365betÓéÀÖ

Significance of Universal

In Tibetan Buddhism, the keyphrase "Universal" encompasses a range of abstract concepts that relate to shared qualities across material substances and experiences. It extends to notions of eternal characteristics that transcend individuality, posing challenges in distilling particular instances. Universals are often seen as lacking definitive expression, leading to debates about their existence and applicability in different contexts. Other philosophical traditions like Vyakarana, Vedanta, and Theravada also contribute perspectives on the Universal, viewing it as a quality that applies broadly across diverse entities.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: All-encompassing, Comprehensive, General, Worldwide, Inclusive, Total, Pervasive

In German: Universal; In Spanish: Universal; In Dutch: Universeel; In Finnish: Universaali

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

Buddhist concept of 'Universal'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Universal" refers to a non-specific, abstract concept embodying common qualities across entities. It encompasses general truths yet is challenged by philosophies emphasizing individuality, like 'ananyapoha' and 'Perpetual Flux'.

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

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Concepts or entities that can be applied broadly, often in philosophical discussions about existence.[1] (2) A concept or principle that applies broadly across different instances or entities.[2] (3) A concept that represents general qualities or characteristics shared across particulars.[3] (4) A general concept that encompasses all members of a class or category. The text discusses its relationship with perceptibility and how such universals may not be observed in individual instances.[4] (5) A general concept or entity that in this context is asserted to not exist in any cognition.[5]

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.

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

From: Cetasikas

(1) Universals are the mental factors that arise with every citta, summarizing aspects like contact, feeling, and volition that form the basis for experience.[6]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Universal'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Universal" signifies a broad, overarching concept that applies uniformly to all instances, emphasizing a shared essence connecting individual traits and transcending distinctions. It embodies qualities that are permanent, foundational, and applicable across various contexts.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) The concept that represents the meaning of every word, which also figures in the mind as the attribute of substance.[7] (2) A quality that exists everywhere within the same degree, providing a foundational aspect that does not vary.[8] (3) The underlying quality or essence that connects disparate objects across different substrata.[9] (4) A concept in which words denote a general characteristic that can apply across various instances or definitions.[10] (5) A concept denoting general applicability or truth that transcends specific instances, emphasized in the discussion of word meanings.[11]

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.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) A term describing the all-encompassing nature of existence, suggesting that it transcends individual limitations.[12]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The quality or characteristic that is uniformly present across different particulars.[13]

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).

The concept of Universal in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Universal" signifies concepts that are relevant to all, linking virtue with a collective essence while contrasting with sin. It emphasizes the notion of wholeness and the highest form of worship beyond individual limitations.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) It refers to something that is applicable or relevant to everyone and everything, and virtue connects with this concept, while sin separates from this entity.[14] (2) The text mentions that you are this, not a limited being, and that it is the highest worship.[15] (3) This term describes the desired scope of brotherhood, suggesting the inclusion of all people regardless of their beliefs.[16] (4) The universal is the generalized form that encompasses all particulars, the object of search in Indian philosophy and religion, and is what the Jnani and Bhakta aim to realize.[17] (5) This is a concept that, when comprehended, eliminates selfishness, and the love of the whole includes the love of the parts.[18]

Plural form: Universals.