Significance of Divine Being
Synonyms: Deity, God, Celestial being, Supernatural entity, Immortal, Sacred presence, Higher power, Divinity, Supreme being, Almighty, Creator, Heavenly father, Divine power, Providence, Divine providence
In Dutch: Goddelijk Wezen; In Finnish: Jumalallinen Olento; In Spanish: Ser divino; In German: Göttliches Wesen; In Swedish: Gudomlig Varelse; In Malay: Makhluk Ilahi; In French: Être divin
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Divine Being'
In Buddhism, "Divine Being" encompasses higher spiritual entities, such as Brahma and celestial beings, who offer guidance, interact with humans, symbolize ethical living, and are integral to narratives of enlightenment and Buddhist cosmology.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Supernatural entities that come to assist Sopaka after his birth, displaying compassion.[1] (2) Celestial entities that interacted with humans and played roles in Moggallana's spiritual narrative.[2] (3) Celestial entities that showed the Bodhisat the foreboding omens signaling his path to enlightenment.[3] (4) Entities considered to reside in higher realms, often referenced in the context of Buddhist cosmology.[4] (5) Those who are believed to exist in heavenly realms, where Pulinapujaka experienced divine bliss.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A title ascribed to Master Banyan when he was recognized to be destined for kingship.[6] (2) The embodiment of ethical living that the Bodhisatta aims to emulate by renouncing worldly desires and aspiring towards excellence.[7] (3) Gods or celestial entities that possess attributes beyond human limitations.[8] (4) The Bodhisatta who appears to Mittavindaka in the form of a god, providing a lesson about the consequences of one's actions.[9]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Entities such as devas and brahmins that exist in the narrative, often interacting with the ogres and the Buddha.[10] (2) Refers to the gods and celestial entities involved in creating the lake, reinforcing its exceptional nature.[11] (3) The celestial entities who accompanied and supported Bodhisatta Revata during his spiritual journey.[12]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Spiritual entities or deities that inhabit higher planes of existence, associated with positive actions and good kamma.[13]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Refers to gods and other celestial entities who acknowledge the Tathagata's supreme status.[14]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Highly enlightened entities or Buddhas that possess compassion and wisdom, who guide others towards liberation.[15] (2) A reference to higher spiritual entities, including Brahma, who provide guidance and wisdom.[16]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Spiritual entities, including deities like Sakra and Great Brahma, who assist in the protection of those devoted to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.[17]
Hindu concept of 'Divine Being'
In Hinduism, "Divine Being" encompasses spiritual entities like deities, supernatural forces, and sacred beings revered for their cosmic roles, purity, and qualities. They govern spiritual journeys and maintain cosmic order, influencing rituals and worship practices.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Supernatural entities or gods associated with higher powers and spiritual realms, often responsible for blessings.[18] (2) Refers to the goddess, emphasizing her spiritual nature.[19] (3) A spiritual entity that embodies perfection and divinity, often referred to in the context of God.[20] (4) Entities that possess divine qualities, often regarded as celestial or godly beings in Hindu tradition.[21] (5) Referring to the supreme entity, Lord Hari, who has dominion over the cosmos and represents ultimate reality in the philosophical context.[22]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A term referring to the Supreme Lord who represents ultimate reality and divinity.[23] (2) A supernatural presence possessing sacred qualities, often associated with the creation and maintenance of the universe.[24] (3) A divine being is a higher spiritual entity or deity, particularly one that exists in a state of purity and perfection, contrasting with the flawed nature of individual living entities.[25] (4) An entity that possesses divine qualities or attributes.[26] (5) The phrase represents the understanding of Nityananda as a spiritual entity beyond the material realm.[27]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Ethereal entities such as Brahma, Rudra, and Indra that interact with Krishna and are subject to his influences.[28] (2) Referring to Krishna's transcendental nature, which cowherdesses feel is sometimes forgotten.[29] (3) Divine beings refer to gods and celestial figures observing and participating in events, highlighting the spiritual importance of the narrative's occurrences.[30]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Spiritual entities or deities that are revered and worshipped for their powers and qualities.[31]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A reference to a spiritual entity often associated with great power, wisdom, and love, central to religious beliefs.[32]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A divine being refers to an exalted entity like Narayana or Hari, who embodies perfection, divinity, and supreme authority.[33] (2) The celestial figures worshipped by Yudhishthira, including Govinda and Valadeva.[34] (3) Entities from celestial realms that play essential roles in rituals and mythology, illustrating the belief in a hierarchy of power.[35] (4) Referring to Krishna or Vishnu, emphasizing his infinite nature and the importance of divine intervention.[36] (5) The supreme entity that dwells in the acts indicated in the scriptures, representing ultimate virtue.[37]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Gods or other supernatural entities that are honored through various offerings and prayers.[38] (2) The gods mentioned in the context of sacred activities and sacrifices, who are nourished by the performance of such rituals.[39] (3) Refers to entities such as deities that embody various aspects and powers of the universe.[40] (4) The gods and other supernatural entities that influence human lives and affairs.[41] (5) Considered by the wise as the ultimate remedy for worldly suffering and existence.[42]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Refers to the gods who interacted with Shri Mahadeva in the narrative.[43] (2) A general term for entities like the Gods and Rishis, who hold a significant role in the cosmos.[44]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The various forms of life such as Devas, men, birds, and other entities, all governed by the Sun's order and power.[45] (2) Entities that are born from higher qualities (Sattva), often engaged in religious or ethical pursuits, yet still influenced by jealousy and conflict.[46]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Various high entities associated with Brahma's creation that serve distinct roles within the cosmic order.[47] (2) A category of entities that possess god-like qualities or powers.[48]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Supernatural entities that inhabit the celestial regions, including Sakra and other characters in the narrative.[49]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) An eternal essence recognized by devotees, embodying the ultimate reality and source of existence.[50]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Spiritual entities or figures, often revered and worshipped in various forms within Hindu traditions.[51]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A reference to the Supreme Person that underscores their inherent divinity and creative capabilities.[52] (2) Entities governing time in the context of the paths; they are crucial in defining the spiritual journey within Yoga.[53] (3) A reference to the deities involved in sacrifices who are recognized and propitiated by devotees.[54] (4) Spiritual entities or gods that hold power over aspects of creation.[55] (5) A general term for celestial entities such as the Vasus and Adityas, who play significant roles in cosmological and spiritual traditions.[56]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Refers to gods or spiritual entities that are considered sacred.[57] (2) Refers to the ultimate realization or culmination in the spiritual journey where one identifies with higher consciousness.[58] (3) Supernatural entities that are part of the spiritual knowledge contained within Learning.[59]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Divine beings are mentioned, who, despite their extraordinary power and wisdom, cannot know the cause of the world, as shown in the mantras cited.[60] (2) The stations of the path refer not only to subdivisions of the way but also to the divine beings which lead the soul on its journey.[61]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The divine being is characterized as the creator that the Jiva seeks favor and recognition from in order to maintain its existence.[62]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The spiritual entity that is worshipped, perceived as distinct from the worshipper.[63]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The ultimate spiritual entity that transcends worldly existence, often perceived as the source of immortality and true wisdom.[64]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Entities said to exist on a higher plane of consciousness, bewildered by the actions of the truly wise who have achieved knowledge of Brahman.[65]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Spiritual entities mentioned in relation to the functioning and power structure within the Brahmapura of the body.[66]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Entities such as Gandharvas, Guhyakas, and Apsaras associated with the heavenly realm.[67] (2) The character or essence one attains that aligns with being considered akin to the Gods or attaining divinity.[68] (3) The supernatural entities occupying the Middle Regions, referred to as 'Pitris' in the context of the text.[69] (4) General term used to refer to entities like Daityas, Danavas, and others that are part of the laudatory description.[70]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to significant spiritual entities or representations, including gods and cows.[71]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The gods and spiritual entities that the student serves and is required to honor through various observances.[72]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Entities revered in various traditions, including Brahman, Prajapati, and others mentioned in the text.[73]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) Supernatural entities or gods to whom offerings are made during rituals, often invoking blessings.[74]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Refers to the gods who play a pivotal role in guiding and shaping the destinies of mortals throughout the narrative.[75] (2) Characters like Kalingasena, Madanavega, and Madanamancuka, whose existences intertwine with heavenly qualities and destinies.[76] (3) Supernatural entities that influence the events of mortality, including giving blessings and curses.[77] (4) An ethereal entity that carries Pundarika's body to the sky, inspiring Mahashveta's penance.[78] (5) Supernatural figures who influence human actions and emotions, representing the interplay between love, fate, and destiny in the narrative.[79]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) References to gods like Indra, Yama, and Agni, who experience longing and affection for Damayanti.[80]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) The entities in the text, including gods and goddesses, who interact with mortals, reflecting the interplay between divine influence and human experiences.[81]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) In the context of the graha of Soma, a divine being can be associated with fulfilling the wishes of individuals who invoke them.[82]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A reference to a higher power or God, attributed with qualities of utmost knowledge and happiness.[83]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Supernatural entities in Vajrayana involving protector deities and Bodhisattvas who assist practitioners in achieving enlightenment.[84]
Jain concept of 'Divine Being'
In Jainism, a Divine Being is characterized by entities residing in specific realms, the elevated state post-death, celestial beings' divine nature, and their ability to descend from heavens to the Utpala.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Entities that can come down to the Utpala from the heavens.[85] (2) The state that men living in the isles attain after death, indicating a transformation or elevation of existence.[86]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Refers to the entities or gods that reside in the realms described in the Sanatkumara and Mahendra contexts, particularly relating to their lifespan.[87] (2) Another term for celestial beings, emphasizing their godly or divine nature.[88]
The concept of Divine Being in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Divine Being" encompasses various interpretations of God or ultimate reality, reflecting concepts of spiritual entities, transcendent love in Radha and Krishna's story, and the inherent divine essence within individuals, bridging the sacred and personal realms.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The Hindoo monk's belief that every man and woman is, but is covered as though by a screen, which their religion is trying to remove.[89] (2) If they are really, actually, higher than all our conceptions of God, what harm is there in worshipping them? Not only is there no harm, but it is the only possible and positive way of worship.[90] (3) Thousands of divine beings are standing about you, but you do not see them because our world is determined by our senses, and we can only see this outside.[91] (4) There is the same pure white light � an emission of the divine Being � in the centre of each, but the glass being of different colours and thickness, the rays assume diverse aspects in the transmission, as is stated.[92] (5) A concept taught by Vedantism, stating that man is essentially this, and the highest and lowest are manifestations of the same Lord.[93]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Spiritual entities like Maheswara who represent the concept of transcendental existence above material attachments.[94] (2) Refers to Radha and Krishna in the context of the work, illustrating the spiritual and transcendent aspects of their love.[95] (3) Refers to the godly figures Radha and Krishna, whose love story serves as a central theme in Jayadeva's poetry.[96] (4) The concept of a god or higher power that is often invoked to support certain cultural and religious practices, including the subjugation of women.[97] (5) The ultimate reality or God, described by Tagore as integral to human existence and creativity.[98]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A reference to the noble figures mentioned, Nivritti, Dnyaneshwar, Sopan, and Muktabai, who are revered for their spiritual enlightenment.[99] (2) Refers to the God figure in the text who shows mercy and care for followers.[100]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Vajrapani, the spirit that the master of shastras consulted regarding his desire to see Maitreya.[101]