Significance of Arya
The keyphrase "Arya" encompasses various meanings across different contexts in Indian philosophy and religion. In Jainism, it denotes familial relationships, nobility, and pious individuals. Tibetan Buddhism refers to "Arya" as noble beings or saints implying spiritual attainment. Within Hindu texts, it can signify noble individuals, often linked to higher social classes or ancient sages. Mahayana Buddhism identifies "Arya" with those who have attained enlightenment, while Theravada associates it with beings who have achieved certain enlightenment stages, despite remaining vulnerable to conceit.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Arya'
Arya in Buddhism signifies noble beings who possess enlightenment and deeper truths, reflecting qualities of spiritual attainment. Despite their realizations, they may still experience conceit, emphasizing the ongoing journey towards understanding and nobility.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Noble beings who have attained a higher level of realization in Buddhist practice.[1] (2) A quality obtained through the path of seeing the Truths that signifies nobility in understanding.[2] (3) A term referring to noble beings who have attained enlightenment in Buddhist philosophy.[3]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Noble individuals distinguished by their possession of certain qualities.[4]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Noble beings who have realized deeper truths and play a role in the teachings of Buddha.[5]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A term referring to noble beings or saints in Buddhist tradition, often implying spiritual attainment.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Arya'
In Hinduism, "Arya" signifies noble individuals with knowledge of rituals, ancient scholars, complex poetic metrics, and higher caste members, embodying virtue and enlightenment within cultural and religious contexts.
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A term referring to the noble or enlightened individuals in a specific cultural or religious context.[8] (2) Individuals who have knowledge of the laws governing recitation and sacrifices, teaching the continuance or interruption of these practices.[9]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A term referring to noble or virtuous individuals within the religious context, often associated with ancient Indian texts and teachings.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term encompassing individuals such as Brahmanas and others who belong to the higher caste.[11]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) A group of ancient Indian sages or scholars who formulated laws and philosophies.[12]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) A type of jati chandas based on the number of matras.[13] (2) A more complex meter, totaling 30 or 27 syllables, present in various verses.[14]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A metre characterized by four syllabic instants and five ganas.[15]
Jain concept of 'Arya'
In Jainism, "Arya" symbolizes a noble individual, distinguished for their piety. It also refers to an elder brother, highlighting respect in familial ties, while being associated with a geographical reference in Western contexts.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Denotes an elder brother in context.[16] (2) A masculine noun denoting elder brother; represents familial relationships and respect.[17] (3) A western country stated among the listed locations.[18]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A noble or pious person, considered rare among those born as humans.[19]