Significance of Understanding
Understanding in various spiritual traditions encompasses the insight and comprehension cultivated through teachings, personal reflection, and contemplation. In Buddhism, it emphasizes awareness of significant truths, while Jainism focuses on navigating life's challenges. Vaishnavism includes a multitude of interpretations about deities and moral discernment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the true nature of situations and characters. Similarly, other philosophies, such as Vedanta and Theravada, stress the significance of mental clarity and comprehension of spiritual truths to promote growth and alleviate suffering.
Synonyms: Comprehension, Insight, Awareness, Knowledge, Perception, Discernment, Interpretation, Recognition, Discernment.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Understanding'
In Buddhism, Understanding encompasses the realization of truths, insight through teachings, and clarity essential for spiritual growth, enabling the recognition of reality and the eradication of defilements, thereby facilitating enlightenment and moral actions.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The intellectual grasp of concepts and truths, particularly those related to spiritual and moral matters.[1] (2) The mental clarity that leads to correct actions and the wise use of resources in accordance with virtue.[2] (3) The knowledge and insight cultivated through practice, vital for experiencing the benefits of the noble fruit.[3] (4) A clear perception that arises from careful contemplation, associated with the intelligent temperament.[4] (5) A term linked to dhamma that denotes the realization and comprehension of concepts and truths.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The comprehension of one's own spiritual goals and the importance of prioritizing them over external matters.[6] (2) A key aspect of knowledge that should grow alongside physical growth, which is lacking in Kaludayi.[7]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A key sobhana cetasika crucial for mental development, enabling insight into realities and the eradication of defilements.[8] (2) The cognitive process leading to the realization of the true nature of conditioned realities, essential for the cessation of suffering.[9]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) The insight into the nature of reality that leads to the destruction of lust, hatred, and ignorance.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The insight achieved by Ajnatakaundinya when he comprehended the meaning of ‘guest-dust’ leading to his enlightenment.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The cognitive grasp of concepts and truths essential in the context of right thought.[12]
From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)
(1) The mental process through which one comprehends the nature of phenomena, crucial for spiritual progress.[13]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The insight and comprehension attained through engagement with the teachings and the three jewels.[14]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Knowing with distinction; an awareness and comprehension of significant truths.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Understanding'
Understanding in Hinduism encompasses various aspects, including awareness of situations, deep contemplation, and recognizing spiritual truths. It involves comprehending the essence of concepts, the identity of divine figures, and moral discernment, guiding one's actions and beliefs.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The act of comprehending or being aware of the situation, specific to Lord Hari's recognition of the elephant's plight.[16] (2) Understanding signifies the awareness that Radha has of Gopadevata's plight, leading to the subsequent actions of concern by her and her friends.[17] (3) the comprehension and awareness of the situation and the characters involved.[18] (4) The act of being aware or cognizant of the situation regarding Vatsasura's presence.[19] (5) The act of comprehending or perceiving the suffering of others.[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The sannyasi's ability to comprehend or grasp the situation concerning the brahmana’s state of mind.[21] (2) The ability to grasp or comprehend concepts of morality and discernment related to good and bad.[22] (3) The varied interpretations and insights of the crowd regarding the Lord's identity and future based on their perspectives.[23] (4) The comprehension or insight required to grasp the nature of the Lord and the philosophy of Advaita.[24] (5) The knowledge or comprehension of significant spiritual or moral concepts, which is lacking in those who blaspheme.[25]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ability to comprehend or grasp the nature of a situation or the character of a person, as demonstrated by the brahmana recognizing Shri Gopa-kumara as his friend.[26] (2) The mental process of comprehending information or concept.[27] (3) jnatva–to have knowledge or awareness about a particular situation.[28] (4) The mental comprehension regarding the nature of the Lord and the practice of worship.[29]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Mati, referring to contemplation or deep thoughtfulness regarding one's situation.[30]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The process or result of comprehending the teachings and meanings as presented in the texts.[31]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Affirmation that the concepts and significance of the praises and status conferred upon the son and father are clear.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The mental process associated with recognizing and comprehending the Ruler within, as interpreted by the Kanvas.[33]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A quality questioned by Shankara regarding Mandana's grasp of the principles of renunciation and the nature of true knowledge.[34]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The capacity to comprehend the meaning of the Vedas, which is also denied to Sudras according to the text.[35]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Understanding is the mental capacity through which the soul witnesses the course of its own existence and is guided by previous actions.[36] (2) An entity that dwells in man, responsible for seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling, while also being an inactive witness to the functions of the senses.[37] (3) The aspect of intelligence that synthesizes perceptions into certainty, thereby guiding action and influencing the quality of one’s state.[38]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) The mental engagement and contemplation necessary to acquire knowledge.[39]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Grasped or comprehended in a conceptual manner, often without the need for explicit mention.[40] (2) The process of comprehending or grasping the meaning conveyed by a word or concept.[41]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The grasp or comprehension of the meanings behind certain actions or looks, particularly in a poetic or spiritual context.[42]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A cognitive function of the mind that operates in conjunction with other attributes reliant on the heart.[43]
Jain concept of 'Understanding'
In Jainism, Understanding embodies the insight essential for monks to effectively confront challenges and discern the true essence of existence and suffering, guiding their spiritual journey and fostering deeper awareness.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The insight a monk must cultivate to navigate challenges and recognize the true nature of existence and suffering.[44]
The concept of Understanding in local and regional sources
Understanding involves grasping and valuing diverse viewpoints, which enhances empathy and fosters connections among individuals. This ability is crucial for effective communication and harmonious relationships, promoting a deeper appreciation of differing ideas.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The desire of the crowd to grasp the meaning behind the slogans they were chanting.[45] (2) The ability to comprehend and appreciate different perspectives or ideas, fostering empathy and connection.[46]