Significance of Supreme Reality
The Supreme Reality, according to various philosophical traditions in India, is understood as the ultimate truth or essence that transcends the material world and encompasses all existence. In Shilpashastra, Vaishnavism, and similar schools of thought, it is often identified with divine forms such as Brahman, Parabrahman, and Atman. This concept is characterized by non-duality and immutability, and it serves as the foundation for spiritual practices that lead to enlightenment and liberation from ordinary perceptions of reality.
Synonyms: Ultimate truth, Absolute existence, Highest reality, Supreme being, Divine essence, Absolute reality, Final truth, Ultimate essence, Ultimate nature
In Dutch: Opperste Realiteit; In Finnish: Korkein Todellisuus; In Spanish: Realidad suprema; In German: Höchste Realität
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Supreme Reality'
The Supreme Reality in Hinduism encompasses the ultimate truth or essence, identified with Brahman, transcending duality and empirical experiences. It represents non-dual existence, guiding practitioners towards enlightenment and the realization of oneness with the divine.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Atman, considered the ultimate truth in Vedanta philosophy, which remains unrecognized although it is consistently explained.[1] (2) The ultimate truth or existence that one attains by knowing Aum as the foundation of everything.[2] (3) The ultimate truth or existence that one attains by knowing Aum.[3] (4) The ultimate truth or essence of existence, which is considered unborn, undivided, and unknowable to those of small intellect.[4] (5) The highest form of truth and existence, characterized by non-duality, from which all dual perceptions arise.[5]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The ultimate, unified existence that is one and homogeneous, devoid of diversity.[6] (2) The ultimate truth or existence that is singular and all-encompassing, free from any duality.[7] (3) The ultimate truth or essence of existence that is to be realized for spiritual freedom and enlightenment.[8]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The ultimate existence or truth represented by the term satya, in which all forms of diversity that are not part of the Self are negated.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The ultimate truth or highest state of existence that all texts aim to define, primarily signified by Narayana.[10]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ultimate truth represented by Brahman, illustrating the distinction between the divine and the individual self.[11]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ultimate and absolute existence that transcends the material world, as embodied by Vaikuntha.[12]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The ultimate truth recognized in various scriptures, representing the highest form of divinity.[13]
The concept of Supreme Reality in local and regional sources
Supreme Reality is the ultimate truth that transcends individual consciousness and ego, identified with Brahman in Indian philosophy, and embodies the central spiritual essence within every human, as articulated by thinkers like Krishnamurti and Radhakrishnan.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ultimate truth and essence underlying all existence, which Sri Aurobindo aimed to express through his life and teachings.[14] (2) The concept of an ultimate truth that transcends names and forms, embraced by various traditions, including Hinduism.[15] (3) The ultimate truth or essence of existence that transcends the individual ego and consciousness, as explained by Krishnamurti.[16] (4) The central concept in Radhakrishnan's philosophy, representing the ultimate spiritual reality found within every human being.[17] (5) The ultimate source of existence that transcends all dualities, often identified with Brahman in Indian philosophy.[18]