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Significance of Omniscience

Omniscience, in various philosophical and religious contexts, refers to the state of being all-knowing. In Buddhism, it signifies the complete understanding of all things, sought after by practitioners aiming for enlightenment. Different traditions, such as Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Theravada Buddhism, describe Omniscience as an attribute of divine beings and enlightened figures. This universal knowledge encompasses both material and spiritual realms, highlighting its significance across cultures, and represents the ultimate goal in many spiritual paths for achieving complete understanding and insight into existence.1
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Synonyms: All-knowing, All-wise, Infinite knowledge, Complete knowledge, Universal knowledge, All-seeing, Complete awareness

In French: Omniscience; In Dutch: Alwetendheid; In Finnish: 碍补颈办办颈迟颈别迟盲惫测测蝉; In Spanish: Omnisciencia; In German: Allwissenheit; In Swedish: Allvetenhet; In Malay: Maha Mengetahui

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

Buddhist concept of 'Omniscience'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Omniscience signifies the complete and unlimited knowledge attainable by a Buddha, reflecting ultimate wisdom, understanding all principles, and discerning the nature of reality, representing the highest aspiration in Mahayana teachings.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The all-encompassing knowledge possessed by the Buddha, allowing him to understand all aspects of existence and truth.[1] (2) The complete and comprehensive knowledge possessed by the Buddha, allowing him to understand all truths and experiences without external influence.[2] (3) The state of having complete and unhindered knowledge and awareness, referred to as sarvajnata.[3] (4) Referring to beings, specifically the Buddha, who holds complete knowledge and understanding, unlike others who face obstacles in comprehending the three times.[4] (5) The attribute of the Buddha, indicating his all-knowing nature and comprehensive understanding of reality.[5]

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) This is the highest knowledge that the bodhisattvas seek to achieve, and it is the thought they transform into.[6] (2) The meaning is the complete awakening to this through insight appearing in a moment of thought, as the letter displays the mass of qualities in the bodhisattva.[7] (3) This refers to the thought of awakening which is the cause of the knowledge of omniscience, or that thought of awakening that in its essence is not different from omniscience, which is not subject to perishing.[8] (4) This is the ultimate goal toward which all of the bodhisattva's practices are directed, and it is described as being unchanging and all-encompassing, like open space.[9] (5) The state of having complete and unlimited knowledge, a goal in Mahayana Buddhism.[10]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A state of total knowledge and understanding, particularly within the context of Buddhahood.[11] (2) The state of having complete and infinite knowledge, which the Buddha has achieved through ultimate wisdom.[12]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The ultimate state of enlightenment and the complete understanding of all things, which Bodhisattas strive to attain.[13] (2) The ultimate goal of full enlightenment, wherein one possesses complete understanding and insight into all phenomena.[14] (3) The ultimate goal of the Bodhisatta's generosity, representing complete and profound wisdom or knowledge.[15] (4) Omniscience relates to the complete and profound knowledge that the Bodhisatta sought to realize as part of his journey to Buddhahood.[16] (5) The concept attributed to the Buddha, indicating his profound understanding and ability to respond to any question instantly.[17]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The profound knowledge that the Bodhisatta seeks in giving away his tusks to the forester, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom over material possessions.[18] (2) The state of having complete knowledge and understanding, which the Bodhisatta seeks through his acts of giving.[19]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) Omniscience refers to the state of knowing everything, which was King Vessantara's aim and motivation behind his self-sacrificing actions.[20]

From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

(1) The condition of having complete and infinite knowledge, which Baka Brahma believed he possessed but was challenged by the Buddha.[21]

From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)

(1) Describes someone who possesses complete and infinite knowledge, often associated with the awakened state.[22]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) A state of complete or unlimited knowledge, which the Bodisat seeks to achieve.[23]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) A characteristic attributed to the Person who possesses all-encompassing knowledge and understanding of all things.[24] (2) The state of having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding.[25] (3) The state of having infinite knowledge or awareness, which is discussed regarding its compatibility with other characteristics such as speakership.[26] (4) Having complete and unlimited knowledge, often attributed to divine or enlightened beings in Vedic texts.[27] (5) The quality attributed to the Buddha, signifying an all-encompassing knowledge that transcends ordinary cognition.[28]

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鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) The state of being all-knowing, which the Buddha attained after his great renunciation.[29]

Hindu concept of 'Omniscience'

Hinduism Books

Omniscience in Hinduism signifies the attribute of complete and infinite knowledge, characterizing divine beings like Prajna and Shri Shacinandana. It encompasses universal awareness of all things, transcending human comprehension, including past, present, and future insights.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) Describes the state of possessing all-encompassing knowledge of everything, as achieved by the ancient scholars.[30] (2) The state of having complete and unlimited knowledge, which Shvetaketu desires to attain through deeper understanding.[31] (3) The state of knowing all things, achieved by one who understands the Sama as all-encompassing.[32]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The quality of omniscience, along with omnipotence, and the power of illusion, makes it reasonable for the Lord to be capable of both activity and non-activity.[33] (2) A term describing the highest Lord's all-knowing nature, which implies awareness beyond human comprehension.[34] (3) Indicates that Brahman possesses infinite knowledge and awareness of all things.[35]

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) One of the attributes of Brahman, indicating all-knowingness.[36] (2) The quality of knowing all things, ascribed to the Indestructible which is the source of all beings.[37]

From: Mandukya Upanishad

(1) The quality of having complete or unlimited knowledge, suggesting an all-knowing aspect of the Absolute Self.[38]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) A quality of the Lord, indicating that He possesses complete and unlimited knowledge of all things.[39]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) Having complete or unlimited knowledge; an attribute linked to the understanding of Atman.[40]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) An attribute of being all-knowing; similarly, the liberated soul does not view itself as such, despite its superior nature.[41]

From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)

(1) Refers to an all-knowing being who is aware of everything, including past, present, and future.[42]

From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary

(1) An individual who possesses complete and infinite knowledge, not subject to the cycles of samsara.[43]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) The quality of knowing all things, an attribute associated with Prajna.[44]

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).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The quality of knowing everything, which the Lord sometimes concealed by acting as if He did not understand.[45] (2) Possessing complete and unlimited knowledge; having awareness of all things, including the past, present, and future.[46] (3) Omniscience refers to the quality of having complete or unlimited knowledge, which is attributed to Shri Shacinandana.[47]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The quality of being all-knowing, attributed to Shri Brahma, who understands the inclinations of others.[48] (2) Possessing complete and unlimited knowledge, particularly in understanding the desires of others.[49]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Describes a being that possesses complete and infinite knowledge, understanding all aspects of reality.[50]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Capable of seeing all, a reference to Lord Rama's understanding and knowledge.[51]

From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) Complete knowledge and awareness, suggesting the Supreme being鈥檚 ability to understand all things.[52]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) Meaning all-knowing, this term denotes the Lord's comprehensive knowledge of everything.[53]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The state of having complete knowledge and understanding, particularly relating to the nature of the soul and existence.[54] (2) The quality of having complete and infinite knowledge about all subjects.[55] (3) The state of possessing complete or unlimited knowledge, often attributed to those who understand higher philosophical concepts.[56]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The quality of having universal knowledge that the Intellect possesses, representing the divine mind.[57] (2) The state of having infinite knowledge, attributed to the divine intellect.[58]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)

(1) The state of having unlimited knowledge and understanding of all things.[59]

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) The condition of having simultaneous and discriminative knowledge of the qualities of all phenomena, signifying complete understanding and awareness.[60]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Jain concept of 'Omniscience'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Omniscience signifies a state of complete and infinite knowledge, achieved through rigorous spiritual practice. It is attributed to enlightened beings, including the Tirthankara, symbolizing the pinnacle of understanding and insight into existence.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The state of knowing everything, which Jitashatru achieves as part of his spiritual liberation.[61] (2) A term describing the Blessed One, indicating knowledge and understanding of all things.[62] (3) A title denoting the all-knowing nature of the Blessed One, who foresaw Ananda's future.[63] (4) A state of having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, and understanding, which the Blessed One possessed.[64] (5) Eighteen hundred individuals who possess complete knowledge and awareness.[65]

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) The knowledge that extends to all substances and all their modes simultaneously.[66] (2) A being that possesses all-encompassing knowledge and is not reliant on sensory experiences for acquiring knowledge.[67] (3) Refers to the Tirtkankara, an enlightened being of supreme knowledge, whose teachings form the cornerstone of scriptural authority.[68] (4) A concept defining all-knowing intelligence, referenced as kevalajnana and differentiated from the types of knowledge discussed in the sutras.[69] (5) A title given to saints at the thirteenth and fourteenth stages who have achieved a state of perfect knowledge and liberation from destructive karmas.[70]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A being endowed with unlimited knowledge and awareness, capable of perceiving all sounds and objects without limitation.[71] (2) A being possessing complete and infinite knowledge, who does not engage in laughter or curiosity.[72] (3) One who possesses complete and unlimited knowledge, especially regarding the Dharma and the nature of existence.[73] (4) Refers to those who possess infinite knowledge and understanding.[74] (5) A being who possesses complete knowledge and awareness, particularly in reference to the movement and capabilities of their limbs.[75]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Omniscience in local and regional sources

History Books

Omniscience is depicted as an all-knowing attribute, essential to certain religious principles. It defines ultimate knowledge as possessed by deities like Kevali and Jinendra, emphasizing that true understanding encompasses everything that exists.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The text mentions this as an attribute of God, but it also states that we have no idea about it.[76] (2) One of the characteristics of the principle that the author is describing as the basis of religion.[77] (3) This word describes the attribute of possessing complete knowledge, understanding everything that exists, and it is a characteristic of a deity.[78] (4) This describes having all knowledge, and the text asserts that if we are beyond all law, we must be omniscient, ever-blessed.[79]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Describing a being that is all-knowing, possessing complete understanding and knowledge.[80]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Omniscience is defined as the highest measure of knowledge, referred to as "knowledge that Kevali possesses" or "knowledge that Jinendra possesses" in different texts.[81]

Plural form: Omniscients.