Significance of Saguna-brahman
Saguna-brahman refers to the aspect of Brahman that possesses attributes, contrasting with the formless nirguna aspect. It represents a form of divine reality that can be worshipped and contemplated, embodying qualities that are accessible to devotees. Various philosophical schools, like Purana, Yoga, and Vedanta, emphasize that Saguna-brahman serves as a personal deity and is vital for those seeking spiritual goals such as attaining Brahmaloka after death. This concept highlights the importance of attributes in divine nature within Hindu philosophy.
In Dutch: Saguna-brahman; In German: Saguna-brahman; In Finnish: Saguna-brahman; In Spanish: Saguna-brahman
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Saguna-brahman'
Saguna-brahman in Hinduism refers to the personal aspect of Brahman with attributes, enabling worshippers to engage in devotion and seek union with the ultimate reality, contrasting with the formless nirguna Brahman.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The aspect of Brahman characterized by qualities, which allows for distinctions based on differing cognitions; contrasted with the quality-less Brahman.[1] (2) The aspect of Brahman that possesses attributes and can animate several bodies simultaneously, as described in the context of the release of the soul.[2] (3) The concept of Brahman with attributes, which serves as a personal form of the ultimate reality in certain spiritual teachings.[3] (4) A form of Brahman worshipped with attributes, which enables worshippers to attain Brahmaloka after death.[4] (5) A concept referring to the deity with attributes that can be worshipped, as opposed to the formless Brahman.[5]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Brahman represented with attributes or qualities, in contrast to Nirguna Brahman, which is beyond all attributes.[6] (2) Saguna Brahman refers to the aspect of Brahman that has attributes and can be contemplated upon, as opposed to the formless Brahman.[7]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The Brahman manifest with attributes, often contrasted with nirguna Brahman.[8] (2) Refers to Brahman with qualities, as opposed to the attributeless aspect of Brahman.[9]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The aspect of Brahman that contains attributes, typically worshipped as a personal deity by those in a dualistic mindset.[10]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The aspect of Brahman with attributes, which emerges from the Nirguna or attributeless Brahman.[11] (2) The form of Brahman that possesses attributes and is associated with Prakriti.[12]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Saguna Brahman represents the immanent aspect of Brahman, characterized by attributes and forms, as opposed to its transcendent nature.[13]
The concept of Saguna-brahman in local and regional sources
Saguna-brahman signifies the divine with attributes and forms, representing a personal aspect of Brahman in Hindu philosophy, contrasting with the formless Nirguna-brahman, highlighting the diverse interpretations of the divine.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The aspect of the divine that possesses attributes and forms, contrasting with the formless Brahman (Nirguna).[14] (2) The concept of Brahman with attributes, representing a personal aspect of the divine as understood in Hindu philosophy.[15]