Significance of Knowledge of Brahman
Knowledge of Brahman represents a profound understanding of the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, essential for spiritual liberation. This concept encompasses various interpretations across traditions such as Vaishnavism, Vedanta, and Shaivism. It emphasizes comprehending Brahman as the cosmic spirit or essence that transcends both material existence and duality. Attaining this knowledge is seen as the highest pursuit, leading to enlightenment, realization of one’s true self, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. It is central to the teachings of various texts and spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Understanding of brahman, Comprehension of brahman, Realization of brahman, Perception of brahman
In Dutch: Kennis van Brahman; In Finnish: Brahmanin tuntemus; In Spanish: Conocimiento de Brahman; In German: Wissen über Brahman
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Knowledge of Brahman'
Knowledge of Brahman in Hinduism signifies a profound understanding of ultimate reality, transcending ignorance and duality, achieved through disciplined spiritual practices, meditation, and insight, ultimately leading to liberation and the recognition of the self's unity with Brahman.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Understanding the nature of the ultimate reality, which is key to how one’s soul behaves at the time of death.[1] (2) An understanding or awareness of the supreme Reality as prescribed in the Veda, achieved through sacrificial acts and meditation.[2] (3) An understanding that allows individuals to transcend their works and reach Brahman, linking meditation to the concepts of abandonment and obtainment of works.[3] (4) The understanding of the ultimate reality, characterized as pure intelligence and the source of liberation from ignorance.[4] (5) An intuitive understanding or realization of Brahman achieved through meditation, signifying spiritual enlightenment.[5]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The understanding and awareness that Brahman is characterized as real, infinite, and knowledgeable, as portrayed in the sentence.[6] (2) This refers to the profound understanding or realization of one's true nature and connection with the ultimate reality, leading to fearlessness and liberation.[7] (3) The awareness and understanding that Brahman is not distinct from the Witness-self, emphasizing their oneness.[8] (4) The pursuit and craving for understanding Brahman, reflecting a spiritual aspiration.[9] (5) The understanding and realization of the ultimate reality, which eliminates avidya and leads to a fearless state.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The Shudras are not qualified for this according to the text, indicating a restriction based on caste or social standing.[11] (2) This is the understanding of the ultimate reality, which is said to lead to immortality, and it is the central theme of the text under discussion.[12] (3) The text mentions that there is no exclusive rule that only men are entitled to the understanding of Brahman, which is a significant concept.[13] (4) This represents the understanding of Brahman as the universal Self characterized by eternal purity, thought, and freedom.[14] (5) An intimate understanding or realization of Brahman, which is emphasized as essential for spiritual advancement in the context of the text.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The understanding or insight into the nature of Brahman, essential for traveling the spiritual path toward Brahmaloka.[16] (2) The realization or understanding of the ultimate reality, referred to as Brahman, which impacts an individual's spiritual journey.[17] (3) The understanding that reveals the connection between Brahman and everything else, implying that to know Brahman is to know all individual entities.[18] (4) Understanding and realization of Brahman, resulting in liberation and self-knowledge.[19] (5) The understanding attained through studying and meditating on the nature of Brahman, particularly through indirect methods.[20]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Understanding the real nature of Brahman, which is essential for attaining liberation (moksha).[21] (2) The understanding of the ultimate reality or truth that transcends the physical existence and connects with one's true Self.[22] (3) The understanding or realization of the nature of Brahman, which is said to be ineffable and cannot be directly enjoined.[23] (4) The understanding or awareness of Brahman, which is characterized as the cause of the universe and a central pursuit in spiritual practices.[24] (5) The understanding that one is Brahman, leading to the realization that the self is beyond the taint of sin and good deeds.[25]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The pursuit of understanding the true essence of Brahman as an indivisible and eternal reality, which transcends conventional knowledge.[26] (2) Understanding the ultimate truth or reality, which is crucial for achieving the highest end of life and transcending the cycle of bondage.[27] (3) Understanding of the ultimate reality, leading to liberation, as contrasted with the reality of physical existence.[28] (4) Understanding of the ultimate reality that transcends all forms, thought to bring liberation from the cycle of life and death.[29] (5) The understanding that connects one to the ultimate reality, leading to liberation from desires and ignorance.[30]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Understanding or realization of Brahman, which is regarded as the highest state of existence, imperishable and all-pervading.[31] (2) Understanding and realization of Brahman, the ultimate reality, which is essential for true spiritual activity.[32] (3) The profound understanding of the ultimate reality, Brahman, attained through renunciation and guidance from a guru.[33] (4) The profound understanding of the ultimate reality or universal spirit, which Brahma imparts.[34] (5) The understanding and realization of Brahman as the ultimate truth, leading to liberation from duality and earthly attachments.[35]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An understanding that identifies the aspirant's realization with Brahman, stemming from the practice of Asparshayoga.[36] (2) The understanding or realization of the ultimate reality (Brahman) which leads to the recognition of identity between the individual soul and the cosmic self.[37] (3) Understanding that Brahman is the fundamental reality from which all manifold ideas arise and with which they are ultimately indistinguishable.[38] (4) Brahmavidya is indicated as the means for attaining immortality and is said to arise only after transcending ignorance, which is represented by Avidya.[39] (5) An understanding that permanently eradicates desires, reflecting the non-dual nature of reality.[40]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Understanding or awareness of Brahman, which can be misleading if based on sensory experiences.[41] (2) The understanding and awareness that Brahman possesses regarding false beliefs and the nature of existence.[42] (3) The understanding and awareness of the Brahman, which is portrayed as difficult to attain even for powerful entities like Fire and Indra.[43] (4) An understanding that recognizes the mind as pervaded by the Brahman, thus revealing its real nature.[44] (5) The understanding and realization of Brahman, considered the ultimate truth and supreme reality in the Upanishadic philosophy.[45]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The understanding and insight related to Brahman, which is the ultimate reality or consciousness.[46] (2) The spiritual knowledge that Janashruti desires to learn from Raikva.[47] (3) The understanding gained from grasping the secret teachings and recognizing the true nature of Brahman.[48] (4) The understanding or awareness of Brahman, which is considered the highest gift a person can pass on to another.[49] (5) The ultimate aim of understanding the significance of the organ of hearing, signifying that true knowledge is recognizing and realizing Brahman.[50]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The understanding or insight into the ultimate reality or consciousness as characterized in the Philosophy of Brahman with Qualification.[51] (2) The understanding or awareness of the ultimate reality or spiritual truth in Vedantic philosophy.[52] (3) The understanding and awareness of the ultimate reality, achievable through disciplined practices such as celibacy.[53] (4) The understanding of Brahman, which refers to the ultimate reality or universal spirit, as the Teacher vows to expound.[54] (5) Understanding and awareness of the ultimate reality, leading to spiritual illumination and fame.[55]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Understanding and realization of the nature of Brahman as the ultimate reality, leading to liberation from illusion.[56] (2) The understanding that leads to liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth by realizing the nature of existence.[57] (3) Understanding the ultimate reality, classified here as the non-dual and indestructible Brahman, which is essential for one to be fit for sannyasa.[58] (4) The deep understanding and realization of the ultimate reality, leading to liberation and bliss.[59] (5) The understanding of the ultimate reality that is to be learned from the Vedas.[60]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The understanding and awareness of the ultimate reality, which overcomes bondage and ignorance.[61] (2) A remedy for overcoming ignorance, suggesting that understanding or realizing the ultimate reality or consciousness is essential for enlightenment.[62]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Understanding of the ultimate reality that grants immortality and spiritual liberation.[63] (2) The understanding or awareness pertaining to Brahman that is depicted as both partial and needing further investigation.[64]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The profound understanding of the ultimate reality, leading to the cessation of the false duality of existence.[65]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) This refers to the understanding and realization of Brahman as both the support and essence of all beings, leading to freedom from negative emotions.[66]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The understanding and realization of the ultimate reality, which is beyond verbal explanation or intellectual acquisition.[67]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Understanding and realization of the ultimate reality, which leads to the attainment of the atman.[68]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The comprehension of the ultimate reality or supreme spirit in Hindu philosophy.[69] (2) A deep understanding of the ultimate reality and spiritual knowledge, which Pururava possessed.[70] (3) The goddess's deep understanding and connection to the ultimate reality and truth.[71] (4) Understanding and awareness of the ultimate reality and cosmic principles in Hindu philosophy.[72] (5) An understanding of the ultimate reality and spiritual principles characteristic of the learned.[73]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Spiritual wisdom concerning the ultimate reality which Mahadeva embodies.[74] (2) An understanding that leads to realization of the eternal nature and omnipresence of Brahman, usually attained through spiritual practice.[75] (3) Attaining knowledge of Brahman is characterized by the understanding that transcends joy and grief.[76] (4) Awareness or understanding of the ultimate reality, equated with liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.[77] (5) A deep understanding of the ultimate reality or spiritual truth in Hindu philosophy.[78]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A key philosophical concept in Vedic texts that reveals an essential unity in existence, which Buddha rejected, emphasizing instead awareness and mindfulness.[79]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The understanding of the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy, often discussed by Vedantins, shedding light on spiritual truths of creation.[80] (2) Indicates an understanding of the ultimate spiritual reality or consciousness, which is essential for those teaching or serving as scholars.[81] (3) The ultimate understanding or realization achieved after passing through the various life stages and fulfilling necessary spiritual practices.[82] (4) A profound understanding of the ultimate reality and spiritual truth as portrayed in Vedic philosophy.[83] (5) The understanding or realization of the ultimate reality or absolute, often contrasted with knowledge of Brahman with properties.[84]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The understanding of the ultimate reality, which was gained through material senses by Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya.[85] (2) An aspect of spiritual knowledge that, while important, is still considered limited and incomplete in comparison to the full understanding of the Supreme.[86]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The understanding necessary to transcend death and attain liberation as per the Shrutis.[87]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The highest pursuit and interest, essential for someone fulfilling the role of a teacher.[88]
The concept of Knowledge of Brahman in local and regional sources
Knowledge of Brahman encompasses the essence of ultimate reality, liberation from ignorance, eligibility for Sannyasa, and personal realization of the Self. It is a universal pursuit, emphasized in the Upanishads and Advaita philosophy.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the ultimate goal, and the highest destiny of man, as described in the text.[89] (2) The author discusses the possibility of attaining knowledge of Brahman without having studied the ceremonial parts of the Vedas, questioning the Acharya's stance on this issue.[90] (3) This refers to a form of understanding in which there is no place for work, as stated by a commentator in their teachings.[91] (4) This is a concept that can be attained by individuals regardless of their social standing or life stage, supported by scriptural references.[92] (5) This is the ultimate goal of the disciple, which he prays to attain in this very life, seeking Swamiji's blessings to achieve this spiritual realization.[93]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The realization or understanding that one's true self is synonymous with Brahman, attained through personal experience and enquiry.[94] (2) Understanding and realization of Brahman as the ultimate reality, which liberates one from ignorance and sin, as articulated in the teachings of the Upanishads.[95] (3) The ultimate realization of existence, intelligence, and bliss that is derived from Scripture according to Advaita philosophy.[96]