Significance of Bhikshu
Synonyms: Buddhist monk, Ascetic, Mendicant, Practitioner, Religious seeker, Monk, Recluse
In Malay: Bhikkhu; In Dutch: Bhikshu; In Finnish: Bhikshu; In Spanish: Bhikshu; In Swedish: Bhikshu; In French: Bhikshu; In Portugese: Bhikshu; In Italian: Bhikshu; In Polish: Bhikshu; In German: Der Bhikshu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bhikshu'
Bhikshu in Buddhism refers to a fully ordained male monastic who renounces worldly life to follow the Buddha's teachings. They dedicate themselves to spiritual practice, community, and striving for enlightenment while adhering to monastic codes.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A bhikshu is a monk who questioned the Buddha about whether the twelve-membered dependent origination was created by the Buddha or by others.[1] (2) Bhikshu refers to a fully ordained monk who adheres to a comprehensive set of disciplines and ethical guidelines as part of their commitment to monastic life.[2] (3) A member of the monastic community who extended an invitation to Buddha and the assembly for a splendid repast.[3] (4) A member of the monastic community who receives ordination through a specific ecclesiastical act, according to the provided text.[4] (5) The individual living in the forest who walked along the banks of the lotus pool, smelled the perfume of the lotuses, and was reproached by the goddess for his attachment to the scent.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A bhiksu is a monk who practices the Way of moral precepts, samadhi, and Wisdom, befriending unretrogressive and great Nirvana.[6] (2) These are the monks, 80 billion hundred thousand in number, who were with the World-Honoured One, surrounding him.[7] (3) A term for a Buddhist monk, referring to Vasistha who repents his actions.[8] (4) Monks who are mentioned as those who may keep the precepts, recite sutras, and practice various activities, or those who reject evils.[9] (5) This is the name of the person who came to the speaker and asked what is meant by self, as described in the text.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Buddhist monks or practitioners who have renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual goals.[11] (2) Monks in the Buddhist tradition who form part of the four-fold assembly that includes nuns, laymen, and laywomen.[12] (3) A Buddhist monk who has renounced worldly life to focus on spiritual practice.[13] (4) Buddhist monks who have renounced worldly life in order to follow the teachings of the Buddha and cultivate their spiritual path.[14] (5) A male monastic who has renounced worldly life to uphold precepts and pursue spiritual training.[15]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) A Bhikshu who is an intellectual divides from fools.[16]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Refers to monks within the Buddhist tradition, particularly those in the southern regions.[17]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) These are described as two strange individuals who visited the Master's father at dawn to name the newborn son.[18]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A member of the monastic community who follows Buddha's teachings, which Yasas becomes upon his conversion.[19] (2) Monks who are followers of Buddha, described as unrivaled in grace and dignity.[20] (3) Monastic disciples of the lord of the world whom he taught to guard their thoughts against lustful feelings.[21]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Monks who are marked by their titles as male, and the names Miruo, Mozhi, and Balian are not obviously either male or female, within a Buddhist charitable society.[22] (2) This refers to a monk, and it is mentioned in the context of shared phraseology, as the text specifies, indicating a religious group.[23] (3) Monks who were part of the yiyi, as seen in the inscribed names of the 'Beiqi Yin Gong'an deng heyi zaoxiang ji'.[24]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The term used in Sanskrit to refer to a Buddhist monk, emphasizing the formal and traditional aspects of monastic life.[25] (2) He who is above good and evil, chaste, and with knowledge navigates through the world.[26]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) The Sanskrit equivalent of bhikkhu, referring to Buddhist monks, historically linked to the Brahminic order.[27]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A term for monks who are being addressed in the teachings, specifically in the context of learning dharma.[28]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A fully ordained male monastic in the Buddhist tradition.[29]
Hindu concept of 'Bhikshu'
In Hinduism, Bhikshu denotes an ascetic or alms-taker renouncing worldly life for spiritual pursuits, often seeking moksha. They rely on alms, embodying simplicity, renunciation, and sometimes engaging in practices like Yoga and religious sacrifices.
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A Bhikshu is a mendicant friar whose duties include returning from the forest, performing religious sacrifices, and celebrating a Prajapatya Vrata, while also living on alms offered voluntarily.[30] (2) A mendicant who practices Yoga, self-control, and follows the pursuit of knowledge.[31]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A mode of life not desiring to be a Brahmacarin, indicating a distinction between different paths of spiritual practice.[32] (2) A person who relies on alms and does not support themselves by manual labor; considered a true Bhikshu if unconnected with worldly concerns and devoid of a householder's roof.[33]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The fourth and final period characterized by renunciation and focused on spiritual practices.[34]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The simple robe worn by all students of Nalanda, symbolizing their shared status as seekers of knowledge without caste distinction.[38]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is a synonym for the plant, referring to its growth habit, and is used in traditional medicine systems for various purposes.[39]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Buddhist monks who are recipients of alms and food donations, which are believed to aid in favorable childbirth.[40]
Jain concept of 'Bhikshu'
In Jainism, a Bhikshu is a monk known for humility, obedience to their guru, and the strength to withstand hardship through self-control and disciplined practices.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A monk characterized by modesty, obedience to a spiritual teacher, and the ability to endure adversity while practicing self-discipline.[41]
The concept of Bhikshu in local and regional sources
Bhikshu broadly refers to monks or spiritual practitioners in Buddhism, following Buddha's teachings. They are depicted in various roles, from wandering ascetics to respected figures residing in monasteries, dedicated to spiritual practice and upholding religious discipline.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Bhikshu is identified as the term for priest, which Hiuen Tsiang was ordained as at the age of twenty in the province of Sz’chuen.[42] (2) This refers to a monk who came from a distant region and prostrated himself on the ground, uttering a strong desire to obtain the position of a Chakravartti monarch.[43] (3) Monks who traveled to worship at the stupa and were moved by the elephants offering their services.[44] (4) The great ones among the different classes of individuals who follow the laws of their founder, resembling Buddha's priests.[45] (5) A Buddhist monk or disciple, such as the Shaman who aimed to spread the law of Buddha.[46]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) An individual who meditated on impermanency and vanity while walking on a black stone, leading to profound spiritual realization.[47] (2) A wandering monk who became frightened upon entering the place of torment and reflected on existence.[48]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) While ordinary persons were allowed to follow the path of holiness as lay upasakas, Buddha instituted the Sangha or the order of ordained monks known as this.[49] (2) Becoming a Bhikshu involves taking the three vows of poverty of celibacy and of ahimsa, and the entrant has to take these vows when they become a Bhikshu.[50] (3) Monks or spiritual practitioners in Buddhism who follow the teachings of Buddha and are guided by principles such as economic equality.[51]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Bhikshu is a term used to describe a Hindu or Buddhist monk, whose financial resources are mentioned as being restricted.[52]
The concept of Bhikshu in scientific sources
Bhikshu denotes a fully ordained Buddhist monk, representing the standard for male monastics within the specified regional context.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) A fully ordained monk, the standard for male monastics.[53]