hindu-selfWe're still mapping where this idea was first discussed. Key passages and related ideas below.
Brahman With and Without Qualities (Saguṇa & Nirguṇa)
A God you can love, or a reality beyond all names — which is ultimate?
Is the absolute a personal God you can love and worship, or a formless reality beyond all attributes? Hindu thought answers with a distinction: saguṇa Brahman 'with qualities' is the Lord of devotion; nirguṇa Brahman 'without qualities' is the attributeless ground. Which one is ultimate — and whether they are even two things — is one of the deepest fault lines among the schools.
Key passages(14)
Vivekacūḍāmaṇi 468↗explains
Vivekacūḍāmaṇi · Śaṅkara (traditionally ascribed; authorship doubted)
Very high
Very high
High
High
High
High
Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad · Vedic Revelation (śruti)
High
Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 3,8.8↗explains
Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad · Vedic Revelation (śruti)
High
Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6.19↗explains
Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad · Vedic Revelation (śruti)
High
High
High
High
Moderate
Moderate