Significance of Mahat
Synonyms: Great soul, Revered one, Saint, Spiritual leader
In Dutch: Mahat; In German: Mahat; In Finnish: Mahat; In Spanish: Maestro
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mahat'
In Buddhism, "Mahat" signifies concepts of greatness, abundance, and superiority. It embodies both qualitative and quantitative aspects, indicating something that is elevated or exceptional within Buddhist philosophy.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) In the language of the Ts鈥檌n, means 'great', numerous (sambahula), or superior (shreshtha).[1]
Hindu concept of 'Mahat'
Mahat in Hinduism signifies the principle of Intellect within the Samkhya System, representing higher consciousness and cosmic intelligence. It marks a significant evolution of understanding reality, originating from Primordial Matter and underlying creation and existence.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A concept representing the great nature or principle of intelligence and consciousness in creation.[2] (2) A being or principle that sustains the combination of the five essences and their attributes.[3] (3) The first manifestation of the universe that transforms into Mind and represents initial creation.[4] (4) A principle in Sankhya philosophy that represents a higher state of intellectual reality and is identified as part of Vidya.[5]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A term used to describe the great or cosmic principle in Hindu philosophy that indicates the universal consciousness and the basis for existence.[6] (2) The term for the first quality of Matter that represents 'Greatness' or 'Reason', which emerges prior to other qualities and qualities of existence.[7]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The Intellectual principle that emerged from Pradhana as described in the text, which plays a central role in creation.[8] (2) The first creation by Brahma associated with consciousness and intelligence.[9]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The principle of intellect or cosmic intelligence, considered essential in the process of creation and essential for perceiving the universe.[10] (2) Mahat is the principle of Intellect that emerges from the first unexpanded germ of nature (Pradhana) and contributes to the creation of the universe.[11]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) One of the twenty-three Tattvas (elements) described in the Sankhya system, representing the principle of intellect in the cosmic order.[12]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A development of the Pradhana when it becomes egoism.[13]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The principle that emanates from Brahman as Purusha, which influences the body and consorts with the five elements to create existence.[14]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The principle of intelligence or cosmic consciousness that represents the ultimate Brahmic Reality.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A stage or principle in the order of creation mentioned as part of the succession from Brahman.[16] (2) The subtler element from which the universe evolves, as described within the text's cosmological context.[17] (3) One of the seven causal substances identified in Sankhya philosophy.[18]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The cosmic intelligence that arises from Rajas and is responsible for the creation of the universe.[19] (2) The principle of intellect or cosmic evolution that is part of the dissolution process.[20] (3) The principle of great or cosmic intelligence which is transformed in the process.[21]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An effect within the Samkhya system that is claimed to be evolved from the unborn Pradhana, highlighting the discussion of effects originating from causes.[22] (2) A term referring to the great principle or the cosmic intelligence in Samkhya philosophy, emerging from Pradhana.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The cosmic intelligence or the first product of Prakrti in Sankhya philosophy, often linked to the creation of other realities.[24]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The mahat is described as another significant and elevated principle above the atman, suggesting a further progression in understanding reality.[25]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Cosmic Intelligence; the first aspect to emerge from Prakriti or Maya.[26]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A term meaning 'great' or 'transcendental personality,' often used to refer to respected figures in spiritual discourses.[27] (2) A term indicating 'great soul,' referring to Bhagavan Himself and His exalted devotees.[28]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Describes the magnitude or great nature of the form and the event itself.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The undifferentiated phenomenal aspect of nature, an intermediary stage in the manifestation process of existence.[30] (2) A state prior to verbal signs being born again after the period of Great Latency.[31]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The first stage of evolution from Prakriti, representing the cosmic ego-sense and marking the emergence of differentiated consciousness.[32]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term used to describe a specific principle in the production sequence, sometimes equated with intelligence or awareness.[33] (2) An essential principle derived from Primordial Matter that represents consciousness and is the origin of the Principle of Egoism.[34] (3) The great principle which underlies intelligence and consciousness, often identified with the Mind.[35]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A term meaning 'big' that is used in its primary sense in certain contexts.[36]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) A concept that may relate to the larger ideas or principles governing the cosmos and the earth.[37]
The concept of Mahat in local and regional sources
Mahat represents higher consciousness and the universal mind from which divine wisdom emerges. It's the greater self aimed at embodiment by spiritually advanced individuals, manifesting as intelligence and the primary principle in the cosmos's development.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The cosmic mind, the Universal Mind, the Brahma or Ishvara, from which both Akasha and Prana are produced, according to the provided text.[38] (2) This is the first manifestation of Prakriti in the cosmos, according to the Sankhya, and is translated as intelligence, or the great principle.[39] (3) This is the universal thought, or universal consciousness, which is the thought behind the universe, as the Sankhyas call it, and it is the universal consciousness.[40] (4) This is the Cosmic Mind, a third thing into which Akasha and Prana can be resolved, and which changes itself into them instead of creating them.[41]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Represents the higher consciousness or higher self from which one should act to bring forth divine wisdom.[42] (2) The greater self or universal consciousness that a spiritually advanced individual aims to embody in their actions and insights.[43]