Significance of True nature
True nature is a multifaceted concept found across various philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it signifies an individual's essence and the unnoticed qualities of existence, ultimately leading to insights about nirvana. Jainism emphasizes a detachment-based understanding of reality. Hindu philosophies, including Vaishnavism and Vedanta, present True nature as the ultimate essence of the soul and existence that transcends physical forms. Similarly, in pragmatism and science, True nature refers to essential characteristics that govern authentic health and well-being.
Synonyms: Authentic nature, Inherent quality, Essence, Core, Fundamental nature, Intrinsic quality, True self, Inherent nature
In Dutch: Echte natuur; In Finnish: Todellinen luonto; In Spanish: Naturaleza verdadera; In German: Wahre Natur; In Malay: Sifat sebenar; In Swedish: Sann natur; In French: La vraie nature
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'True nature'
In Buddhism, True nature encompasses the fundamental essence of one's being, the inherent reality of phenomena, and the understanding of emptiness, leading to authenticity, liberation, and the ultimate reality as taught by the Buddha.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The essential reality that is understood as the absence of nature, recognized at the culmination of spiritual insight.[1] (2) The fundamental essence of dharmas that transcends ordinary categorizations and conceptions, emphasizing the non-dual and interconnected nature of reality.[2] (3) The inherent essence or reality of the three poisons, which, according to the text, is identified with nirvana.[3] (4) Refers to the fundamental aspect of dharmas, illustrating that ignorances lack a true nature or essence.[4] (5) 'True nature' refers to the ultimate understanding that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence and are transient.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The fundamental essence of one's being that can be lost due to misconceptions and confusion, as illustrated by the finger and moon analogy.[6] (2) The inherent, pure essence of a person that is obscured by thoughts and external distractions.[7] (3) The underlying essence that does not diminish or change, highlighted in discussions on perception and existence.[8] (4) Refers to the inherent character of phenomena, often depicted in Buddhism as being aligned with the idea of Bodhi, which is the nature of enlightenment.[9] (5) The inherent purity and wisdom present in all beings, which can be obscured by ignorance.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Refers to the genuine essence of one’s mind, which should be harmonious and not characterized by pride or arrogance.[11]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The fundamental essence of existence and reality, as understood in Buddhist philosophy, particularly in relation to the concept of the All-Void.[12]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The understanding that existence and non-existence are illusory constructs created by foolish imagination.[13]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Refers to the intrinsic reality of beings and the world, a key aspect the Bodhisattva seeks to unveil.[14]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The fundamental reality of all things as perceived from a non-dual perspective, beyond conceptual distinctions.[15]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The genuine behavior or characteristics of the serpent, particularly linked to its instinctual actions.[16]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The intrinsic characteristics of the internal and external sense bases, emphasizing the understanding required to achieve liberation.[17]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The authentic self of the serpent, which is revealed under specific conditions such as during sexual intercourse or in moments of presumed safety.[18]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The actual condition of existence, which involves an awareness of impermanence, suffering, and non-self (anicca, dukkha, anatta).[19]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The reality of existence as understood through Buddhist teachings, including concepts like anicca (impermanence), dukkha (suffering), and anatta (non-self).[20]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The authentic self, which one should guard to prevent being exploited by others, emphasized through the characters' actions.[21]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The fundamental reality of phenomena that becomes perceptible through observation and attention.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The underlying reality, such as nirvana, which remains unaffected by deceptive perceptions.[23] (2) The inherent quality of all things that remains unnoticed by individuals due to their attachment and misconceptions.[24]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) An individual's real self or essence, especially as it pertains to spiritual understanding.[25]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The inherent characteristics or reality of the self that knowledgeable individuals understand beyond mere names.[26] (2) The inherent reality of all things as perceived by omniscient beings, suggesting a consensus among enlightened teachers.[27]
Hindu concept of 'True nature'
In Hinduism, True nature encompasses the eternal essence of Brahman, the soul's innate purity obscured by ignorance, and the unchanging reality of the Self, promoting recognition of one's unity with the divine beyond physical limitations.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The inherent qualities or characteristics that define Brahman, particularly in terms of its relationship with delight and existence.[28] (2) The actual essence or characteristic of the released soul that encompasses all its freedoms and attributes.[29] (3) The inherent characteristics or essence of an entity, particularly relating to the individual soul's distinction from its physical body.[30] (4) The fundamental essence or reality of the individual soul and the highest Self that is being explored.[31] (5) The inherent essence of the soul that is revealed when reaching the highest light.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to the fundamental essence or reality of something, and it is used to describe how modifications or effects are names only, existing through speech, while the underlying reality is something else.[33] (2) The true nature is the essence of the prana, which is the object of knowledge in both texts, and is characterized by qualities like being the first and best, and other characteristics.[34] (3) The true nature of Brahman is non-connected with any world, and this is the purport of passages which have that focus.[35] (4) The true nature of the Self is not agentship, as scripture teaches that its true Self is Brahman, and the agentship of the Self is due to the attributes of its adjuncts being ascribed to it, and does not form part of its nature.[36] (5) The manifestation of the soul when it is released, and this true nature is discussed as the soul's state of being after it has attained final liberation.[37]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The actual essence or reality of Brahman that must be understood for attainment.[38] (2) The essential oneness and non-duality of the Self that is obscured by ignorance, leading to perceptions of distinction.[39] (3) The fundamental essence of liberation that is concealed by ignorance.[40] (4) The authentic essence of the Self that is concealed by avidya and not fully recognized due to its obstruction.[41] (5) The authentic aspect of a person that is revealed when ignorance is eliminated and knowledge is attained.[42]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The authentic self or essence, referred to as Atman, that exists beyond physical forms and attachments.[43] (2) The inherent quality of the Atman, which is unchanging and eternal as opposed to the temporary nature of physical existence.[44] (3) Refers to the essence of the self that is realized when one transcends the physical form and mental constructs.[45] (4) The essential reality of a subject, separate from perceptions or illusions.[46] (5) The fundamental essence or reality of things that must be understood personally.[47]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the fundamental reality of the atman, which is described as difficult to understand, even for the learned.[48] (2) The unconditioned aspect of the atman, free from any limitations or modifications, representing its essence.[49] (3) The real essence of the atman, which when understood, leads to liberation from anxiety and confusion.[50] (4) The essence of the atman that is the focus of understanding beyond mere prohibitory injunctions.[51] (5) The real essence or form of the atman that can be revealed to those who seek it earnestly.[52]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The inherent essence of all beings, which is immortal and freed from old age and death.[53] (2) The essential reality of objects, which is understood through higher understanding, leading to the realization of non-duality.[54] (3) An inherent quality of beings that exists already within, which does not need to be attained through external means.[55] (4) The fundamental essence of something that reveals its core characteristics.[56] (5) The reality or essence that transcends duality and is not subject to the illusions perceived by the senses.[57]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The authentic essence or fundamental characteristics of happiness that one must try to understand.[58] (2) The inherent identity of a person perceived as the Self, beyond physical and mental limitations, signifying unity with Brahman.[59] (3) Refers to the inherent characteristics and qualities of the Self that exist beyond the physical body.[60] (4) One must try to understand the true nature of the infinite.[61] (5) The realization of one's true nature, the immortal Self, which remains unaffected by worldly experiences.[62]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The essence of reality that can only be understood through reason, as illuminated by Vedanta Scriptures.[63] (2) The inherent essence of reality that reveals the non-existence of independent external entities like jars, clay, etc.[64] (3) The essential reality of an object as it is, as opposed to its perceived separateness.[65]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The inherent qualities or essence of the self, which the Devas sought to understand.[66] (2) The fundamental identity or essence of a being that may not be evident to observers.[67]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The unalterable essence of a being, which is untouched by worldly experiences and delusions.[68] (2) The fundamental aspect of self that is not defined by external objects or experiences, signifying a state of being that is infinite and untainted.[69]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The actual essence or fundamental quality of a concept, such as 'That' and 'thou'.[70] (2) The true nature represents the fundamental essence of the soul that is expressed when the released soul attains liberation, devoid of any material or external attributes.[71]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The fundamental essence or reality of the Atman that is revealed under certain conditions.[72]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The essence of the Self, characterized by purity, taintlessness, oneness, permanence, bodilessness, and omnipresence, which is not subordinate to karma.[73]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) The intrinsic qualities of the Atman, described as purity, eternal, and omnipresent, which are not altered by karma.[74]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The inherent essence or reality of a person or thing, often contrasted with false representations or misunderstandings.[75]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) an inquiry into the core essence of liberation (moksha-tattva) as perceived by the Upanishads and Puranas.[76] (2) The ultimate essence or reality of something, particularly as it pertains to the special transcendental state of ecstasy.[77] (3) Refers to the inherent spiritual essence of the subject, which cannot be masked by external appearances.[78] (4) The essence of Maharloka and other realms which remained unknown to Gopa-kumara due to his focused devotion.[79] (5) The genuine essence or fundamental characteristics of something.[80]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The inherent quality or essence of the Lord that is concealed from those who seek Him for personal gains.[81] (2) The ultimate essence or reality of existence that transcends physical form and appearances.[82] (3) The complete and untainted essence of the Soul that remains indescribable and beyond intellectual grasp.[83] (4) Refers to the fundamental essence and character of the Lord that remains beyond human comprehension.[84] (5) The essential qualities and reality of the soul that must be comprehended for liberation.[85]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The inherent quality or essence of an object as understood within the context of spiritual realization.[86] (2) The inherent qualities and characteristics of the Supreme Lord as described by Gaurasundara, opposing false pride.[87]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The genuine essence or reality of a spiritual figure or concept that has been revealed through direct experience.[88]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The underlying essence or reality of the self, termed atmatattva, which is inquired through various means.[89]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The fundamental characteristics and reality of an individual or entity, beyond superficial appearances.[90]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The inherent state of calmness and awareness of self.[91] (2) The inherent essence or reality of something, which is often ignored in favor of superficial appearances.[92] (3) The fundamental essence of the soul as revealed through understanding and guidance.[93] (4) The essence of an individual, which when realized leads to liberation and highest knowledge.[94] (5) The essence of being that is unrestricted by words or concepts like pure, undivided, real or unreal.[95]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The essential quality or reality of something, particularly in the context of understanding concepts like renunciation and abandonment as discussed by Arjuna and Krishna.[96] (2) The fundamental reality or characteristics of things, as opposed to appearances or superficial judgments.[97] (3) The inherent essence of an individual that should not be compromised while striving for self-protection.[98]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The understanding of the authentic essence of the Vedas and Vedangas possessed by brahmana Madhava.[99]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The inherent reality of the universe, which becomes manifest through self-knowledge.[100]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The authentic essence or reality of an object as it is, without the distortions imposed by perception or imagination.[101] (2) The authentic essence of both the experiencer and the object of experience, which becomes known when ignorance is removed.[102]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The essential quality that allows an object to perform its inherent functions without deviating from its existence.[103] (2) The fundamental essence of an individual, which is revealed as free from ignorance and aligned with the qualities of Ishvara.[104]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The inherent characteristics or essence of a thing, as elucidated in the context of the spectacle and the soul.[105]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The actual characteristics of an object that are obscured by the interpretations or functions ascribed to it.[106] (2) The actual characteristics or properties that define a specific object or concept.[107] (3) The actual essence or characteristic of a concept that may not be accurately represented by its common expression.[108]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) The fundamental reality of the eternal Being, which eludes complete understanding, even by close devotees.[109]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The essential qualities or attributes of a thing that define its character and are critical to gaining knowledge for achieving bliss.[110]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The inherent state of being that transcends physical existence and material desires.[111]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The essence or fundamental reality of the self, which one seeks to understand through spirituality.[112]
Jain concept of 'True nature'
In Jainism, True nature signifies the essential reality of entities, highlighting women's bodies through detachment, the supreme soul's essence recognized by yogis, the understanding of minute objects via the projectable body, and the perception of life's transience.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The perception of reality, encompassing the inevitability of death and transient relationships.[113] (2) The inherent essence of the supreme soul, perceived by yogis who achieve clarity through tranquility.[114] (3) The essential reality of something, which, in this case, refers to women's bodies as viewed through a lens of detachment.[115]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Refers to the realization or understanding of minute objects that might be ascertained through the projectable body.[116]
The concept of True nature in local and regional sources
True nature embodies the divine essence inherent in every individual, signifying the core identity that, when realized, leads to spiritual liberation and understanding of one's authentic self, transcending societal constraints and limitations.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text states that God is our own true nature, and is always in us and with us, highlighting the idea that our true nature is divine.[117] (2) The fundamental essence of existence, which remains unaffected by happiness or misery, representing a state of unchanging bliss and peace, and it is what we already possess, requiring only the removal of obstacles to perceive it.[118] (3) The authentic essence of an individual is the ultimate reality that individuals strive to realize, and it is a state that remains unaffected by external experiences like happiness or misery.[119] (4) True nature is the infinite aspect of a person, which is forgotten, leading to being bound by time, space, and causation, which are all parts of the rotating circle of the body.[120] (5) This is a concept that represents the true essence of a person, and it is realized when one understands that they are God, and this realization brings freedom.[121]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The intrinsic essence of an individual, which is revealed through self-inquiry and spiritual practice.[122] (2) Refers to the essence and actual functioning of things as understood through Realism in public policy.[123] (3) The authentic self that is in alignment with divine principles, untainted by ego or societal influences.[124] (4) The authentic essence of an individual that becomes recognizable through spiritual awakening and transcending personal limitations.[125] (5) Understanding and abiding in one’s true nature is presented as the ultimate goal of human existence.[126]