Significance of Veil of ignorance
The Veil of ignorance encompasses various interpretations across spiritual texts, notably Purana, Kavya, Vedanta, and Shaivism. It symbolizes a lack of true understanding, obscuring the soul's knowledge and hindering the realization of divine essence. This metaphorical barrier leads to confusion about one's self and the nature of reality, inhibiting spiritual progress. It illustrates how ignorance can distort perception, causing suffering and poor judgment while emphasizing the importance of acquiring knowledge through spiritual practices to lift this veil and attain clarity.
Synonyms: Original position, Impartiality
In Dutch: Sluier van onwetendheid; In Finnish: Tietämättömyyden verho
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Veil of ignorance'
The Veil of Ignorance in Hinduism symbolizes the illusion obscuring true self-awareness and spiritual reality, preventing recognition of the divine essence and hindering spiritual progress, but can be lifted through knowledge and spiritual instruction.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The cognitive distortion that causes individuals to misunderstand their own and the world's nature.[1] (2) The obscuring barrier that prevents individuals from perceiving true spiritual reality and understanding.[2] (3) The lack of true understanding that obscures the soul's knowledge and prevents realization of its divine essence.[3]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A metaphor for the lack of understanding that can hinder spiritual progress, highlighting the necessity of knowledge gained through practices.[4] (2) A metaphor indicating the absence of true understanding or awareness of higher truths.[5]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Describes the illusion that obscures true understanding of the self and spiritual reality, likened to a dark covering over the soul.[6]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A metaphorical expression referring to the confusion and lack of understanding among various figures concerning Mahesha's nature.[7]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The lack of understanding that obscures true knowledge and virtue according to Prahlada.[8]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) The barrier that obscures the true understanding of the Atman, likened to a shroud that leads to spiritual ignorance.[9]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The lack of self-knowledge that obscures understanding of the ultimate reality, which is cleared by spiritual instruction.[10]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Ignorance acts as a cover that conceals the true nature of the Self, making it difficult to recognize its self-luminous qualities.[11]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A concept introduced to demonstrate how lack of understanding can lead to suffering and poor judgment in human behavior.[12]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The metaphor for the illusion that conceals the true nature of reality, preventing individuals from recognizing the divine presence.[13]
The concept of Veil of ignorance in local and regional sources
The "veil of ignorance" signifies a misunderstanding of Death that distorts its true nature and reflects a Buddhist perspective on ignorance, hindering the perception of reality and beauty. It encapsulates the challenges in understanding existence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A concept drawn from Buddhism, indicating the ignorance that prevents humans from perceiving true reality and beauty.[14] (2) A figurative expression indicating the misunderstanding or lack of awareness that obscures the true nature of Death, making it appear frightening and distorted.[15]