Significance of Prajna
Synonyms: Wisdom, Insight, Understanding, Discernment, Intelligence, Knowledge, Enlightenment
In Dutch: Prajna; In German: Prajna; In Finnish: Prajna; In Spanish: Prajna; In Swedish: Prajna; In Malay: Prajna; In French: Prajna
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Prajna'
Prajna in Buddhism signifies profound wisdom essential for bodhisattvas, enabling deep understanding of emptiness and reality's nature, ultimately guiding practitioners towards enlightenment and liberation from suffering through meditation and spiritual insight.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The wisdom that allows the understanding of the emptiness of beings and dharmas, recognized as vital within Mahayana Buddhism.[1] (2) Wisdom, a quality possessed by Shariputra that contributed to his reputation.[2] (3) Wisdom in the context of Buddhist teachings, essential for understanding the nature of reality.[3] (4) A type of wisdom that reflects a deep understanding of the nature of reality, pivotal in the bodhisattva's path.[4] (5) A title referring to scriptures that delve into wisdom and understanding essential for achieving enlightenment, involving various practices and insights.[5]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) Wisdom; the understanding and insight that arise from one鈥檚 true nature.[6] (2) Understanding or wisdom as articulated in the teachings of the Patriarch about the nature of mind and Buddha.[7] (3) Transcendental wisdom that arises in one's mind when one understands their essence of mind.[8] (4) Wisdom in Buddhism, related to the practice of doing good and understanding the nature of all things.[9]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Wisdom or insight that is pivotal for understanding the true nature of reality; not just intellectual knowledge but profound understanding.[10] (2) A form of wisdom and understanding that is critical for achieving enlightenment in Buddhist practice.[11] (3) The wisdom or insight that enables one to understand the true nature of reality, crucial in the attainment of enlightenment.[12]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Sanskrit for 'wisdom'; involves deep understanding and realization within the context of Buddhist teachings.[13] (2) The innate wisdom that allows one to perceive true reality beyond mere appearances, essential for achieving Buddhahood.[14]
From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补
(1) Wisdom or insight.[15] (2) The wisdom or understanding that guides individuals toward liberation and insight in Buddhist teachings.[16]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Transcendental wisdom that enables comprehension of the ultimate nature of reality.[17]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) The wisdom paramita, representing the ultimate knowledge essential for realizing emptiness.[18]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The wisdom or understanding that allows one to perceive the true nature of reality, essential on the path toward enlightenment.[19] (2) Wisdom or insight that realizes the nature of reality, transcending ordinary understanding.[20] (3) Wisdom that emerges from meditative insight and understanding.[21] (4) The wisdom that leads to true understanding and realization in the path toward enlightenment.[22] (5) The wisdom that is considered undefiled, unlike the other perfections which can be tainted in the practice.[23]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Wisdom or insight in Buddhist practice, often achieved through meditation and understanding the nature of reality.[24]
Hindu concept of 'Prajna'
Prajna in Hinduism is a multifaceted concept relating to deep sleep, intuitive wisdom, and the third form of Atman. It signifies profound knowledge and discernment, representing a unified experience of reality during the state of deep, dreamless sleep.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The state characterized by the non-apprehension of Reality, which is a feature of Nidra (sleep).[25] (2) He who is a mass of consciousness.[26] (3) The third quarter whose sphere is deep sleep, embodying a unified mass of consciousness full of bliss and leading to knowledge of the other states.[27] (4) A state of pure consciousness associated with sleep that occurs without dream.[28] (5) The state of Sushupti, which is characterized by ignorance of Turiya and is associated with unhappiness.[29]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) He is called Prajna when He stops all consciousness of the object, and only Jiva-consciousness remains.[30] (2) The state of consciousness from which the Vishva separates during the transition from deep sleep to the waking state.[31] (3) Bound by the chain of cause alone, unlike Vishva and Taijasa.[32] (4) Prajna signifies the aspect of the Lord associated with deep sleep, partaking in the separation and connection of Vishva and Taijasa.[33] (5) The aspect of consciousness associated with deep sleep, also means All-knower or non-revealer based on perspective.[34]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The deep sleep state of consciousness associated with the causal body.[35] (2) The third foot of the caturatma, known as the blissful consciousness.[36] (3) Wisdom or insight; a deep understanding that transcends intellectual knowledge.[37] (4) The term for the consciousness related to the bija or seed essence associated with the dreamless sleep state.[38] (5) The state of pure consciousness that emerges in deep sleep or trance.[39]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Prajna is the individual form of the Self in the state of sleep.[40]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to the aspect of Brahman, and it is the aspect of Brahman viewed under the aspect of prajna, and it is also the internal Self that is one with Brahman, according to the text.[41]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The state of the Jiva associated with the causal body, reflecting a deeper level of consciousness.[42] (2) The state of consciousness associated with deep sleep or dreamless sleep, representing a unified experience of reality.[43]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The weapon utilized by Vibhishana to rouse Rama and Lakshmana from insensibility on the battlefield.[44]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) Understanding or knowledge; specifically refers to the cognitive awareness concerning the essence of an object.[45]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Intellect or wisdom as demonstrated by the ability to know and understand.[46]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is the term for wisdom, which is an element to be considered when assessing the fifth house, signifying the importance of insight, knowledge, and understanding within the astrological context.[48]
The concept of Prajna in local and regional sources
Prajna is synonymous with wisdom in Buddhism and is a crucial component of the Noble Eightfold Path, particularly represented in the Panna section, emphasizing the importance of understanding and insight in spiritual development.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term that represents wisdom or insight in Buddhism, seen as a culmination of understanding within the profound doctrine.[49] (2) Another term for wisdom in Buddhism, represented in the Panna section of the Noble Eightfold Path.[50]