Significance of Individual self
The concept of Individual self in various philosophical and spiritual traditions reflects the personal identity of a being that is distinct yet connected to the ultimate reality, often referred to as Brahman. In Buddhism, it is seen as the origin of desire and suffering, while in Purana, it is considered identical to Brahman, representing a constant, unchanging essence. Other traditions like Vedanta and Shaivism emphasize its role in experiencing both physical and metaphysical realities and the quest for liberation from bondage, illustrating its complexity across different contexts.
Synonyms: Personal self, Self-identity, Selfhood, Personal identity, Individuality, Self-concept, Ego, Self-awareness
In Dutch: Individueel zelf; In Finnish: Yksil枚llinen min盲; In Spanish: Yo individual; In German: Individuelles Selbst
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Individual self'
In Buddhism, the Individual self represents the personal identity linked to desire and suffering. The tradition aims to transcend this notion, emphasizing the liberation from attachment and the realization of a deeper, interconnected existence.
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) In Buddhism, this refers to the concept of a personal identity that is seen as the root of desire and suffering, which Buddhism seeks to transcend.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Individual self'
In Hinduism, the Individual Self encompasses the essence of personhood, embodying experiences of joy and sorrow, distinct from the physical body, and represents a unique consciousness tied to karma and ultimate unity with Brahman.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Represents the jiva, the entity that experiences individuality, consciousness, and is subject to karmic cycles.[2] (2) The inner Self distinct from the body and senses, specifically related to the individual soul.[3] (3) The aspect of the soul that engages in meditation and the pursuit of understanding.[4] (4) Describes the personal ego or self that suffers and experiences the results of its actions, distinct from the higher consciousness of the highest Self.[5] (5) The personal and unique aspect of consciousness that a person identifies with, compared to the greater Self or Brahman.[6]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The individual Self, or soul, is also known as the jiva atma, and is the real agent in the evolution of names and forms, but the highest Lord is the one who ultimately fashions these things, according to the text.[7] (2) The individual Self and the highest Self are not really different, as known from other scriptural passages, according to the provided text.[8] (3) These are the entities in which the nine special qualities inhere separately, and it is essential to understanding the samsara-state.[9] (4) The individual Self is initially suggested as the object of sight and so on, because it is, in the early part of the chapter denoted as something dear, but is later distinguished from the highest Self.[10] (5) The individual Self, or soul, does not originate or undergo destruction, and this concept is supported by the absence of scriptural statements regarding its production.[11]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Represented by the syllable 'iha', meaning 'here' or 'this'.[12] (2) The unique essence of an individual that inhabits and animates their entire existence, analogous to the self in a tree.[13] (3) The unique self-awareness of a person that continues to exist even after body death, suggesting an ongoing identity beyond physical existence.[14] (4) The self that experiences joy and sorrow, distinct from the physical body, which is seen as a temporary vessel.[15] (5) The unique essence or identity of a person, which is said to leave the body at the time of death.[16]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The concept of a self that is separate yet intrinsically linked to the Supreme Self, contributing to discussions of identity and liberation.[17] (2) The true essence of an individual, which is ultimately identical with Brahman.[18] (3) The self that is immediate and direct, existing within all beings and equated with the Supreme Self in essence.[19] (4) The essence of a person that transitions out of the physical body towards a new existence, capable of particular consciousness influenced by past actions and knowledge.[20] (5) The self that is distinct and operates through the body and its organs, conducting functions such as breathing.[21]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Synonymous with the individual soul; it denotes the essence of a person that is considered eternal according to the texts.[22] (2) Refers to the soul which experiences the results of actions, contrasting with the Supreme Self.[23]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Refers to the self when in the state of dreaming, known specifically as Taijasa.[24]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The personal essence of a being that connects with the Supreme, crucial for attaining higher knowledge.[25] (2) The personal aspect of existence in relation to the Supreme, the concept of 'self' that is involved in worldly experiences.[26]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The personal aspect of consciousness, distinct from the supreme self.[27] (2) The manifestation of the Brahman in a singular form, referred to as Adhyatma.[28]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The constant entity within the body that remains unchanged amidst desires and aversions.[29] (2) The mind itself, which presides over the great elements and is connected to the Kshetrajna.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A person's sense of identity, which may perceive itself as separate from the universal spirit (Brahman).[31]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The conscious principle that perceives and recognizes itself as separate yet connected to the ultimate reality, described as the ignorant Purusha.[32]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Refers to the unique consciousness of a person, which may be associated with either the Intellect (Buddhi) or personal awareness.[33]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The essence of a person that seeks to realize its unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman).[34]
The concept of Individual self in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Individual self" encompasses Whitman's conception of a person's unique essence, emphasizing its interconnectedness with others. It also represents the "jiva" or "jivatman," highlighting the ego-centric nature influenced by the physical and mental realms.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This represents the essence of a person, particularly in their state of experience, contrasted with the higher, true self, according to the text.[35] (2) This is the Atman, which is also referred to as Vibhu and is considered to be omnipresent, and is what the Gita and the Vedanta are concerned with.[36] (3) This is the self that is subject to delusion, but can still lead one towards the ultimate goal of understanding the eternal self, even with imperfections.[37]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Whitman's portrayal of the unique and personal essence of a person that is deeply connected to others and the world.[38]