Significance of Right knowledge
Right knowledge encompasses an accurate understanding of reality that transcends illusions, facilitating liberation across various philosophical traditions including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and others. It involves recognizing the true nature of existence, which leads to spiritual growth and emancipation. In Hinduism, right knowledge is crucial for achieving bliss; Jainism emphasizes its role in discarding falsehood to attain liberation. Similarly, Buddhist teachings highlight its importance in understanding the nature of reality and ethical living, underscoring its significance in the journey toward enlightenment.
Synonyms: Correct understanding, Sound judgment, Accurate information, Correct insight
In Dutch: Juiste kennis; In Finnish: Oikea tieto; In Spanish: Conocimiento correcto; In German: Richtiges Wissen; In Swedish: R盲tt kunskap; In Malay: Ilmu yang betul; In French: La bonne connaissance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Right knowledge'
Right knowledge in Buddhism encompasses accurate understanding of reality and the principles of the Dhamma, leading to spiritual development, ethical living, and liberation. It is grounded in wisdom derived from the Veda and meditation, crucial for enlightenment.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Knowledge that is accurate and aligns with truth. The text critiques the potential loss of Right Knowledge when invalid methods are used.[1] (2) Accurate understanding that is potentially ensured through the contributions of authors of the Veda, as opposed to being independently derived.[2] (3) Knowledge that is accurate and leads to understanding, especially in a spiritual context.[3] (4) Knowledge that is accurate and reliable, which is established through the Veda and considered trustworthy.[4] (5) A proper understanding or awareness of dharma and adharma, which according to the text, is not definitively ascertainable.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Accurate understanding that leads to wisdom and is crucial for spiritual development.[6] (2) Knowledge that is accurate and true, which the Buddha has acquired, allowing his teachings to be infallible.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An understanding aligned with the true principles of the Buddhadharma.[8]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) An understanding that transcends erroneous views and embraces the reality of interdependence and emptiness.[9]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An understanding gained from meditation that leads to clarity about the nature of existence and reality.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Understanding that guides individuals toward ethical living and liberation from worldly attachments, important in Jain teachings.[11] (2) The accurate understanding of things as they truly are, which serves as the basis for true wisdom.[12]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Understanding that aligns with the ultimate truth, necessary for achieving liberation.[13] (2) An understanding that enables individuals to progress along the path towards purity and enlightenment.[14]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The understanding of the true nature of reality and the principles of Dhamma, crucial for liberation.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Right knowledge'
Right knowledge in Hinduism encompasses a profound understanding of reality, leading to enlightenment and liberation. It promotes spiritual growth, distinguishes truth from falsehood, and is attained through disciplined practice, scriptures, and direct insight into the nature of Brahman and the Self.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The right knowledge of the sentence 'Thou art that' cannot be produced for those whose meaning is obstructed by ignorance, doubt, and misconception, according to the text.[16] (2) Right knowledge is not something that the text enters into conflict with, but rather it is in direct agreement with Scripture, which teaches that an intelligent cause exists.[17] (3) This refers to the correct understanding of the true nature of reality, which leads to final release, and it is contrasted with wrong knowledge, which is the cause of the phenomenal world.[18] (4) This term is used to describe the means of obtaining correct understanding, and the true nature of the cause of the world does not lend itself to inference or other means of right knowledge.[19] (5) This refers to the valid and reliable means of acquiring knowledge, such as perception, which are employed by the Self to understand the world around it.[20]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The accurate understanding of the true nature of Brahman that ensures liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.[21] (2) The accurate understanding that the Self (Atman) is one with Brahman, distinguishing it from a mere belief that encourages action.[22] (3) The accurate understanding of Brahman, which can be achieved through upasanas and prescribed works.[23]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The correct understanding or insight that is essential for comprehending spiritual truths.[24] (2) The understanding or insight that arises in an individual whose mind is pure.[25] (3) This denotes the correct understanding that removes ignorance and reveals the true nature of existence and the Self.[26]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Knowledge that is accurate and valid, pertaining to Brahman, as derived from the scriptures.[27] (2) Knowledge that is considered valid and effective for understanding spiritual concepts and attaining liberation, as opposed to mere intellectual grasping.[28] (3) The means through which understanding and wisdom are attained; indicated as contradicted by the illogical teachings of the Bauddha system.[29]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Understanding or insight that can destroy faith in causality, leading to the cessation of the cycle of birth and death.[30] (2) Accurate understanding that contrasts with false knowledge and is related to the true nature of reality.[31]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) An accurate understanding of reality that leads to liberation and the cessation of false notions.[32] (2) The true understanding of God and existence, which would lead to the end of the false notion of prapanca.[33]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) An understanding that focuses on things that exhibit differences; essential for discerning proof regarding substances.[34]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An understanding that dispels ignorance and egoism, guiding individuals towards spiritual liberation and an authentic existence.[35] (2) The understanding attained through proper training and effort, which leads to spiritual elevation.[36] (3) An understanding that transcends superficial appearances, recognizing the underlying essence of reality.[37] (4) The understanding of the defects and fallibility of human nature.[38] (5) An enlightened understanding that allows one to see the impermanent nature of phenomena and material existence.[39]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The correct understanding that emerges when the self is truly reflected in the mind.[40] (2) Correct understanding and perception of the self which leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[41]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The accurate understanding or perception of reality that leads to a neutral or indifferent emotional response to external objects.[42] (2) Correct understanding or perception that removes wrong knowledge.[43] (3) Understanding that provides the means to remove pain and suffering, essential for achieving liberation.[44]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) A correct understanding or comprehension of the reverted perception, achieved through repetition and reflection, particularly by Yogis.[45]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Understanding derived from proper study and interpretation of texts that leads to correct action and decision.[46] (2) Accurate comprehension linked with valid inference, crucial for attaining final bliss.[47] (3) Knowledge that accurately recognizes the nature of reality, undisturbed by illusions or doubts.[48]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The correct understanding or awareness of truth, which false Tradition fails to provide.[49] (2) Knowledge that is accurate and based on valid sources, which true Tradition can help to establish.[50] (3) The means by which individuals can perceive and understand the nature of Communities and Individualities distinctly.[51]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Accurate understanding of the subject matter that qualifies a witness to provide valid evidence.[52] (2) An understanding of the true nature of self and reality that is cultivated through disciplined practice of Yoga.[53]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An understanding aligned with truth that leads to unity with the divine essence, identified as light.[54] (2) Accurate understanding that is a product of the teachings derived from the Veda.[55]
Jain concept of 'Right knowledge'
Right knowledge in Jainism, or samyagjnana, encompasses a refined understanding of spiritual truths, essential for achieving liberation. It contrasts with erroneous knowledge and promotes clarity, facilitating right belief and prudent behavior on the path to emancipation.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Another component of the ratnatraya, crucial for understanding the teachings of the Lord.[56] (2) Knowledge that aligns with the principles leading towards liberation.[57] (3) Known as samyagjnana, this refers to the five forms of accurate knowledge mentioned earlier, which contrast with the wrong forms of knowledge.[58] (4) Knowledge that is accurate and true, as opposed to erroneous knowledge that coexists with wrong beliefs.[59] (5) Understanding or wisdom that is promoted in the recipient as a result of receiving a charitable gift.[60]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A principle that is necessary for obtaining true understanding and achieving liberation from karma.[61] (2) A form of knowledge sought by Vikramadhana that leads to understanding Dhana's destiny.[62] (3) Enlightenment on the Principles as they truly are, a key aspect of personal development.[63] (4) The accurate understanding and realization of spiritual truths, which is essential for achieving right-belief and ultimately emancipation.[64] (5) Defined as samyag-jnana, it is the accurate understanding attained through diligent study, leading to enlightenment and liberation.[65]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Knowledge free from obstruction, as defined by the Karman that hinders understanding.[66] (2) An important component of the road to final deliverance, encompassing fivefold knowledge that includes various types of understanding.[67] (3) A state of understanding that includes awareness of the truth of suffering and the cycle of life, leading toward liberation.[68]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) An understanding of truth and reality that leads to liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth and death.[69]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The understanding necessary to discard falsehood and cultivate prudent behavior.[70]
The concept of Right knowledge in local and regional sources
Right knowledge, a key principle in Jainism, is vital for achieving salvation, emphasizing the importance of true understanding and reasoning over blind belief in miracles, as highlighted by Sri Raghavendra Swami鈥檚 teachings.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The concept emphasizing that true understanding and reasoning surpass mere belief in miracles, as taught by Sri Raghavendra Swami.[71] (2) The second principle in Jainism, essential for understanding the path to salvation.[72]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Right knowledge is the concentration that is followed by reasoning, discrimination, bliss, and unqualified egoism, and is divided into two varieties: Samprajnata and Asamprajnata.[73]