Significance of Essential nature
Essential nature encompasses the intrinsic qualities and characteristics that define existence across various philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it highlights the fundamental unity of samsara and nirvana, while Jainism focuses on the true identity of the soul in relation to karmic influences. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes a non-dual understanding of reality, aligning all phenomena with inherent qualities. Similarly, Vaishnavism connects essential nature to the relationship between the divine and individual souls, underlining the true self's purpose. Collectively, these definitions illustrate essential nature as a core concept across different belief systems.
Synonyms: Intrinsic quality, Inherent character, Basic nature, True nature, Fundamental nature, Essence, Core, Fundamental character, Inherent nature
In Dutch: Essenti毛le natuur; In Finnish: V盲ltt盲m盲t枚n luonto; In Spanish: Naturaleza esencial; In German: Essenzielle Natur; In Malay: Sifat penting; In Swedish: Essentiell natur; In French: Nature essentielle; In Finnish: Olennainen luonne
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Essential nature'
Essential nature in Buddhism signifies the immutable attributes defining existence, emphasizing intrinsic qualities, interconnectedness, and the inherent emptiness of phenomena, while highlighting the unity of samsara and nirvana and the realization of these characteristics through spiritual understanding.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The fundamental qualities that underpin all entities, a concept of importance in the bodhisattva's studies.[1] (2) The essence (prakritir asyaisha) is the fundamental nature of phenomena, indicating that emptiness is their inherent characteristic.[2] (3) The intrinsic quality of Prajna, characterized by the absence of nature (animitta) and non-perception (anupalabdhi).[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The fundamental quality of seeing that remains unchanged despite physical aging.[4]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The intrinsic quality of being that underlies both samsara and nirvana, emphasizing their fundamental unity.[5] (2) The fundamental quality of reality that exists beyond effort, acceptance, rejection, existence, and non-existence.[6] (3) The inherent quality or reality that is pure and devoid of false constructions or erroneous perceptions.[7]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The core attributes or characteristics that define something's existence, discussed in the context of potential merging of entities under the hypothesis of Primordial Matter.[8] (2) Refers to the core attributes or characteristics of the Veda that are believed to be immutable and eternal.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Essential nature'
In Hinduism, Essential nature pertains to the true attributes of the soul, characterized by knowledge, bliss, servanthood, and its intrinsic connection with Brahman, highlighting its unchanging essence amidst worldly distractions and the confusion of Samsara.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The fundamental qualities that define an entity, which in the context of Brahman remains unchanged despite the variety of forms and effects that arise from it.[10] (2) The fundamental characteristics or qualities that define the nature of a thing, which are distinguishable from its qualities.[11] (3) The fundamental characteristics that define the soul, which are intrinsic to its being.[12] (4) The fundamental qualities or characteristics that define an entity or a concept, particularly in discussions contrasting the nature of the soul and non-sentient elements.[13] (5) Describes the fundamental character of the individual soul, which is posited as knowledge and bliss, indicating that it cannot be transformed into another entity.[14]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Essential nature pertains to the intrinsic qualities that define the Self, which is fundamentally characterized by knowledge.[15] (2) The fundamental quality or character of something, particularly referring to the inherent identity of the jiva as Brahman.[16] (3) The true identity of the jiva, which is fundamentally the same as Brahman and is eternal.[17] (4) Essential nature pertains to the intrinsic qualities of Brahman, which are not defined in the context of this text but are fundamental to understanding its role in existence.[18] (5) The inherent quality or fundamental characteristics that define something, in this case, the jiva's non-difference from Brahman.[19]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Essential nature is the eternal intelligence of the soul, akin to light and heat forming fire's nature, and is not a product, but the unmodified highest Brahman, appearing as an individual soul.[20] (2) Essential nature refers to the core characteristics of the cause, which is described as eternal purity, intelligence, and freedom, as stated in the text.[21] (3) The fundamental characteristics or properties that define the behavior and interaction of entities in the philosophical argument.[22] (4) The intrinsic characteristics of the individual soul that remain unchanged despite variations during the cycles of creation.[23] (5) The fundamental and unchanging quality of a thing, which is imperishable.[24]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The fundamental qualities or characteristics that define a being or concept, often linked to divinity or ultimate truth.[25] (2) Refers to the intrinsic qualities that define the supreme self, primarily characterized by Perfect Knowledge.[26] (3) Refers to the fundamental qualities that define Vishnu, such as bliss, wisdom, and omnipotence.[27] (4) The inherent quality or characteristic that defines the Jiva or soul, which cannot be destroyed without endangering the entity itself.[28]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) My essential nature is shining, indicating the pure consciousness that is my true existence.[29] (2) The fundamental quality or essence of something, which in this context, refers to bondage being characterized by desire.[30]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The fundamental identity or intrinsic quality of Atman, as explored in the context of Aum.[31]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The fundamental qualities that define the Jiva and Ishvara, which must be understood to discern their differences.[32]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The fundamental characteristics or attributes of the Lord, which remain elusive and difficult to define.[33]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The intrinsic properties of food, water, and fire that dictate their respective transformations in the body.[34]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The fundamental attributes and qualities that define Brahman, differentiating it from all phenomena.[35]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The inherent quality or fundamental characteristics that define the divine being.[36]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The fundamental reality of a being, particularly in relation to the soul and its connection to the divine.[37] (2) Describes the fundamental characteristic of humans as being at the mercy of and serving the Supreme Lord, suggesting that true identity and purpose lies within that relationship.[38] (3) The intrinsic quality of a being that reflects their absolute dependence on the Lord, highlighting the relationship between the devotee and divinity.[39] (4) The inherent characteristics or qualities that define the true self and its relationship with the divine.[40] (5) The core aspect of one's being, which can be lost in the confusion of Samsara.[41]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The fundamental characteristic or quality inherent to a state, especially related to sattvika-bhava.[42] (2) The fundamental qualities or characteristics of something, as expressed through examples provided.[43] (3) The fundamental quality of bhava, which is described as being taste itself.[44]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The fundamental quality or reality of something, particularly in the context of understanding one's relationship with the divine.[45]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The fundamental qualities and properties that define the essence of elements such as earth, air, and water.[46] (2) The fundamental characteristic or property that defines all entities in the universe.[47] (3) The intrinsic quality of the intellect, characterized as translucent and infinite.[48] (4) The intrinsic quality that defines true existence, which is free from egoism and worldly attachments.[49] (5) The fundamental quality of existence that pervades all things.[50]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Refers to the deep understanding of the Vedas and Vedangas that a brahmana named Kushivala possessed.[51]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The fundamental quality of a being or entity, particularly in relation to the supreme glory and the Vedas.[52]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The inherent characteristics or properties that define the function and existence of the senses.[53] (2) The fundamental characteristics or qualities that define an entity or object.[54]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Refers to the fundamental characteristics of Natya derived from its etymology and the representation of actions, as described in the text.[55]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The fundamental characteristics that define a word as an indicator, its meaning as the indicated, and understanding as its manifestation.[56]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The fundamental characteristics shared by substances, which affect the way distinct cognitions are formed regarding them.[57]
Jain concept of 'Essential nature'
In Jainism, Essential nature signifies the intrinsic characteristics of a substance that determine its existence and the soul's inherent qualities, which define its true identity, free from the influence of karma.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The fundamental quality or characteristic of a substance that defines its existence.[58] (2) The inherent characteristics or capabilities (parinama) of the soul, independent of karmic influences, defining the soul's true identity.[59]
The concept of Essential nature in local and regional sources
Essential nature encompasses the fundamental traits that characterize beings, influencing their behaviors and defining existence as inherently perfect. It reflects shared human qualities, highlighting commonalities despite outward differences.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The fundamental characteristics that define a being or object and dictate their behaviors.[60] (2) Being is defined as the essential nature of oneself, implying that one鈥檚 true existence is perfect and not a burden.[61] (3) The inherent qualities and characteristics that define all humans, suggesting that beneath superficial differences, all humans share commonalities.[62]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the unmanifested nature of the soul, which is unlimited, and to that blessedness there is no limit, and is in contrast to the limited nature of love, as the text states.[63] (2) This refers to the fundamental and unchanging qualities of a being, which are always pure and remain the same despite external factors.[64]