Significance of Universal Soul
The Universal Soul is a central concept in South Asian philosophy that signifies the singular divine essence or God that exists before the creation of the universe. It embodies the interconnectedness of all beings, representing the infinite essence of reality and a collective consciousness that binds individual souls. The Universal Soul, often associated with various deities like Vishnu and Krishna, signifies unity among existence and highlights that all individual beings are manifestations of this singular essence. This concept transcends individuality, connecting life to a greater whole.
Synonyms: Cosmic consciousness, Higher self, Collective spirit, Divine essence, All-encompassing soul, Universal spirit, Oneness, Infinite being, Transcendent consciousness., World soul, Cosmic soul, Anima mundi, Cosmic spirit, Panpsychism
In Dutch: Universele ziel; In Finnish: Universaali sielu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Universal Soul'
The Universal Soul in Hinduism represents the all-encompassing spirit that connects all beings, illustrating unity beyond individuality, while embodying the essence of Brahma and the divine consciousness present in every entity throughout the universe.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The supreme, all-pervading essence from which all individual souls derive their nature.[1] (2) The all-encompassing consciousness that permeates and connects all entities and life's experiences.[2] (3) The concept that all individual souls are connected to a singular, divine spirit.[3] (4) The essence that pervades everything, indicating that all existences are interconnected through a single consciousness.[4] (5) The all-encompassing spirit or essence that connects all beings and is present in everything.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The overarching spirit believed to be present in all beings, underscoring the interconnectedness of life.[6] (2) The ultimate reality or truth to which all beings aspire to connect, transcending individual existence.[7] (3) The essence of all existence, synonymous with the Supreme Purusha, and unaffected by actions.[8] (4) A descriptor for the divine force, emphasizing its omnipresence and embodiment of all beings.[9] (5) The fundamental essence that connects all beings, representing the highest aspect of Brahma.[10]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A term used to define Vishnu, emphasizing his omnipresence and all-encompassing nature in the universe.[11] (2) A term referring to a divine presence that intertwines with the essence of all beings.[12] (3) The concept of Vishnu as the all-encompassing spiritual essence present in the holy places, particularly in the form of Shri Kola.[13] (4) Represents the concept of Vishnu as the ultimate reality that encompasses all existence.[14] (5) The essence that embodies the entirety of the universe.[15]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A term referring to the fundamental essence of Vishnu that embodies all creation and existence.[16] (2) The great progenitor of all created beings, representing the essence of life and the interconnectedness of existence.[17] (3) The formless essence that creates, preserves, and ultimately dissolves all existence, symbolized by Brahma, Janarddana.[18] (4) A concept referring to the all-encompassing divine presence, identified with Vishnu, signifying the unity of existence.[19] (5) The concept of a singular, all-encompassing spirit that pervades and sustains all of reality.[20]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The concept representing the eternal essence that transcends individual existence.[21] (2) The overarching consciousness referred to as Shiva, which permeates all existence.[22] (3) The concept representing the ultimate reality enveloped by Vedic sounds, reflecting the totality of existence.[23]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The Universal Soul refers to Vasudeva, who gets always pleased by the practice of Ekanta Dharma.[24] (2) A term used to describe Hari, representing the divine presence in all beings.[25]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The concept of a singular, all-encompassing spirit that connects all entities, transcending individual differences.[26] (2) Referring again to the Supreme Soul, emphasizing its overarching presence in all of creation.[27]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A concept relating to the essence of all beings, as advised to Satyavrata for attaining fearlessness and peace.[28]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The Supreme spirit residing within one's heart.[29]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Refers to the omnipresent essence that is the source of origin for all beings and is characterized by qualities of rajas, tamas, and sattva.[30]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A concept representing the oneness of all existence with Vishnu at the core.[31]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) A concept denoting the eternal essence that transcends individual beings, linked to the extinction of both material and spiritual forms.[32] (2) The overarching spirit or essence that encompasses all beings, represented in duality as male and female.[33]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The ultimate spiritual essence that connects all beings, attainable through the practice of good qualities and adherence to sacred principles.[34]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The concept of an all-encompassing spirit that connects individual souls with the divine.[35]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The concept in Advaita that recognizes all individual souls as manifestations of a singular, ultimate reality.[36]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The Universal Soul is perceived as an overarching essence that encompasses the entirety of existence, depicted metaphorically as a wheel with various components.[37]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) The collective spiritual essence that connects all beings, referred to as Paramatma in Hindu philosophy.[38]
The concept of Universal Soul in local and regional sources
Universal Soul is a philosophical and spiritual concept signifying a collective essence and consciousness that unites all individual souls, embodying divine presence and connection, and providing coherence and significance to existence beyond individual experiences.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The overarching spiritual essence that connects all existence, often reflected in artistic representations.[39] (2) A concept signifying a collective consciousness or spirit that transcends individual existence, invoking a sense of connection.[40] (3) The belief in a shared consciousness that connects all beings, which Miller sought to contemplate.[41] (4) A philosophical concept suggesting that individual souls eventually merge into a collective essence, mentioned in a reflection on life and death.[42] (5) The concept of a single, all-encompassing divine presence that binds humanity together in love and unity.[43]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A term used to describe the singular divine essence or God before the creation of the universe.[44]