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Significance of Awakening

Awakening is a multifaceted concept across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, each emphasizing a transition to consciousness and understanding of one's true nature. In Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies a return to awareness from unconsciousness. Vaishnavism and Vedanta view it as the realization of one's identity with the divine. Mahayana Buddhism describes it as the attainment of enlightenment and understanding of reality, aiming for the bodhisattva's ultimate goal. Throughout history, Awakening has also called for societal spiritual engagement and recognition of individual rights and identity.1
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Synonyms: Arousal, Revival, Enlightenment, Awareness, Realization, Rebirth, Consciousness, Emergence, Waking up

In Dutch: Ontwaken; In Finnish: ±á±ð°ùää³¾¾±²Ô±ð²Ô; In Spanish: Despertar; In German: Erwachen; In Malay: Kebangkitan; In Swedish: Uppvaknande; In French: ɱ¹±ð¾±±ô

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Awakening'

Buddhism Books

Awakening in Buddhism signifies the transition from unconsciousness to consciousness, culminating in enlightenment. It reflects the bodhisattva's journey towards understanding reality's true nature and achieving the ultimate goal of full enlightenment.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) This is the ultimate goal that the bodhisattvas seek to achieve, and they complete the necessities for this goal through their gifts.[1] (2) It is the state of enlightenment, a state that is not different from the unconstructed knowledge of penetrating the sphere of all moments of existence.[2] (3) The letter displays the mass of qualities in the bodhisattva from the time he first produces the thought of this until he sits on the place of this.[3] (4) Awakening is the state of enlightenment and is the goal of the bodhisattva's practice.[4]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The realization or enlightenment that transcends ordinary perception, leading to an understanding of the emptiness of phenomena.[5] (2) The moment when an individual returns to consciousness and begins to correctly interpret sensory information, such as recognizing sounds that were misperceived in a dream.[6] (3) The realization or enlightenment achieved when one reaches the actual understanding of truth.[7]

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) The state achieved by all Buddhas, representing full enlightenment and the realization of the true nature of reality.[8]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The transition from a state of unconsciousness to consciousness, signifying a return of awareness.[9]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Awakening'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Awakening is the journey toward self-realization and understanding one's identity with Brahman. It involves gaining consciousness, enlightenment, and discovering the Inner Light, ultimately leading to liberation and the recognition of one's higher purpose.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) The process of becoming aware of one's true nature and existence, leading to the understanding of one’s identity with Brahman.[10]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The process of coming to awareness or consciousness, following a state of confusion.[11]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

The concept of Awakening in local and regional sources

History Books

Awakening encompasses the recognition of personal rights and spiritual identity, encourages societal engagement beyond complacency, and emphasizes the sanctity of the body as a temple, advocating for purity and moral responsibility.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A call to action for society to rise from complacency and engage with its spiritual and moral responsibilities.[12] (2) The recognition and enlightenment of an individual's rights and spiritual identity.[13]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The banyan tree, the hill, the saint, and the European couple do not symbolize this.[14] (2) This describes a moment of spiritual significance, possibly representing a renewal or the emergence of a pure or innocent aspect within the context of the narrative.[15]