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Significance of Kevala

Kevala is a significant concept in various Indian philosophies. In Jainism, it signifies ultimate spiritual awareness and supreme knowledge attained through meditation. Vaishnavism sees Kevala as a quest for emancipation that may overlook the joy of serving the Lord, while also indicating a term that emphasizes the importance of chanting. Vedanta describes it as a state free from separateness, and in Shaivism, it reinforces the idea of absolute unity. Overall, Kevala encompasses deep spiritual awareness across traditions.

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

Hindu concept of 'Kevala'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Kevala signifies a solitary state of being, emphasizing absolute unity and the pursuit of emancipation. It highlights the significance of spiritual practice while cautioning against the risks of rebirth due to unresolved karma.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) Individuals who seek only emancipation from life’s cycles, missing the deeper bliss of serving the Lord.[1]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) A term meaning 'only,' used to emphasize the singular importance of chanting in spiritual practice.[2]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) One of the two varieties of the three types of 'rati' mentioned in the text.[3]

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 (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The state of being alone, free from the notion of separateness, as realized through deep meditation.[4]

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).

Jain concept of 'Kevala'

Jainism Books

Kevala in Jainism signifies supreme knowledge and intuition. Achieved by Mahavira and Rishabha, it encapsulates complete understanding of existence and represents the pinnacle of spiritual awareness through deep meditation.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) The supreme knowledge and intuition that encompasses understanding all aspects of existence, attained by Mahavira.[5]

From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)

(1) The infinite knowledge and intuition attained by Rishabha during his meditation, representing ultimate spiritual awareness.[6]

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A state of complete and perfect enlightenment in spiritual terminology.[7]

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, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Plural form: Kevalas.