room among people.[75]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Concept regarded as supremely valuable and significant, outweighing even great sacrifices like the Ashvamedha.[76]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ultimate reality or knowledge that one must understand thoroughly in order to speak truly about spiritual matters.[77] (2) The ultimate reality that is equated with the Self, representing absolute knowledge and existence.[78] (3) The ultimate reality or essence that exists behind the phenomenal world, representing the fundamentally unchanging aspect of existence.[79] (4) The ultimate reality or essence that is represented by the Self.[80] (5) This phrase signifies the ultimate reality or veracity that transcends superficial appearances, equating the Self with absolute truth.[81]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The fundamental reality that the subtle essence represents, denoting the connection between all existence and the self.[82] (2) The virtue of honesty and integrity, emphasized as a crucial trait of the Brahmana-caste.[83]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The ultimate reality that is sought after and meditated upon, which leads to spiritual enlightenment.[84] (2) A fundamental reality or factual state that is often sought in spiritual or philosophical contexts.[85]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Equated with the eye, regarded as the ultimate demonstration of reality, serving as a foundation for higher knowledge.[86] (2) The quality of being in accordance with fact or reality, particularly in the context of the elements and the universe.[87]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The quality of adhering to honesty and integrity, which is advocated as a principle that should be maintained without deviation.[88]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ultimate reality that is synonymous with the Supreme Brahman, representing what is absolute and real.[89]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate reality or fact that is recognized through the cultivation of wisdom and understanding.[90]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Truth is conceptualized as that which is obscured by non-apprehension, leading to misinterpretations of Reality, as illustrated by the example of mistaking a rope for a snake.[91]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An essential aspect of virtue that forms its basis and is crucial for the performance of complete virtue.[92] (2) The actual facts of the case that must be identified, even if not fully stated by the parties involved.[93] (3) Conceptually, it signifies the essence of Vatsa's claim, the crux of the ordeal's validity.[94]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A fundamental principle upheld by the gods, considered essential for their unassailable glory and strength.[95] (2) The ultimate principle imparted by Uddalaka to Shauceya, meant to guide on the path of righteousness and accurate practice in rituals.[96]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The unchanging reality that remains the same in all forms; it is what's absolute and does not differ from its cause.[97]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Satya is the principle of speaking the truth; however, if the truth could potentially harm others, it is advisable to remain silent.[98]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The core element sought by the Vetala's question concerning responsibility for the tragic events in the story.[99]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The ultimate reality or fact, often contrasted with deception and fear in the dialogues.[100]
Jain concept of 'Truth'
In Jainism, Truth is viewed as the ultimate reality sought by monks, distinct from ignorance. It encompasses the teachings that lead to liberation from rebirth, emphasizing adherence and honest conveyance of this core understanding.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The core teachings and realities that a monk should adhere to and convey without deception.[101] (2) The ultimate reality that is to be understood and embraced for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[102]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) An ultimate reality that monks seek to understand, contrasting with delusion and ignorance.[103]
The concept of Truth in local and regional sources
Truth encompasses various dimensions, including reality, honesty, and essential understanding. It serves as a foundation for creative expression, personal awakening, and guiding principles in actions, urging individuals to seek genuine connections and clarity amidst complexity.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A fundamental quality that is central to genuine understanding and embodiment.[104] (2) A multifaceted concept where clarity is just one aspect, and complete understanding requires acknowledging complexity.[105] (3) The ultimate reality or understanding that individuals must seek on their own, without being led by others.[106] (4) The principle that is expected to guide the actions and decisions of the Congress in their pursuit of Indian freedom.[107] (5) The veracity and honesty advocated in the behaviors Asoka expected from his citizens.[108]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A principle that Bhanudas was believed to uphold, which the pedlars criticized.[109] (2) The reality that Kabir awakens to after his conversation with Nipat Niranjan.[110]
From: Self-Knowledge in Krishnamurti’s Philosophy
(1) The essential understanding that must be perceived directly, not merely interpreted through thoughts or beliefs.[111]