In Hinduism, "Dharma Bhuta Jnana" refers to a type of knowledge or consciousness that is considered an attribute of the Self or the soul. Here's a simplified explanation:
Dharma Bhuta Jnana Explained:
- Attribute of the Soul: It's the knowledge or awareness that belongs to the soul.
- How the Soul Knows: It explores how the soul perceives or understands things.
Different Philosophical Views:
- Advaita Vedanta: This philosophy believes that consciousness is the very essence of the soul.
- Vishishtadvaita Vedanta: This philosophy, taught by Ramanuja, believes that consciousness is always an attribute of both God (Ishwara) and individual souls (jiva).
Nature of Dharma Bhuta Jnana:
- Non-Material and Non-Spiritual: It isn't made of physical or spiritual matter.
- Illumination: It can reveal or make objects known, but it doesn't know itself.
- Always for Another: It serves to illuminate objects for the soul, not for itself.
Eternal and Variable:
- For God and Liberated Souls: It is always infinite and perfect.
- For Bound Souls: It is limited or obscured. When a soul realizes the divine through various practices (like karma, jnana, and bhakti), this knowledge expands and becomes perfect.
Synonyms:
Terms like mati, prajna, samvit, and shemushi are all other
words used to describe Dharma Bhuta Jnana.
In summary, Dharma Bhuta Jnana is the innate, illuminating knowledge of the soul, which varies depending on the soul's state of liberation or bondage.