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Significance of Undifferentiated

Undifferentiated, as understood in various philosophical contexts, refers to a fundamental state of unity without distinctions. In Tibetan Buddhism, it denotes a unified essence akin to Brahman, while Vyakarana describes it as a property free from gender or number distinctions. Vedanta associates it with the source of all existence, emphasizing its non-dual nature. Mahayana further describes Undifferentiated as a state of inclusivity, devoid of bias, embracing all beings equally. Collectively, these perspectives highlight the essence of oneness across different traditions.1
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Synonyms: Indistinct, Uniform, Homogeneous, Indistinguishable, Identical, Alike

In Dutch: Ongedifferentieerd; In Finnish: Erottamaton; In Spanish: Indiferenciado

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

Buddhist concept of 'Undifferentiated'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Undifferentiated" signifies a unified state of Brahman, devoid of distinctions, embodying inclusivity and equality among all beings while promoting a comprehensive understanding that transcends separateness and bias.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Describes a state of unity (nirvishishta) where distinctions between levels of beings or understanding do not exist.[1]

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) This describes a thought that does not make distinctions or separate concepts, highlighting its inclusivity and lack of bias, which enables it to embrace all beings equally and without discrimination.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The state of Brahman being fundamentally unified without modifications or distinctions.[3]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Undifferentiated'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Undifferentiated" signifies a property devoid of gender or number, embodies the origin of the universe (Avyakrita), reflects the oneness of Supreme Brahman, and represents a fundamental unity beyond duality, highlighting the non-Self state.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) Represents the ultimate reality or source that is beyond duality and differentiation, often seen as the non-Self.[4] (2) Indicating the state of being without distinctions, synonymous with the oneness of the Supreme Brahman.[5] (3) A state or concept of existence that is not yet divided or categorized, representing a fundamental unity in contrast to change.[6]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The state from which everything in the universe has emerged, related to the concept of the Avyakrita and material existence.[7]

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).

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) Describes a property that is not distinguished by gender or number.[8]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

The concept of Undifferentiated in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Undifferentiated" denotes an ideal state or condition that is considered perfect, surpassing all other states, which are deemed lesser and temporary, according to regional sources.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is the perfect condition, and all others must be lower and not permanent, and it is a concept.[9]