This is an educational exploration based on the Wikipedia article on Para Brahman. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Para Brahman

The Cosmic Source of All Existence: An exploration of the Supreme Absolute in Hindu philosophy.

Discover Brahman โœจ Explore Philosophies ๐Ÿค”

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
๐ŸŽฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ŸŽฎ

What is Para Brahman?

The Supreme Absolute

In Hindu philosophy, Para Brahman or Param Brahman signifies the "Supreme Brahman"โ€”the ultimate reality that transcends all descriptions and conceptualizations. It is understood as that which eternally pervades everything, everywhere, and beyond, existing in both form and formlessness, devoid of Maya.

Conceptual Diversity

The conceptualization of Para Brahman varies significantly across different traditions within Hinduism. While some traditions emphasize its attribute-less nature, others define it as the Absolute with attributes, often identifying it with specific principal deities.

Significance

Understanding Para Brahman is central to grasping the metaphysical underpinnings of Hinduism. It represents the ultimate goal of spiritual realization, the source from which all existence emanates and to which it ultimately returns.

Etymology

Root Meanings

The term Para Brahman is derived from Sanskrit. The word Para can signify "higher" or, more profoundly, "highest" or "supreme."

Brahman: The Ultimate

Brahman itself denotes the Absolute, the Ultimate Reality in the universe. It is a foundational concept in the Vedas and Upanishads, representing the immaterial, efficient, formal, and final cause of all existenceโ€”the fundamental essence underlying all phenomena.

Advaita Vedanta Perspective

Nirguna Brahman

Within Advaita Vedanta, Para Brahman is synonymous with nirguna brahmanโ€”the Absolute without attributes. This state transcends all conceptualization, including notions of emptiness or infiniteness. It is the ultimate, non-dual reality, identical with one's innermost self (Atman).

Beyond Duality

Advaita posits that Para Brahman is pure existence-consciousness-bliss (sat-chit-ananda). Realizing this truth means realizing one's own identity with this Absolute. This non-dualistic experience obliterates all distinctions between the individual soul and Brahman, leading to profound spiritual enlightenment.

  • Para Brahman is nirguna (without attributes) and transcends all duality.
  • The ultimate reality is non-dual: Brahman is Atman, and Atman is Brahman.
  • Realization is achieved through Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge).
  • This state is characterized by sat-chit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss).

Vaishnavism Perspective

Vishnu as Supreme

In Vaishnavism, Para Brahman is identified with the deity Vishnu, particularly in His form as Mahavishnu. He is also recognized as the Paramatman (Supreme Self), as described in the Narayana Sukta of the Yajurveda.

Scriptural Affirmations

The Mahabharata describes Vishnu as Para Brahman, embodying both purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter). The Bhagavata Purana similarly identifies Narayana as Para Brahman. In Shuddhadvaita, Krishna is praised as the Para Brahman, encompassing the Brahman of the Upanishads, the Paramatman of Smriti, and the Bhagavan of the Bhagavata.

Shaivism Perspective

Shiva as the Absolute

Within Shaivism, Shiva is regarded as Para Brahman, especially in His transcendental form as Parashiva. Shiva is uniquely considered to possess both nirguna (attributeless) and saguna (attributed) qualities, making Him the sole Ishvara (Supreme Lord).

Shiva Purana's View

The Shiva Purana elaborates on Shiva's nature as the ultimate reality, encompassing all aspects of existence. His supreme form, Parashiva, represents the unmanifest, transcendent aspect of the Divine.

Shaktism Perspective

Adi Parashakti: The Source

In Shaktism, Adi Parashakti is revered as Para Brahman, the ultimate reality possessing both attributed and attributeless aspects. She is considered the primordial energy and the source of all creation, described in the Rigveda's Devi Suktam and Sri Suktam.

Mahakali and Tridevi

Mahakali, a prominent form of Adi Parashakti, is addressed as Brahmamayi, signifying her essence as Brahman. The Tridevi (Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati) represent her supreme, eternal forms, residing in the celestial abode of Manidvipa.

  • Adi Parashakti is the origin, protector, and devourer of all.
  • She is identified with Brahman, Paramatman, and the primordial energy.
  • Various Tantras describe her as the cause of everything, including Gayatri and Lakshmi.

Related Concepts

Philosophical Schools

Explore the diverse philosophical schools that interpret the nature of reality and the Absolute, including Advaita Vedanta, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita, and others that shape the understanding of Brahman.

  • Samkhya
  • Yoga
  • Nyaya
  • Vaisheshika
  • Mimamsa
  • Vedanta (Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita, etc.)
  • Charvaka

Sacred Texts

The concept of Para Brahman is deeply rooted in sacred texts like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, and various Tantras, which offer profound insights into its nature and realization.

  • Upanishads (e.g., Taittiriya, Brihadaranyaka)
  • Bhagavad Gita
  • Puranas (e.g., Bhagavata Purana, Shiva Purana)
  • Agamas
  • Tantras

Symbols and Practices

Central symbols like Om and practices such as meditation, yoga, and devotion (Bhakti) are integral to the pursuit of realizing Para Brahman.

  • Om (Aum)
  • Meditation (Dhyana)
  • Yoga
  • Bhakti (Devotion)
  • Jnana Yoga (Knowledge)

Scholarly Notes

Upanishadic Declarations

The Upanishads offer profound statements regarding the nature of Brahman:

  • "The knowers of Truth declare knowledge alone as the Realityโ€”that knowledge which does not admit of duality (the distinction of subject & object), in other words, which is indivisible & one without a second, & which is called by different names such as Brahman (the Absolute), Paramatma (the Supreme Spirit or Oversoul) & Bhagavan (the Deity)." (Bhagavata Purana 1.2.11)
  • "Whoever realizes the Supreme Brahma attains to supreme felicity. That Supreme Brahma is Eternal Truth (satyam), Omniscient (jnanam), Infinite (anantam)." (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1)
  • The Upanishads describe the Supreme Brahma as sat-chit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss). Realizing this truth is synonymous with being this truth.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Para Brahman" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about para_brahman while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

                                        

References

References

  1.  vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvam, yaj jnanam advayam brahmeti paramatmeti, bhagavan iti sabdyate
  2.  Monier Monier-Williams, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European languages, Oxford University Press, Article on Para
A full list of references for this article are available at the Para Brahman Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been meticulously curated and presented by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview suitable for higher education students. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and clarity based on the source, the interpretations and presentation reflect an AI's synthesis of complex philosophical concepts.

This is not theological or philosophical doctrine. The information presented here should not be considered definitive or a substitute for rigorous academic study, consultation with religious scholars, or personal spiritual exploration. Readers are encouraged to consult primary texts and scholarly analyses for a deeper understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any misinterpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.