Significance of Transcendental knowledge
Transcendental knowledge is an advanced understanding that surpasses ordinary perception, leading to profound spiritual insights and realizations across various religious traditions, including Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others. It reflects wisdom that reveals spiritual truths about existence, the self, and the divine, promoting liberation from material constraints. This form of knowledge is often linked to divine grace or rigorous spiritual practices, allowing practitioners to perceive the higher realities beyond simplistic, empirical understanding, which is vital for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Synonyms: Spiritual knowledge, Metaphysical knowledge, Esoteric knowledge, Higher knowledge, Divine knowledge, Wisdom, Spiritual understanding, Divine enlightenment, Metaphysical awareness
In Dutch: Transcendentale kennis; In Finnish: Transsendenttinen tieto; In Spanish: Conocimiento trascendental; In German: Transzendentales Wissen
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Transcendental knowledge'
Transcendental knowledge in Buddhism signifies a profound understanding that transcends ordinary perception, recognizing emptiness and buddha nature. It is essential for enlightenment, enabling insights beyond dualistic distinctions and leading to the true nature of reality.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A form of knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding, allowing one to see beyond conventional distinctions such as being and non-being.[1] (2) A form of knowledge that perceives reality as it truly is, beyond ordinary conceptual thought and dualistic distinctions.[2] (3) A form of understanding that goes beyond ordinary knowledge, essential for the Tathagatas and their enlightenment.[3] (4) Knowledge (prajna) that grants insight beyond ordinary perception, enabling one to realize the nature of reality.[4] (5) Understanding arising from insights into the nature of reality beyond ordinary perception, associated with advanced Bodhisattvas.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The recognition of the buddha nature and profound emptiness, essential for enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism.[6] (2) A higher form of understanding that recognizes the profound emptiness and the buddha nature, surpassing ordinary knowledge based on sensory perception.[7] (3) The ninth chapter of the Bodhisattva-caryavatara which focuses on the nature of knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding.[8] (4) Transcendental knowledge signifies a deep understanding that goes beyond ordinary perception, which is crucial for the advancement of bodhicitta.[9]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A state of awareness or understanding that involves dissociation from impurities.[10]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Wisdom that is beyond conceptual understanding and realization of emptiness.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Transcendental knowledge'
Transcendental knowledge in Hinduism encompasses spiritual wisdom that reveals divine truths, guiding devotees towards understanding reality, the self, and the relationship with the divine, transcending ordinary perception and supporting genuine devotional practice.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Spiritual wisdom that transcends mundane understanding, typically imparted by a spiritual master to their disciples.[12] (2) The higher understanding and awareness of spiritual truths that are represented by Shuddha Sarasvati.[13] (3) Spiritual wisdom conveyed through the disciplic succession that leads to a deeper understanding of God.[14] (4) Spiritual understanding that liberates a person from material desires and leads them towards enlightenment and salvation.[15] (5) A higher understanding or wisdom that goes beyond the material realm, which is emphasized as the essence of the Vedas within the commentary.[16]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A form of knowledge that goes beyond ordinary understanding, often relating to divine or higher truths.[17] (2) Refers to the higher understanding and wisdom that transcends ordinary knowledge, associated with spiritual realization.[18] (3) Transcendental knowledge is a profound understanding of spiritual truths and realities that surpasses ordinary knowledge and is connected to the divine.[19] (4) Transcendental knowledge refers to deep spiritual wisdom that goes beyond ordinary understanding, which characterizes the speaker in the discussion.[20] (5) A higher understanding focused on spiritual and eternal truths rather than material existence.[21]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Indicates a form of understanding that goes beyond the mundane, particularly regarding spiritual matters.[22] (2) The understanding necessary to perceive Shri Bhagavan's sac-cid-ananda form.[23] (3) A form of knowledge referred to as advaya-jnana that transcends dualities and is essential for attaining liberation.[24] (4) Brahma-jnana, an elevated form of knowledge regarding the self and the divine, which leads to liberation.[25] (5) Knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding, particularly concerning the nature of the soul and its relationship with the divine.[26]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Spiritual wisdom that provides insight into the divine nature of reality and the relationship between the soul and God.[27] (2) Knowledge that leads to understanding one’s relationship with the Absolute and culminates in devotion.[28] (3) Knowledge that pertains to spiritual realities, shared by Vyasadeva and the bona fide guru with the world.[29] (4) The higher understanding of the relationship between oneself and Shri Bhagavan, fostering devotion and spiritual growth.[30] (5) Spiritual insights and wisdom that guide devotees in their practice and understanding of divine matters, embodied by Shrila Gurudeva.[31]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Divine wisdom imparted by the Lord to His students, which is grounded in the devotion to Lord Krishna.[32] (2) A higher understanding or realization that the dog attained after being touched by Lord Gauranga, leading to its renunciation of its former nature.[33] (3) Knowledge that people mistakenly believe will lead them to Lord Krishna, but it is loving devotional service that is emphasized as the true path.[34] (4) Spiritual wisdom that allows individuals to understand and experience deeper truths about existence and divinity.[35]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The higher spiritual understanding that is essential for true realization of the self and God, as opposed to material or secular knowledge.[36] (2) A kind of knowledge that surpasses ordinary empirical understanding and reveals the nature of the Divine.[37] (3) Understanding that goes beyond physical or empirical knowledge, often linked to divine revelation and spiritual realization.[38]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A form of knowledge that surpasses the material understanding, linking the practitioner to divine realities.[39] (2) Spiritual understanding that transcends material concepts, essential for enlightenment in Gaudiya Vaishnavism.[40] (3) The wisdom that Shri Krishna imparts to alleviate the gopis' pain, highlighting the distinction between material knowledge and deep devotional understanding.[41]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The wisdom that allows one to see beyond illusions to grasp spiritual realities.[42] (2) The understanding of the self beyond physical existence and ego, which leads to true peace and liberation.[43] (3) A higher understanding that transcends the ordinary and is linked to liberation from the cycle of existence.[44] (4) A higher understanding of reality and existence that one seeks to attain through spiritual guidance.[45] (5) A type of knowledge that is beyond the ordinary or material understanding, which evokes a strong desire in Rama to learn.[46]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The spiritual wisdom conveyed in the Shrimad Bhagavad-gita that leads to liberation from material existence.[47]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Profound insight beyond empirical understanding, typically acquired through the study of sacred texts and philosophical inquiry.[48]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Knowledge that goes beyond the physical realm and provides insight into the nature of existence and the self.[49]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The knowledge that goes beyond empirical experience, obtained through the scriptures and spiritual realization as opposed to sensory perception.[50]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) An understanding that goes beyond the mundane, leading to insight into Brahman and one's own self.[51]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A type of knowledge, beyond sense-perception, claimed by Patanjali, through which the 'thing-in-itself' can be known.[52]
The concept of Transcendental knowledge in local and regional sources
Transcendental knowledge encompasses a deep understanding that transcends conventional perception, closely associated with spiritual insight in Buddhism, allowing individuals to grasp the fundamental nature of reality beyond ordinary comprehension.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Profound understanding that surpasses the ordinary comprehension of reality, often linked to spiritual insight in Buddhism.[53]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is knowledge that comes from beyond reasoning, and is claimed by great teachers of religion, but the science of Yoga teaches it comes from within.[54]