Significance of Universal Soul
Universal Soul is a profound concept representing a singular, all-encompassing essence that connects every being and transcends individual existence. Traditionally depicted as the ultimate reality or a divine presence, it embodies the interconnectedness of all souls, emphasizing unity over individuality. This essence pervades all existence, serving as the foundational spirit that ties together the entire universe. From various philosophical perspectives, the Universal Soul illustrates how individual souls are manifestations of a singular divine reality, promoting liberation and collective consciousness.
Synonyms: Cosmic spirit, Collective consciousness, Divine essence, Universal consciousness, Higher self, World soul, Cosmic soul, Supreme soul
In Dutch: Universele ziel; In Finnish: Universaali sielu; In Spanish: Alma universal; In German: Universelle Seele
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Universal Soul'
The Universal Soul in Hinduism signifies the interconnectedness of all individual souls to a singular divine essence. It represents the ultimate reality transcending individuality, embodying the essence of life, and emphasizing unity within all existence, often identified with Vishnu or Brahma.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The supreme, all-pervading essence from which all individual souls derive their nature.[1] (2) The all-encompassing consciousness that permeates and connects all entities and life's experiences.[2] (3) The concept that all individual souls are connected to a singular, divine spirit.[3] (4) The essence that pervades everything, indicating that all existences are interconnected through a single consciousness.[4] (5) The all-encompassing spirit or essence that connects all beings and is present in everything.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The overarching spirit believed to be present in all beings, underscoring the interconnectedness of life.[6] (2) The ultimate reality or truth to which all beings aspire to connect, transcending individual existence.[7] (3) The essence of all existence, synonymous with the Supreme Purusha, and unaffected by actions.[8] (4) A descriptor for the divine force, emphasizing its omnipresence and embodiment of all beings.[9] (5) The fundamental essence that connects all beings, representing the highest aspect of Brahma.[10]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A term referring to the fundamental essence of Vishnu that embodies all creation and existence.[11] (2) The great progenitor of all created beings, representing the essence of life and the interconnectedness of existence.[12] (3) The formless essence that creates, preserves, and ultimately dissolves all existence, symbolized by Brahma, Janarddana.[13] (4) A concept referring to the all-encompassing divine presence, identified with Vishnu, signifying the unity of existence.[14] (5) The concept of a singular, all-encompassing spirit that pervades and sustains all of reality.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A concept relating to the essence of all beings, as advised to Satyavrata for attaining fearlessness and peace.[16]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The ultimate spiritual essence that connects all beings, attainable through the practice of good qualities and adherence to sacred principles.[17]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The concept of an all-encompassing spirit that connects individual souls with the divine.[18]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The concept in Advaita that recognizes all individual souls as manifestations of a singular, ultimate reality.[19]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The Universal Soul is perceived as an overarching essence that encompasses the entirety of existence, depicted metaphorically as a wheel with various components.[20]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) A concept denoting the eternal essence that transcends individual beings, linked to the extinction of both material and spiritual forms.[21] (2) The overarching spirit or essence that encompasses all beings, represented in duality as male and female.[22]
The concept of Universal Soul in local and regional sources
Universal Soul refers to the collective spiritual essence connecting all beings, embodying the individual soul as a part of a greater whole. This concept, significant in various philosophies, signifies unity, coherence, and the divine connection among humanity.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A shared spiritual essence or consciousness that connects all beings, as expressed by both Gandhi and Romantic poets.[23] (2) A collective consciousness or oneness that encompasses all individual souls.[24] (3) The collective spiritual essence that rewards humanity's efforts in properly expressing and channeling its abundant energy through art.[25] (4) The overarching spiritual essence that connects all existence, often reflected in artistic representations.[26] (5) A concept signifying a collective consciousness or spirit that transcends individual existence, invoking a sense of connection.[27]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) In the universe, behind the universal mind, this exists, and in the individual, it is the soul of man, as mentioned in the provided text.[28] (2) This is what one is nearer to when thinking less of their own soul, according to the text.[29] (3) The Universal Soul has a dual aspect and is eternal, encompassing both the Eternally Formed and the Eternally Formless aspects.[30] (4) This is a part of the infinite, therefore in injuring his neighbour, the individual actually injures himself.[31] (5) This is the Paramatman, the Lord God of the universe, which encompasses and permeates all individual souls, facilitating connection and interaction.[32]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A term used to describe the singular divine essence or God before the creation of the universe.[33]