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Significance of Absolute

The concept of Absolute is significant across various Indian philosophical traditions. In Buddhism, it signifies the ultimate spiritual state beyond dualities. Jainism views it as the highest realization pursued through spiritual practice. Vaishnavism describes it as a transcendent truth sought through inquiry, while Vedanta focuses on its eternal, unchanging nature. Similarly, Shaivism and Mahayana interpret it as an unconditioned reality, transcending distinctions. Throughout these perspectives, the Absolute represents the ultimate reality or essence that is fundamental, unchanging, and beyond material constraints.1
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Synonyms: Complete, Total, Unconditional, Perfect, Pure

In German: Absolute; In Dutch: Absoluut; In Finnish: Ehdoton; In Spanish: Absoluto; In Swedish: Absolut; In Malay: Mutlak; In French: Absolu

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

Buddhist concept of 'Absolute'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Absolute signifies the ultimate reality transcending dualities and concepts. It embodies the unconditioned truth that bodhisattvas seek to realize, representing the highest spiritual excellence and a state beyond all forms and boundaries.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Refers to the ultimate truth or reality, as opposed to relative or conventional understandings.[1] (2) The ultimate, unconditioned reality that the bodhisattva aspires to realize and embody.[2]

From: Lankavatara Sutra

(1) The undifferentiated, ultimate reality that exists beyond all forms and conceptual boundaries.[3]

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 Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The ultimate reality that is beyond all concepts and dualities.[4] (2) don dam[5]

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) Refers to the most ultimate or supreme state of spiritual quality; signifies the highest form of excellence.[6]

Hindu concept of 'Absolute'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Absolute signifies the ultimate reality that is eternal, unchanging, and transcendent, embodying Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss. It represents a state of existence beyond duality, sought through spiritual understanding and meditation.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Mandukya Upanishad

(1) A philosophical term referring to the ultimate reality that is complete and unchanging.[7] (2) Absolute signifies the ultimate truth or reality that transcends individual perceptions and exists beyond the multiplicity of knowledge and labels.[8] (3) A state of being that exists without thought and is characterized by the absence of fear or despondency.[9] (4) The ultimate reality that is eternal, immutable, without beginning or end, representing the essence of existence.[10] (5) The ultimate reality or truth that seekers aim to connect with, transcending individual conceptions or definitions.[11]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) A concept representing the ultimate reality or existence, which is unchanging and beyond dualistic interpretations.[12] (2) The ultimate principle that transcends and encompasses all, reflecting a state of existence beyond any duality.[13] (3) Absolute indicates a state of existence that is unchanging, ultimate, and foundational, free from any modifications.[14] (4) The ultimate reality that is beyond all forms and changes, representing the essence of One Entity.[15] (5) Describes a quality of being unconditional and total, without any limitations or dependencies.[16]

From: Kaivalya Upanishad

(1) The ultimate reality or essence that one seeks to know through meditation and should serve as a refuge for individuals pursuing truth.[17] (2) Refers to the ultimate reality that is singular and non-dual, serving as the witness to all diversity and experiences in creation.[18] (3) The fundamental, unchanging reality that exists beyond all phenomena and labels, also referred to as Absolute Consciousness.[19] (4) The ultimate reality or truth that is all-encompassing and unchanging; synonymous with the Eternal.[20] (5) The ultimate reality that is incomprehensible and cannot be described, serving as the source of all existence.[21]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The ultimate reality, conceived as independent of any creation and described in different aspects.[22]

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: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) The ultimate reality or divinity that transcends all material existence and aligns with true spiritual consciousness.[23] (2) The ultimate, unchanging reality or God, distinguished from the relative material world, as discussed in the context of Sri Chaitanya's teachings.[24] (3) The ultimate truth or reality that transcends the material world and is sought through spiritual inquiry.[25] (4) Ultimate reality that is deemed attainable but is often obscured by limited human understanding.[26]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Refers to the fundamental nature of the Deity form and holy names, which are entirely transcendent and beyond material limitations.[27]

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�).

Jain concept of 'Absolute'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the Absolute signifies the ultimate realization and state of being sought through spiritual practices, representing the pinnacle of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The ultimate state of being or realization that is aspired to as part of spiritual practice and teachings.[28]

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 Absolute in local and regional sources

History Books

The Absolute is depicted as the ultimate reality beyond dualities, transcending knowledge and limitations, characterized by timelessness and unity with the universe. It represents a state of existence and understanding that leads to liberation and self-realization.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is the ultimate reality that the author is describing, which is the mixture of knowledge, and in the second degree, that of will, and not a compound itself.[29] (2) This is the ultimate goal of Bhakti-Yoga, representing the state of union with the divine, where the individual achieves a state of oneness and superconsciousness through systematized devotion and love for God.[30] (3) The Absolute is the ultimate reality, which the idealist can experience and resolve themselves into, and then return to their normal state, as the text suggests.[31] (4) All things are visions of this, and as such, they are true, representing lower stages of progress, and it is the ultimate reality.[32] (5) The text indicates that the Absolute is found by stopping creation and is present in the soul, suggesting that by ceasing the process of creation, one can discover it.[33]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A concept representing the ultimate reality or singular truth without any limitations, often associated with the divine essence.[34] (2) The ultimate goal or spiritual truth that Larry seeks in Maugham's narrative, contrasting superficial pursuits with profound existence.[35] (3) In philosophical terms as discussed by Coomaraswamy, it refers to a unique, infinite reality that encompasses both transcendence and immanence.[36] (4) The ultimate reality or truth that transcends the physical world, often sought through spiritual exploration and enlightenment.[37] (5) A philosophical concept referring to the ultimate reality or supreme existence that transcends all dualities, as discussed by Professor Krishnachandra Bhattacharya.[38]