Significance of Upadhi
Upadhi, as defined in the Purana, refers to the limitations or adjuncts that characterize an individual's condition, including aspects like the body and mind. It encompasses the restrictive conditions that shape a person's state of existence, often obstructing the understanding and realization of the true self. By acknowledging these limitations, one can work towards transcending them and gaining a clearer perception of their authentic identity.
Synonyms: Title, Status, Epithet, Attribute
In Dutch: Upadhi; In German: Upadhi; In Finnish: Upadhi; In Spanish: Upadhi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Upadhi'
Upadhi in Hinduism signifies the limiting conditions and adjuncts, like body and mind, that define one's existence and potentially obstruct the realization of the true self.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A limiting adjunct or condition that serves as an object of enjoyment, essentially differentiating enjoying subjects from objects.[1] (2) Limiting adjuncts that define individuality or distinctions within the larger reality of Brahman.[2] (3) Limiting adjuncts or conditions that define the individual soul's experience and perception in contrast to the absolute Brahman.[3]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Refers to the limiting condition or factor that obscures the realization of pure Brahman consciousness.[4] (2) The basis or support (in this case, the intellect, or buddhi) associated with the conditioned self.[5] (3) The conditioning or limitations that contribute to the perception of inferiority and superiority.[6]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The condition or limitation of the mind that obscures the realization of the true self or Brahman.[7] (2) The condition or limitation in which the true self is overlooked or mistaken.[8] (3) Conditions or limitations that separate the self (Atma) from realization of Brahman.[9]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The limitations or conditions that cause the Atman to identify with the transient aspects of life, representing separateness.[10] (2) The conditioning factors or limitations, such as the physical body, that allow the supreme consciousness to be perceived in various forms.[11]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The limiting condition or medium through which an entity is perceived, such as the physical forms of a pot or water-bowl, which create the illusion of diversity.[12] (2) Attributes or conditions that obscure the true nature of the self, which must be negated to realize Turiya.[13]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The limiting factor through which words denote the ultimate reality, suggesting that every word has a contextual meaning based on its constraints.[14] (2) A term related to a specific condition or context under which a word is interpreted or utilized, as mentioned in the context of kriya.[15] (3) Refers to the understood relationship or condition that is not directly expressed in the sentence.[16] (4) In the context, upadhi refers to the conditions or factors that serve to define and regulate the relations of conjunction and inherence.[17] (5) A term denoting a condition or qualification in grammatical contexts, essentially relating to the qualification provided by a word.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The limitations or adjuncts that describe the condition of the self, such as the body and mind.[19]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The limiting condition or basis that defines one鈥檚 state of existence, which can hinder the realization of the true self.[20]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Upadhi refers to a property that can characterize one or more things but does not imply an eternal nature like Jati.[21]