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Significance of Multiplicity

Multiplicity, in Tibetan Buddhism, describes the diversity of perception, such as how sound is experienced differently by individuals. In contrast, Vedanta views Multiplicity as the variety in existence arising from perceptions shaped by Avidya, or ignorance. Both traditions emphasize the different ways elements of reality can be interpreted and understood, highlighting the profound role of perception in shaping human experience.

Synonyms: Variety, Abundance, Diversity, Plurality, Multitude, Manifoldness

In Finnish: Monimuotoisuus; In Dutch: Veelheid; In Spanish: Multiplicidad

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Multiplicity'

Buddhism Books

Multiplicity in Buddhism signifies the diversity of experiences and perceptions, exemplified by how sound is interpreted uniquely by each individual, highlighting the subjective nature of reality and the myriad elements within existence.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) A quality attributed to the 'Manifest' that indicates a state of having many forms or aspects, in contrast to singularity.[1] (2) The presence of multiple aspects within the gross object that challenges the idea of it being a singular unity.[2] (3) The state of being diverse or having various elements, applied to the phenomenon of how sound can be perceived differently by different individuals.[3]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Multiplicity'

Hinduism Books

Multiplicity in Hinduism signifies the diversity of existence shaped by Avidya, or ignorance. This concept emphasizes how varied perceptions contribute to the apparent differences in the world around us.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The perception of many things that is ultimately an illusion according to non-dualistic philosophy.[4] (2) The variety and diversity observed in existence due to the perception influenced by Avidya.[5]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad

(1) The appearance of multiple forms and beings in the universe, which is ultimately one undivided reality—Brahman, as he is not truly subject to division.[6]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).