Significance of Enlightenment
Synonyms: Illumination, Awakening, Insight, Awareness, Understanding, Education, Knowledge, Clarification, Wisdom
In Dutch: Verlichting; In Finnish: Valaistuminen; In Spanish: 滨濒耻蝉迟谤补肠颈贸苍; In German: 础耻蹿办濒盲谤耻苍驳; In Malay: Pencerahan; In Swedish: Upplysning; In French: 脡肠濒补颈谤肠颈蝉蝉别尘别苍迟
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Enlightenment'
In Buddhism, Enlightenment signifies profound understanding and realization of one鈥檚 true nature, achieving liberation from suffering and the cycles of rebirth, ultimately representing the highest spiritual goal marked by wisdom and compassion.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A state of realization regarding the true nature of reality, which can be achieved through various experiences.[1] (2) The state of understanding one's true nature, which is inherently bright, and free from the confusions caused by ignorance.[2] (3) The state of gaining profound insight and awakening to the ultimate truth, crucial in the context of Buddhist teachings.[3] (4) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, where one attains insight into the nature of reality and liberation from the cycles of suffering.[4] (5) The ultimate state of understanding and realization that accompanies the destruction of defilements.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, achieved through wisdom and the abandonment of desires.[6] (2) The state of awakening to the truth of reality, leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[7] (3) The state of full awakening and realization of all truths, achieved through dedicated practice and understanding of the teachings.[8] (4) The culmination of Buddhist practice, leading to the realization of true nature and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.[9] (5) The state of awakening and realization of the true nature of reality, free from ignorance and suffering.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal that is attainable through the development of bodhicitta and the practice of the Bodhisattva-caryavatara.[11] (2) The state of having completely realized buddha nature, free from suffering and ignorance.[12] (3) A state of realization and liberation from suffering; the ultimate goal in Buddhism.[13] (4) The ultimate purpose of generating bodhicitta and studying the Bodhisattva-caryavatara is to attain enlightenment, which signifies the complete realization of one's highest potential.[14]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice; represents a state of profound understanding and liberation from suffering.[15] (2) The ultimate realization and understanding sought in spiritual practice, leading to liberation.[16] (3) The state of gaining profound knowledge and understanding, achieved by the Buddha after seven days of meditation.[17] (4) The state of awakening achieved through the profound understanding of dharma, which the Exalted One embodies.[18]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The state of being awakened to the reality of one's mind and the nature of existence.[19] (2) The realization and understanding of one's true nature and the nature of all phenomena.[20] (3) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, represented by the realization of the Essence of Mind.[21]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The realization of ultimate reality, characterized by the absence of duality, free from all discriminative constructions and mental agitations.[22] (2) The state of realizing ultimate truth and achieving profound understanding of existence.[23]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The profound realization achieved by the Buddha, recognized as one of the significant reasons for the trembling of the earth.[24]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of suffering and realization of true knowledge.[25]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, where one achieves a profound understanding of reality and liberation from suffering.[26]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The state of supreme wisdom and liberation achieved through understanding the nature of reality.[27]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The ultimate state of spiritual insight and understanding that practitioners aim to achieve through the Perfection of Wisdom.[28]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism that involves liberation from suffering and attainment of higher wisdom.[29]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A state that Garahadinna and Sirigutta eventually seek, characterized by wisdom and understanding of the Buddha's teachings.[30] (2) The state of achieving the Fourfold Insight Knowledge of the Path, which can occur with or without Omniscience.[31] (3) The state achieved by Mahapaduma, known as Buddhahood, where he became the Omniscient and Fully Self-Enlightened One.[32] (4) The ultimate understanding and realization of the truth about existence, which Brahmin Pokkharasati is led towards.[33] (5) The moment when Buddha Kondanna attained true understanding and realization of the nature of existence.[34]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The ultimate realization and understanding achieved by the Buddha, transcending the cycles of birth and death.[35] (2) The state of gaining insight and understanding, notably when the Buddha acquired the Abhidhamma after his own Enlightenment.[36] (3) The profound insight and realization attained by the Buddha, recognizing the nature of reality.[37]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A concept that some people say is influenced so that it is not able to bring forth its flower and fruit fully to those who practise the way, and is not to be found in the 鈥渨ell taught鈥� Dhamma.[38] (2) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing a profound realization of truth and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[39]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, which involves understanding the nature of suffering and transcending it.[40]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, characterized by the eradication of defilements and understanding of true reality.[41]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The ultimate state of awakening or realization, freeing an individual from the cycle of birth and suffering.[42]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The state of attaining profound understanding and insight, particularly in relation to the Four Noble Truths, exemplified by the Buddha.[43]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, characterized by the realization of truth and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[44]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The ultimate state of realization and understanding in Buddhist practice, which sentient beings strive to attain while maintaining their happiness.[45] (2) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, representing a state of perfect wisdom and compassion where one is free from suffering and the cycle of samsara.[46] (3) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, representing a state of wisdom and clarity that transcends ordinary experience.[47] (4) The state of full realization and liberation from the cycles of samsara, characterized by the absence of defilements and complete wisdom.[48]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice in Buddhism, which grags pa seng ge aimed to achieve through his various teachings and practices.[49] (2) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, characterized by full understanding and liberation from suffering.[50]
Hindu concept of 'Enlightenment'
Enlightenment in Hinduism encompasses profound knowledge and awareness of existence and the divine, leading to liberation and self-realization. It emphasizes awakening to one's true nature, understanding deep spiritual teachings, and recognizing unity with Brahman.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The state of realization in which an individual perceives their true Self and attains freedom from ignorance.[51] (2) The state of gaining profound knowledge and clarity achieved through understanding spiritual teachings.[52]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A state of knowledge where the individual recognizes the Self's identity with Brahman, dissolving illusions of separation and the need for material rites.[53]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The state of realization where distinctions are understood to be non-different from Brahman, leading to the comprehension of the non-duality of existence.[54]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The state of having knowledge or understanding that brings clarity or wisdom, known as bodha.[55] (2) Bodha; a state of gaining deep knowledge or insight.[56]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The attained knowledge leading to liberation, emphasized as achievable through the study and recitation of sacred texts.[57]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The state of clarity and understanding achieved through the teachings of a great sage, necessary for resolving doubts and confusion.[58]
Jain concept of 'Enlightenment'
Enlightenment in Jainism signifies achieving a state of profound understanding and liberation through true teachings, spiritual guidance, and awareness of deeper truths about life and karma, ultimately culminating in perfect knowledge and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The moment of realization Rama experiences when he understands the truth about his younger brother's condition.[59] (2) The state achieved by many characters who abandon false doctrines and embrace the true teachings.[60] (3) The state of attaining knowledge and liberation, often through guidance from a spiritual teacher.[61] (4) A spiritual state sought after by many characters, often associated with higher moral values and understanding.[62] (5) A state achieved by characters who comprehend deeper truths about life, karma, and spiritual progression.[63]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The ultimate goal of a monk, representing a state of spiritual awakening and liberation.[64] (2) A state of perfect knowledge and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, central to the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism.[65]
The concept of Enlightenment in local and regional sources
Enlightenment encompasses various dimensions such as spiritual awakening, personal insight, and philosophical reason. It reflects both a deep understanding of reality and an ethical framework, as illustrated by Gautama's teachings and practices in Buddhism.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A philosophical movement advocating reason and individualism, which informs the moral and ethical dimensions in the play.[66] (2) The state of understanding and insight gained by Gautama, impacting his decision to share wisdom with others.[67] (3) The mental clarity and understanding achieved by contemplating the Gayatri Mantra and the light it represents.[68] (4) The state of gaining deep spiritual insight and realization, often achieved through guidance from enlightened individuals.[69] (5) A state of gaining knowledge and wisdom that transcends mere accumulation of information or power.[70]