Baqāʾ
Beatific vision
Believe
Bhava samadhi
Bindu
Bodhisattva
Brahma
Brahman
Buddha
Buddhi
Baqāʾ
Word definition: Sufi term signifying “subsistence and passing away.” The Sufi teaching of passing away from worldly reality and being made subsistent in divine reality describes the apex of mystic experience and union with God.
Etymology: term from Sufi mysticism.
Technical description: the passing away of human consciousness in the divine and the obliteration of imperfect qualities of the soul by substitution of new, divinely bestowed attributes.
Phenomenological description: That which follows Fana.
Synonyms: Spiritual enlightenment.
Cross-cultural comparisons: The Sufi term Fana has the same meaning than the Buddhist term Nirvana.
Relevance of the concept: Intercultural validation.
Supporting evidence: independent similar descriptions of this state in other cultures.
Beatific vision
Word definition: In Christian theology, the beatific vision (Latin: visio beatifica) is the ultimate direct self-communication of God to the individual person. A person possessing the beatific vision reaches, as a member of redeemed humanity in the communion of saints, perfect salvation in its entirety, i.e. heaven. The notion of vision stresses the intellectual component of salvation, though it encompasses the whole of human experience of joy, happiness coming from seeing God finally face to face and not imperfectly through faith. (1 Cor 13:11–12) It is related to the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox belief in theosis the Wesleyan notion of Christian perfection and is seen in most – if not all – church denominations as the reward for Christians in the afterlife (Wikipedia)
Etymology: The doctrine of the beatific vision stems from the scholastic movement of the 14th century, particularly St. Thomas Aquinas. Thomas Aquinas defined the beatific vision as the human being’s “final end” in which one attains to a perfect happiness.
Technical description: The immediate knowledge of God which the angelic spirits and the souls of the just enjoy in Heaven. It is called “vision” to distinguish it from the mediate knowledge of God which the human mind may attain in the present life. And since in beholding God face to face the created intelligence finds perfect happiness, the vision is termed “beatific”.
Phenomenological description: Mystical union.
Synonyms: Theosis, Divanisation.
Cross-cultural comparisons: The philosophy of Plato hints at the concept of the Beatific Vision in the Allegory of the cave, which appears in the Republic Book 7 (514a-520a), speaking through the character of Socrates:
“My opinion is that in the world of knowledge the idea of good (the Good) appears last of all, and is seen only with an effort; and, when seen, is also inferred to be the universal author of all things beautiful and right, parent of light and of the lord of light in this visible world, and the immediate source of reason and truth in the intellectual” (517b,c).
For Plato, the Good appears to correspond to God in Christian theology. Plato held that those still in the physical body were prevented from a full perception of the Good, seeing only, as it were, shadows cast by a fire onto the wall of a cave. Platonic attitudes came to influence Christian theology, which developed in the Roman Empire. St. Augustine expressed views similar to Plato’s on this subject, and was familiar with Plato’s ideas, either directly or via the writings of Neoplatonists. (New World Encyclopedia)
Later Christian tradition, as well as various mystical trends in other religions, often speak of direct visions of God. Hindu and Buddhist thought have long spoken of the experience of samadhi, in which the soul finds union with the divine while still in the body. The mystical tradition in Islam speaks of literally seeing with God’s eyes: “When I love him, I am his hearing by which he hears; and his sight by which he sees; his hand by which he strikes; and his foot by which he walks” (Hadith of An-Nawawi 38). (New World Encyclopedia)
Relevance of the concept: Future state of humanity.
Citations: Thomas Aquinas explained the Beatific Vision as the ultimate goal of human existence after physical death. Aquinas’ formulation of beholding God in Heaven parallels Plato’s description of beholding the Good in the world of the Forms, which is not possible while still in the physical body. However, Aquinas himself is believed by some to have experienced the Beatific Vision just before his own death, prompting him to declare his written works “like straw.”
Believe
Word definition: Trust, rely on.
Etymology: Word Origin & History: Old English belyfan “to believe,” earlier geleafa (Mercian), gelefa (Northumbrian), gelyfan (West Saxon) “believe,” from Proto-Germanic *ga-laubjan “to believe,” perhaps literally “hold dear, love” (cf. Old Saxon gilobian “believe,” Dutch geloven, Old High German gilouben, German glauben)
Technical description: To have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.
Phenomenological description: In its traditional meaning: To trust in an idea (conceptual) In its deeper meaning: To trust in a intuition, in a revelation (perceptual) ( M.J.M.)
Synonyms: Presuppose, trust.
Relevance of the concept: To trust in one’s intuition is at the heart of a scientists creativity. ( M.J.M.)
Bhava samadhi
Word definition: Superconscious state.
The word ‘bhava’ means ‘becoming’, and while it is sometimes used to denote ordinary emotions, the term ‘bhava samadhi’ always means a very high state of mystical experience.
Technical description: With sufficient experiences of bhava samadhi during one’s lifetime, it is possible to note that the state occurs at four different levels:
- Bhava samadhi on a low-subtle level;
- Bhava samadhi on a high-subtle level;
- Bhava samadhi on a low-causal level;
- Bhava samadhi on a high-causal level.
Since these bhava samadhi experiences are extremely rare, this differentiation between the different types is normally not given. ( M.J.M.)
Phenomenological description: The intensity of these different forms of bhava samadhi is extraordinary. It is a higher form of mystical ecstasy, beyond imagination. People who have only experienced a low-subtle bhava samadhi, even for a few minutes – like Richard M. Bucke [1] – experience it as the most important experience of their lives. ( M.J.M.)
(Bhava Samadhi: Superconscious state attained by intense divine emotions.)
Synonyms: See: Cross-cultural comparisons:
Cross-cultural comparisons ( M.J.M.):
Cross-culturally, bhava samadhi is known by many different names:
Glorification in Christianity
The Rainbow body in Tibetan Buddhism
The transubstantiated body
The immortal body of Light
The diamond body in Taoism
The solar body
The radiant body in Neo-Platonism
The divine body composed of supramental substance – by Aurobindo
See further: https://marinusjanmarijs.com/mysticism/bhava-samadhi/
Relevance of the concept: it is important because it seems to indicate an endpoint or a fundamental stage in the development of subtle energies. ( M.J.M.)
The concept in mythology: The rainbow body.
Supporting evidence: similar descriptions in different cultures.
Literature: Books / Articles / Websites:
- M. Bucke: “Cosmic Consciousness” [2], low-subtle bhava samadhi;
- Jakob Boehme [3]: at age 25-35, level unknown;
- Blaise Pascal [4]: at age 31, level unknown;
- The Hebrew prophet Isaiah (6.3-4): low-causal bhava samadhi;
- Paul’s Damascus experience: low-causal bhava samadhi [5];
- W Leadbeater: Arhat, low-causal bhava samadhi, drew this light body in his book “Man visible and invisible” (plate 26);
- Mohammed’s Al Kadr: low- or high-causal bhava samadhi;
- Gopi Krishna [6]: at age 34, low-causal bhava samadhi; at 46, high-causal (wrote of a “melodious cadence”);
- Krishnamurti [7]: at age 27, high-causal bhava samadhi (his brother noticed the “celestial music” when Krishnamurti was in this state);
- Jesus’ Glorification: high-causal bhava samadhi.
( M.J.M.)
Bindu
Word definition: Bindu is a Sanskrit word meaning “point” or “dot”.
Etymology: The Goraksha Paddhati refers to that light as the Nila Bindu, “the blue dot”
Technical description: Bindu is a Sanskrit term meaning “point” or “dot.” In Indian philosophy and religion, bindu has several related connotations, but is usually considered the point from which creation begins and where it is ultimately unified.
Phenomenological description: In a state of spiritual experience the Bindu is actually experienced as a blue pearl, a ball of light 8 milimeter in diameter, (it has been described as “A brilliant blue light, the size of a pea”, which is 7,5 milimeter diameter) and it is a very clear lapis lazuli blue colour , the same colour as the subtle energy in the sushumna, The Bindu has a definitive spatial location, it is located in front of the body, 20 centimeters to the left of the body. It is located at the edge of the aura field, about 50 to 60 centimeters from the body, and 30 to 40 centimeters below eyelevel.
( M.J.M.)
See further: https://marinusjanmarijs.com/subtle-energies/the-bindu-the-blue-pearl/
Synonyms: The blue pearl.
Cross-cultural comparisons: The Bindu is the convergence point of the highest
principles and practices of Raja Yoga as codified in the Yoga Sutras, Advaita Vedanta as summarized in the Mandukya Upanishad, and the highest Tantra, which is Samaya (Internal) Tantra and Sri Vidya.
Relevance of the concept: It is considered to be the point of consciousness from which the universe originates, the transition point into pure consciousness.
The concept in mythology: The Bindu at the top of the OM symbolizes Turiya, the Absolute Reality, Purusha or Pure Consciousness that is to be realized. The point (bindu) signifies unity, the origin, the principle of manifestation and emanation.
Citations: It has been described as the point at which the capacity for the unmanifest to become manifest is realised
…. a nucleus where prâna or consciousness, space and time come together
The Goraksha Paddhati refers to that light as the Nila Bindu, “the blue dot”
Bindu: (“seed/point”): the creative potency of anything where all energies are focused
Supporting evidence: The experience of Bindu is an actual, internally experienced reality
The Bindu has been referred to within Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra.
Literature: Books / Articles / Websites:
1) The Yoga Upanishads translated by T. R. Srinivasa Ayyangar, B.A., L.T. (Retired
Head Master, Kalyana-sundaram High School, Tanjore) and edited by
Pandit S. Subrahmanya Sastri, F.T.S.; The Adyar Library 1938)
2) The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosphy and Practice by
Georg Feuerstein (1999, 2001) and published by Hohm Press, Prescott, Arizona;
Chapter 15 “God, Vision, and Power–The Yoga Upanishads”, pages 311-331.
Feuerstein offers his own translated excerpts of several of these Upanishads.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, possibly as old as 2000 years (written around the start of the Common Era), is a terse systemization of yogic meditation practices that developed over a large span of time predating the start of the Common Era. Even though the text of 196 concise aphorisms is associated with the dualistic school of Samkyha and Classical Yoga, where the goal is liberation of the “soul” (atman and purusha) of a person from the “material” level of reality, the outlining of the basic steps in meditation practice have been adopted by non-dualistic schools’ teaching practices that liberate while one is alive and involved in this “material” reality.
The Upanishads, a body of literature consisting of 108 texts with the earliest written perhaps 800 years before the start of the Common Era, Twenty of the 108 Upanishads are known as the “Yoga Upanishads” and, though precise dates for them are generally not known, the writings of these 20 texts likely
occurred between 1000 and 1600 C.E., long after Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra.
Five of the 20 Yoga Upanishads have the term “bindu” in them, which refers to a concentrated point of latent power or energy. In these Upanishads, mantras are used as the focusing tool. The term “bindu” arises out of the Tantra tradition so that basically places these texts in the 900-1200 C.E. time period.
Bodhisattva
Word definition: a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others and is worshipped as a deity in Mahayana Buddhism.
Etymology: < Pali, Sanskrit In early Buddhism, the term bodhisattva was primarily used to refer specifically to Gautama Buddha (a contemporary of Mahavira) in his former life
Technical description: a mystic who is born as a low causal mystic. ( M.J.M.)
Phenomenological description: the Sanskrit term for anyone who has generated Bodhicitta, a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings
The concept in mythology: The Holy man.
Supporting evidence: : independent similar descriptions of this state in other cultures.
Brahma
Word definition: Brahma is the Hindu Creator god.
Etymology: Brahma, one of the major gods of Hinduism from about 500 bce to 500 ce Sanskrit Brahma from a root bṛh- “to swell, expand, grow, enlarge”
Technical description: In Hinduism, Brahmā (Sanskrit: meaning “swelling” or “expansion”) is God in his manifestation as Creator of the universe. Brahmā is part of the Trimurti (the Hindu Trinity) alongside Vishnu and Shiva, and represents the creative aspect of Brahman, the supreme cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy. While these two terms derive from the same Sanskrit root brh (to grow great or strong), they should not be confused, as Brahman refers to the ineffable ground of all being, while Brahmā is the deity which personifies its creative power. (New World Encyclopedia)
Phenomenological description: The Divine, within space and time.
Synonyms: God, the Creator, the demiurge
Cross-cultural comparisons:
Platonic: The demiurge
Western philosophy: God
Christian faith: Divine force (The Holy Ghost)
Buddhism: Dharmakaya
Hinduism: Ishvara
Plotinus: The world–soul
Leibniz: The created monads
Eckhart: God
Judaism: Jehovah
( M.J.M.)
Relevance of the concept: The creative power within space and time, The Holy spirit.
The concept in mythology: Anthropic image.
Citations: Brahma (Sanskrit) is the vivifying expansive force of nature in its eternally periodic manvantaras. He stands for the spiritual evolving or developing energy-consciousness. Brahma is called the creator or Logos. In Burnouf’s words:
“Having evolved himself from the soul of the world, once separated from the first cause, he evaporates with, and emanates all nature out of himself. He does not stand above it, but is mixed up with it; Brahma and the universe form one Being, each particle of which is in its essence Brahma himself, who proceeded out of himself” (q SD 1:380n).
Supporting evidence: Intercultural data.
Brahman
Word definition: In Hinduism, Brahman connotes the highest Universal Principle, the Ultimate Reality in the universe. In major schools of Hindu philosophy, it is the material, efficient, formal and final cause of all that exists. It is the pervasive, genderless, infinite, eternal truth and bliss which does not change, yet is the cause of all changes. Brahman as a metaphysical concept is the single binding unity behind diversity in all that exists in the universe. (Wikipedia)
Etymology: Brahmana (nominative singular, never plural), from stems brha (to make firm, strong, expand) + Sanskrit -man- from Indo-European root -men- which denotes some manifest form of “definite power, inherent firmness, supporting or fundamental principle”.
Technical description: Brahman, in the Upanishads (Indian sacred writings), the supreme existence or absolute reality. The etymology of the word, which is derived from Sanskrit, is uncertain. Though a variety of views are expressed in the Upanishads, they concur in the definition of brahman as eternal, conscious, irreducible, infinite, omnipresent, and the spiritual core of the universe of finiteness and change. Marked differences in interpretation of brahman characterize the various schools of Vedanta, the system of Hindu philosophy based on the writings of the Upanishads. (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
See further: https://marinusjanmarijs.com/theodicy/the-absolute/
Phenomenological description: The Divine outside space and time.
Synonyms: The Absolute
Cross-cultural comparisons:
Platonic: – The unmoved mover
Western philosophy: – The Absolute
Christian faith: – God
Buddhism: – Svabhavakaya
Hinduism: – Brahman
Plotinus: – The One (without a second)
Leibniz: The uncreated monad
Eckhart: – Godhead
Judaism: – Elohim
( M.J.M.)
Relevance of the concept: The ground of all being
The concept in mythology: A point that is everywhere.
Supporting evidence: Cosmological fine-tuning
Buddha
Word definition: In Buddhism, Buddha is a title for someone who has achieved enlightenment, nirvana and Buddhahood, and has fully comprehended the Four Noble Truths. The title is most commonly used for Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who is often simply known as “the Buddha”. However, the title can also be used for others who have achieved enlightenment. (Wikipedia)
Etymology: The word Buddha means “the awakened one” or “the enlightened one”.
Technical description: A high causal mystic. ( M.J.M.)
Phenomenological description: in a state of permanent spiritual enlightenment.
Synonyms: see here below ¯
Cross-cultural comparisons:
Buddhist Buddha
Hindu Jivanmukta
Islam Rassoul
Jainism Jaina
Chinese Sengjen
Christian Christ consciousness
Greek Christos
Inuit (Eskimo) Blamchoua (enlightened)
Tibetan Blana med pa thegpa
Christian symbolism The messiah, the anointed
Pythagoreans Theophania
( M.J.M.)
Relevance of the concept: the aim and purpose of human development
The concept in mythology: The Sage, Quetzalcoatl .
Citations: “The one who has conquered himself is a far greater hero than he who has defeated a thousand times a thousand men.” Buddha
“Transcendental intelligence rises when the intellectual mind reaches its limit and if things are to be realized in their true and essential nature, its processes of thinking must be transcended by an appeal to some higher faculty of cognition.” Buddha
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha
Supporting evidence: Intercultural validation.
Buddhi
Word definition: Buddhi (Sanskrit) Buddhi [from the verbal root budh to awaken, enlighten, know] The spiritual soul, the faculty of discriminating, the channel through which streams divine inspiration from the atman to the ego, and therefore that faculty which enables us to discern between good and evil — spiritual conscience. The qualities of the buddhic principle when awakened are higher judgment, instant understanding, discrimination, intuition, love that has no bounds, and consequent universal forgiveness.
Etymology: Sanskrit; bodhati (he) awakes.
Technical description: According to the tantric scriptures, Buddhi is the place where the radiance of Atman is reflected. Buddhi gives us the power to discriminate and decide what is good for us and what is not.
It is the force behind our wisdom and our reactions to the outside world. It is however not just power of discretion and judgment. It is also perception, comprehension, understanding, intelligence, rationality, wisdom, discrimination, mindfulness, presence of mind, all working together to keep us attuned to the world around us and deal with it wisely, appropriately and effectively to the best of our expectations, beliefs, intentions and attention.
Supporting evidence: : independent similar descriptions of this state in other cultures.
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Literature: Books / Articles / Websites:
[1] Richard M. Bucke; “Cosmic Consciousness.” 1901.
[2]: Cosmic consciousness is a non-religious term for mystical experience/consciousness. There are different levels of cosmic consciousness but Bucke’s experience of cosmic consciousness was on a low subtle level.
[3]: Evelyn Underhill; “Mysticism”, a study in the nature and development of Man’s spiritual consciousness. The World Publishing Company, Cleveland and New York, 1911.
[4]: Blaise Pascal; “Memorial”. 1654.
[5]: Acts, 26:13 “I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions.” Paul and his companions would have been on a horseback. This makes it possible to size the light sphere at 14 meters.
[6]: Gopi Krishna; “Kundalini, The evolutionary energy in man”. Shambhala.1997
[7]: Mary Lutyens; “Krishnamurti; The Years of Awakening”, London, John Murray, 1975.
