Significance of Supreme knowledge
Supreme knowledge is defined across various philosophical traditions in India as the highest level of understanding, encompassing profound insights into reality and enlightenment. In Buddhism, it signifies wisdom held by buddhas, while Jainism links it to spiritual awakening and ultimate liberation. Vaishnavism describes it as a divine understanding of the Supreme Godhead. According to the Purana, it is the highest form of understanding leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Overall, Supreme knowledge represents an ultimate realization crucial for spiritual fulfillment across different beliefs.
Synonyms: Ultimate wisdom, Profound understanding, Exceptional insight, Superior intelligence, Wisdom, Enlightenment, Insight, Omniscience, Sagacity
In Dutch: Opperste kennis; In Finnish: Korkein tieto; In Spanish: Conocimiento supremo; In German: H枚chstes Wissen; In Swedish: Suver盲n kunskap; In Malay: Ilmu yang tertinggi; In French: Connaissance supr锚me
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Supreme knowledge'
Supreme knowledge in Buddhism signifies the ultimate enlightenment attained by the Buddha, characterized by unparalleled understanding, self-dependence, and the ability to impart profound insights into reality, illuminating the path for others seeking enlightenment.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) This phrase is indicative of the highest level of understanding attributed to the Buddha, especially in comparison to the state of sammasambuddho.[1]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The deep understanding and insights possessed by the Lord, enabling Him to teach others about various worldly and spiritual matters.[2]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Knowledge that is unmatched and self-dependent, as asserted by the Tathagata.[3]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The highest understanding or enlightenment that Kasyapa seeks to achieve after paying homage to the Buddhas.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Supreme knowledge refers to the anuttarasamyaksambodhi attained by the Bodhisattva Shakyamuni.[5]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) An elevated understanding held by buddhas, which encompasses the totality of wisdom and insight into the nature of reality.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Supreme knowledge'
Supreme knowledge in Hinduism represents the highest realization of truth, enlightenment, and Brahman, encompassing profound understanding beyond ordinary perceptions, ultimately leading to liberation and self-awareness of one's divine nature.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Understanding the highest truths and realities beyond ordinary perception.[7] (2) Understanding the ultimate reality that transcends all dualities and leads to liberation.[8] (3) Understanding attained after overcoming ignorance and sin, leading to a true knowledge of the Soul.[9]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The highest form of understanding or realization, attributed to the Goddess, connecting her with enlightenment and wisdom.[10] (2) The intrinsic understanding and consciousness that exists before the Vedas.[11] (3) The ultimate understanding or realization of the divine, which the King strives for following his wife's departure.[12]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The understanding derived from scriptures, leading to the realization of ultimate truth and liberation.[13]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The highest form of understanding that connects one to spiritual truths.[14]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Referred to as Para-Vidya, it encompasses the sacred teachings found in the Vedas and signifies the highest understanding in spiritual education.[15]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A deep, divine understanding bestowed upon the Alvars, allowing them to transcend common criticism.[16] (2) A reference to the exceptional wisdom anticipated in the child Catakopan, highlighting the importance of knowledge in spiritual and worldly contexts.[17] (3) The profound understanding bestowed upon the Alvar by the Lord, which paradoxically hinders him from seeking other paths for attaining divine proximity.[18] (4) The highest form of enlightenment or understanding that is inherent and requires no effort to possess.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The highest form of understanding or awareness, emphasized as the essence derived from the study of all scriptures.[20] (2) An understanding of the Supreme Personality of Godhead that cannot be achieved through mere scholarship.[21] (3) The knowledge that encompasses all severe austerities aimed at knowing God.[22]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An understanding that transcends ordinary knowledge, leading to insights about the nature of reality and time.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate understanding or realization that leads to the attainment of Immutable Brahman, described as imperceivable and ungraspable.[24] (2) Higher understanding or realization that pertains to the Supreme Brahman; it's superior to relative knowledge and does not involve the concept of journey or attainment.[25] (3) The highest form of spiritual knowledge that encompasses an understanding of the essence of existence and the ultimate truth.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The supreme knowledge is the understanding that removes ignorance and is non-different from Brahman.[27] (2) A concept indicating that Brahman knowledge is considered the highest and ultimate form of understanding.[28]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Knowledge considered highest or ultimate understanding, only accessible to those with pure minds.[29]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The highest form of understanding and realization of the Supreme being, as desired by Markandeya.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Ultimate understanding or enlightenment that individuals seek through spiritual practices, particularly relevant to those who remain engaged with household life.[31]
Jain concept of 'Supreme knowledge'
Supreme knowledge in Jainism is the ultimate enlightenment attained by perfected beings, embodying the highest understanding, free from passions, and associated with total liberation. It represents the eternal insight necessary to grasp the Tirthankara's teachings.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The ultimate understanding and enlightenment that Jamali falsely claimed to possess, which led to his confusion.[32] (2) The highest form of knowledge attainable, characterized by having no beginning, implying its eternal nature.[33] (3) The highest level of understanding that some individuals may possess, distinguished from those who do not.[34] (4) Supreme knowledge is the highest level of understanding, typically possessed by perfected beings.[35] (5) The highest level of understanding or insight achievable, often linked to spiritual awakening.[36]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) The highest understanding attained by Mahavira, signifying his enlightenment and spiritual mastery.[37]
The concept of Supreme knowledge in local and regional sources
Supreme knowledge encompasses the ultimate understanding of existence, transcending ignorance through devotion and meditation. It consists of spiritual truths, self-realization, and unity with the Supreme Being, often referred to as Brahma Vidya or Para-Vidya.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Referred to as Brahma Vidya, it signifies the highest form of understanding and wisdom related to the cosmos.[38] (2) The understanding that transcends ignorance, which can be attained through devotion, meditation, concentration, and perseverance.[39] (3) The highest level of understanding or wisdom, particularly relating to spiritual truths.[40] (4) Brahma Jnaanam, a knowledge that is sought through the practice of Gaayathree Manthra Japam.[41] (5) The highest form of understanding regarding the mysteries of existence.[42]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the ultimate understanding that one should attain, going beyond both relative knowledge and ignorance, according to the text.[43] (2) This is the means by which the sages see Him whose nature is bliss, who shines as immortality, and is the key to realization.[44]