Significance of Knowledge of Self
Knowledge of Self, in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, emphasizes the profound understanding of one's true nature and essence. In Buddhism, it involves recognizing the absence of 'I,' leading to liberation from suffering. Hindu philosophies, including Vedanta and Shaivism, view it as the realization of one's identity as Brahman, essential for spiritual enlightenment. This understanding is crucial across different traditions, enabling individuals to transcend worldly attachments and attain liberation, highlighting the deep interconnectedness of all beings and the pursuit of self-awareness as a pathway to spiritual fulfillment.
Synonyms: Self-awareness, Self-knowledge, Self-understanding, Introspection, Self-reflection, Self-recognition, Personal insight, Self-consciousness, Self-perception, Self-discovery
In Dutch: Kennis van het Zelf; In Finnish: Itsetuntemus; In Spanish: Conocimiento de sà mismo; In German: Wissen über sich selbst; In Malay: Pengetahuan diri; In Swedish: Kunskap om Jaget; In French: Connaissance de soi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Knowledge of Self'
Knowledge of Self in Buddhism encompasses awareness of one's identity through meditation, understanding of true essence, realization of the absence of 'I', and achieving liberation from suffering, ultimately characterized by pure consciousness.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The understanding and awareness of one's own essence or identity, which is essential for the possession of true knowledge.[1] (2) The understanding or awareness of one's own identity and nature, which is achieved through the practice of meditation.[2] (3) The understanding that consists in the perception of the pure self, characterized by pure consciousness devoid of impurities.[3] (4) Awareness or understanding of one's true essence or identity, which may arise from reflective practices like meditation.[4]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The understanding of one's true nature that leads to the realization of the absence of 'I' and enables liberation from suffering.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Knowledge of Self'
Knowledge of Self in Hinduism emphasizes understanding one's true nature beyond material existence, crucial for spiritual enlightenment and liberation. This realization connects individuals to Brahman, promoting self-awareness and transcending worldly perceptions and attachments.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The profound understanding of one's true nature, often associated with spiritual wisdom and insight.[6] (2) The realization of one's true nature and existence, identified with the supreme reality, crucial for spiritual enlightenment.[7] (3) The understanding the Soul mistakenly thinks it possesses, while it is fundamentally beyond comprehension and lack of awareness.[8] (4) An awareness and understanding of one’s own nature and flaws, which can aid in overcoming feelings of envy and other negative emotions.[9] (5) Understanding one's inner self, which is a product of penance and spiritual learning.[10]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The understanding of one's own being as well as the awareness of the past, present, and future.[11] (2) Understanding one's true nature and existence beyond superficial identification.[12] (3) Understanding one's true essence or divine nature, distinct from worldly perceptions and illusions.[13] (4) Understanding one's true essence, which leads to the liberation from the false sense of identity.[14] (5) The understanding of one's place within the greater existence, linking the individual to the cosmos.[15]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Atma-Jnanam, the understanding and realization of one's true self beyond physical existence.[16] (2) Awareness and understanding of one's true nature, achieved through the recitation and meditation on Brahman.[17]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) Understanding one’s true nature and essence, essential for perceiving ultimate reality.[18]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The profound understanding possessed by Bharata in his rebirth as a Brahman, recognizing the essence of soul beyond material existence.[19]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Understanding of one's true nature, which Daksha lacked, contributing to the obstacles in the Yajna.[20]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The understanding or realization of one's true nature, which cannot be considered unreal if Reality is indeed incomprehensible.[21] (2) An understanding of the self's true nature, leading to liberation from false identification with the physical body and mind.[22] (3) The realization and understanding of the true self, which is unchanging and distinct from the physical body.[23] (4) The understanding gained through spiritual insight that leads to the realization of non-duality and the identity with the Supreme Reality.[24] (5) An understanding of one's true nature that can be attained without reliance on the belief in causality, as taught by Vedanta philosophy.[25]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Understanding and recognizing the Self as distinct from the body, enabling one to attain the Heavenly Region.[26] (2) The understanding of one's true essence, regarded as the highest pursuit in spirituality.[27] (3) The understanding that one’s true identity is not tied to the physical body but is the unbodied Self.[28] (4) The awareness and understanding of one's true essence beyond physical or intellectual identity.[29]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Understanding one's true nature and identity as aligned with non-dual Brahman.[30] (2) The awareness or recognition of one's true nature as Brahman, which counters ignorance.[31] (3) Understanding and awareness of one's true nature, which is essential for overcoming ignorance and desire.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) An understanding or realization of one's true essence or identity, often linked to spiritual awareness.[33] (2) The awareness of one’s own identity as the Self, which is ultimately represented as being one with Brahman.[34]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The understanding of the identity of the self with Brahman, which involves a realization independent of karma (action).[35] (2) A crucial understanding that helps in attaining bliss, which ignorant men fail to recognize while being attached to worldly relations.[36]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Those related to someone who knows the Self are mentioned, emphasizing self-awareness.[37]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The understanding and realization of one's true nature and essence, as distinguished from external objects.[38]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The realization of one's true nature as non-different from Brahman, essential for attaining jivanmukti.[39]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) An understanding of one's true essence, which leads to spiritual enlightenment and transcendence.[40]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Understanding or realization of the essence of the Self as described in the Upanishads.[41]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The realization one achieves by understanding the Atman, which is essential to attaining true immortality.[42]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Understanding one's own true nature and the acquisition of wisdom necessary for achieving immortality.[43]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A realization of the Self as distinct from the body and sensory experiences, responsible for actions and experiences.[44] (2) An understanding of one's true essence, as elaborated in the Vedas, essential for spiritual growth.[45] (3) The wisdom necessary for overcoming ignorance and realizing one's true nature, which is essential for achieving Liberation.[46] (4) An understanding of one's own true nature and existence, which is crucial for spiritual realization and liberation.[47] (5) The ultimate understanding that the Veda aims to impart, considered the highest means of attaining goodness or spiritual enlightenment.[48]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The understanding of one's true nature leading to liberation; achieved through meditation and study.[49] (2) The realization of one's true nature as distinct from body and ego, leading to spiritual awakening and liberation.[50]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Knowledge of self refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own existence and nature, which is considered to be true knowledge as it does not consist of parts.[51]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Understanding one's own spiritual nature and identity, differing from the material self.[52]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The comprehension of one's true nature, leading to awareness beyond sensory experience.[53]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) The deep understanding of one’s own essence and nature as identical with the divine, which leads to liberation and fulfillment.[54]
The concept of Knowledge of Self in local and regional sources
Knowledge of Self encompasses awareness of physical and mental traits, recognition of personal flaws, and a deep understanding of one’s identity. This introspective journey fosters personal growth and enhances self-awareness and accountability.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The understanding or awareness of one's own identity and existence, implying a journey of introspection.[55] (2) Awareness of one's physical and mental abilities and characteristics.[56] (3) Addresses the understanding of one's flaws that lead to errors.[57]