365betÓéÀÖ

Significance of Clear light

Clear light in Buddhism is a concept representing pure awareness and understanding, transcending ordinary perception. It denotes enlightenment that reveals the true nature of existence and dispels ignorance and emotional turmoil. In Purana, it is associated with the bright illumination at dawn and a state of understanding that removes doubt. In Mahayana, Clear light symbolizes the pure, radiant state found in specific buddha-fields, independent of physical light sources, embodying a profound level of enlightenment.

Synonyms: Bright light, Bright illumination, Radiant light, Luminous light, Luminous, Radiant

In Finnish: Kirkas valo; In Dutch: Helder licht; In Spanish: Luz clara

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

Buddhist concept of 'Clear light'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Clear light symbolizes pure awareness and understanding, transcending ordinary perception, and represents a radiant state in specific buddha-fields, independent of physical light sources.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The pure, radiant state present in certain buddha-fields, not reliant on physical light sources.[1]

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 Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The essence of the nadi in the central channel that pertains to pure awareness and understanding, transcending ordinary perception.[2]

Hindu concept of 'Clear light'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Clear light symbolizes a state of enlightenment that reveals the true nature of existence, dispels ignorance and emotional turmoil, and represents a luminous understanding akin to the illumination seen at dawn.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) A state of lucid understanding and enlightenment that dispels ignorance and emotional turmoil.[3] (2) The enlightenment that reveals the true nature of existence.[4] (3) The illumination of understanding that dispels doubt and ignorance.[5]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The bright illumination present during dawn.[6]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Clear light in local and regional sources

History Books

Clear light symbolizes enlightenment, encouraging individuals to transcend ignorance and fanaticism. It represents a pursuit of truth, urging people to embrace wisdom and understanding rather than being confined by narrow beliefs.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) A bright and pure illumination, the atmosphere into which the man was led after being brought out of darkness.[7]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Those who cannot show one gigantic spiritual genius growing out of all this dry dust of ignorance and fanaticism should open the windows of their hearts to this of truth.[8]