Significance of Inherent nature
Inherent nature encompasses the fundamental qualities or essential characteristics intrinsic to the soul and various entities across different philosophical traditions, including Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Vedanta, Nyaya, and Mahayana. It signifies aspects that define an individual's essence and behavior, independent of external influences, thus distinguishing it from other substances. Additionally, inherent nature can reflect both the unchanging essence of beings and the innate qualities derived from their environment, illustrating the complex interplay between an entity and its surroundings across these diverse belief systems.
Synonyms: Essential quality, Intrinsic character, Innate disposition, Natural temperament, Essence, Core, Intrinsic quality, Fundamental nature, Quintessence, Substance, Being, Character, Constitution
In Dutch: Inherente aard; In Finnish: Luontainen luonto; In Spanish: Naturaleza inherente; In German: Inh盲rente Natur; In Swedish: Inneboende natur; In Malay: Sifat yang wujud; In French: Nature inh茅rente
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Inherent nature'
In Buddhism, "inherent nature" refers to the essential qualities defining entities and people, emphasizing their unchanging essence and connection to collective consciousness, while critiquing the misconception of fixed identities that obscure true understanding.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The fundamental essence or true nature of beings that is recognized and understood through introspection and practice.[1] (2) The true essence of beings and phenomena which can be understood through inward reflection and perfect penetration.[2] (3) This term describes the fundamental essence of a person, which can either be clouded by confusion or remain clear and powerful.[3] (4) The fundamental essence of a person, which is connected to the consciousness of others beyond ordinary perception.[4] (5) The fundamental quality or essence of an individual that does not change despite physical transformations and aging.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Svabhava refers to the intrinsic essence or nature of dharmas, which is posited as non-existence in the provided text.[6] (2) Inherent nature (svabhava) refers to the intrinsic qualities or properties that are thought to define a dharma.[7]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The essential characteristics or qualities that define the universal.[8] (2) The fundamental qualities or characteristics that are intrinsically part of a thing, determining its behavior and transformation.[9] (3) The fundamental qualities or characteristics that an entity possesses, which are intrinsic and unchanging.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Inherent nature'
Inherent nature in Hinduism encompasses the essential characteristics of beings, affecting their actions and dispositions. It includes the qualities defining deities, devotees' love in bhakti, and traits shaped by environment and introspection.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the natural qualities or characteristics that arise spontaneously in the narrator due to the environment of Vaikuntha.[11] (2) The natural disposition of devotees in the path of bhakti, which prevents negative sentiments and promotes love and affection.[12] (3) The fundamental qualities that manifest in a person as a consequence of their surroundings, particularly in the context of living in the abode of sages.[13]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The essential qualities and characteristics that define the Lord.[14] (2) The fundamental qualities or characteristics of an entity, which can be known through thorough investigation and contemplation.[15]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The essential qualities that define Shri Krishna's character and the nature of His pastimes as revealed through bhava.[16]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The fundamental qualities that are intrinsic to an individual and remain consistent regardless of external factors.[17]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) That which, when acquired, becomes completely part and parcel of a thing, serving as its characteristic quality and does not depend on anything extraneous.[18]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The essential quality of being embedded within entities, which poses challenges in defining roles of abode and abiding.[19]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The essential qualities or characteristics that define all creatures at birth.[20]
Jain concept of 'Inherent nature'
In Jainism, Inherent nature signifies the soul's essential qualities, free from karma's influence, including knowledge and behavior traits. It distinguishes individual essence, emphasizing innate characteristics such as concentration that define one's true self.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Parinamika refers to the inherent qualities and aspects that define the nature of the soul, distinguishing it from other substances.[21] (2) The essential qualities of the soul, which include knowledge and are not considered infatuation (murccha).[22] (3) The essential quality or capacity (parinama) of the soul itself, independent of external karmic influences.[23]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The innate qualities and characteristics that define an individual's essence, especially in relation to concentration.[24]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to the innate characteristics of the air-bodies that govern their behaviors.[25]
The concept of Inherent nature in local and regional sources
Inherent nature encompasses concepts of uncreation and destiny, reflecting diverse existential aspects. It suggests a foundational quality inherent to existence, inviting further exploration of its implications and connections within the broader philosophical context.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This concept is presented as one of several possibilities, including something uncreate or destiny, suggesting different aspects of existence, without further elaboration in the text.[26]