Significance of Commentary
The term Commentary in various religious and philosophical contexts refers to detailed explanations or interpretations that elucidate the original texts' meanings and teachings. In Buddhism, it enhances understanding of complex spiritual concepts, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism where figures like Kamalashila provide essential insights. Similar explanations are found in Vaishnavism, Ayurveda, Vyakarana, and others, where scholars offer clarifications to enrich comprehension of sacred texts. Overall, Commentary serves as a crucial tool for interpreting and applying the teachings within these traditions.
Synonyms: Analysis, Discussion, Observation, Interpretation, Explanation, Assessment
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Commentary'
In Buddhism, Commentary offers essential interpretations and elucidations of texts, particularly highlighting complex teachings and philosophical arguments, as exemplified by Kamalashila's insights, enhancing understanding of core Buddhist doctrines and practices.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The interpretative insights provided to elucidate the meanings and practices described in the text.[1] (2) A detailed explanation or interpretation of particular verses or sections within the text.[2] (3) An explanation or interpretation of the text that provides context and elaborates on the meanings of the mantras.[3] (4) An explanation or interpretation of the text that provides further understanding of its complex spiritual themes.[4] (5) The explanatory notes provided about the texts regarding Amitabha and Amoghasiddhi.[5]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The elucidation or interpretation of a text. Here, Kamalashila’s commentary serves to clarify points and interpretations of the philosophical arguments presented.[6] (2) An explanation or interpretation, such as Kamalashila’s insights on the True Doctrine and its implications.[7] (3) a detailed explanation or interpretation of a text, in this case referring to Kamalashila’s elaboration on the original ideas presented.[8] (4) The explanation or interpretation given by Kamalashila regarding the text and its questions.[9] (5) An explanation or interpretation provided by Kamalashila in response to philosophical arguments.[10]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Explanatory texts written to elucidate and interpret the meanings and applications of primary Tantric scriptures.[11] (2) Refers to insights or explanations accompanying the main texts that Kalacakrapada committed to memory.[12]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Additional explanations or interpretations provided for clarification, especially in relation to Buddhist teachings.[13] (2) Explanatory notes accompanying the sutra to provide further clarity and understanding of its teachings.[14] (3) An explanation or interpretation of a Sutra, which provides further insights into its meaning and implications.[15] (4) The explanations provided by the Buddha to clarify his teachings and guide Ananda's understanding.[16]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Explanatory text accompanying the Gathas, aimed at elucidating the meaning and context of the verses.[17]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Explanatory texts that provide further understanding and interpretation of the jataka.[18]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Explanatory texts that accompany the Sutta Nipata, aiding in the understanding of the teachings presented.[19]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Explanatory notes and interpretations provided in the Treasury of Truth to assist in understanding the text.[20]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) A critical explanation or interpretation of a Buddhist text, which often elaborates on its meanings and applications.[21]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) A type of explanatory literature that elaborates on Buddhist texts, in this instance, referring to Anuruddha Thera's Abhidhammattha Sangaha.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Insights or explanations that discuss the nature of communication, highlighting the repercussions of various types of speech.[23]
Hindu concept of 'Commentary'
Commentary in Hinduism encompasses explanatory texts and analyses that clarify scriptural meanings, grammatical nuances, philosophical implications, and various scholarly interpretations, enhancing the understanding of key concepts, relationships, and teachings throughout religious literature.
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An explanation or interpretation that clarifies the meaning of the text, particularly regarding the dvandva compound and its understanding.[24] (2) An explanatory note that clarifies the meaning and implications of the terms used in the text.[25] (3) A discussion or explanation provided to elucidate the concepts of identity and difference in a collection.[26] (4) A description or explanation that elucidates how cognition relates to identifying objects as same or different.[27] (5) An explanation or interpretation of a concept, suggesting that Time serves as a continuous foundation for all occurrences.[28]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) Explanatory notes added to works that are intended to aid in understanding the texts, often seen as essential for learning.[29] (2) An explanatory text or notes on the Paniniya-sutrodaharana-kavya.[30] (3) A scholarly explanation or interpretation of a text, particularly in relation to grammatical concepts illustrated by Vasudeva.[31]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A detailed explanation or interpretation of a text, as provided by Kshirasvamin in Amarakoshodghatana and Kshiratarangini.[32] (2) Explanatory texts that help in understanding the meaning of words, either by providing synonyms or defining them in detail.[33]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The explanatory notes provided by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura that give insight into the actions and teachings discussed.[34] (2) An explanation provided by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura regarding the importance of the Punpuna River and its stations.[35] (3) Refers to the written explanation or analysis about Gauridasa Pandita provided by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.[36] (4) An explanatory text offering insights or interpretations regarding the primary text.[37] (5) Explanatory texts, such as Gaudiya-bhashya, that provide in-depth understanding of sacred verses.[38]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A textual layer providing insights on the main narration, in this case, the dig-darshini-tika by Shrila Sanatana Gosvami.[39] (2) An explanation provided by Shrila Sanatana Gosvami regarding the text.[40] (3) The interpretation or analysis of the events and actions described within the text, providing further context.[41] (4) An explanatory text that interprets and elaborates on sacred verses and teachings.[42] (5) Explanation and interpretation of sacred texts, providing context and deeper understanding of the principles conveyed.[43]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) An explanation or interpretation of the teachings within the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, providing deeper insights.[44] (2) Explanatory notes or interpretations intended to clarify the meanings contained within the main text.[45] (3) An interpretation provided by Shrila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, elaborating on the themes of separation and suffering in the context of Krishna’s pastimes.[46] (4) An explanation or elaboration provided on the experiences and descriptions of Krishna's form and pastimes, focusing on the transformative impact of His beauty.[47] (5) An explanation provided by Shri Brahma on the implications of the devotional path versus the path of knowledge without devotion.[48]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Ruyyaka's note on the ornament and insights from other commentators that discuss the use of the term sandeha and its implications.[49] (2) This section discusses the interpretation and explanation of the term cyuta-dattakshara by Vishvanatha Kaviraja.[50] (3) A detailed explanation or interpretation of a specific text, often providing insights about the underlying meanings.[51] (4) Explanations and reflections on the verses that provide deeper insights into the meanings expressed.[52] (5) An explanatory note elaborating on specific terms and their use within different contexts.[53]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The explanation provided enhances understanding of the terms and concepts related to divine music and the role of the god.[54] (2) Explanatory notes that clarify the meanings and implications of the previous verses, particularly regarding the benefits of worshipping the Sama.[55] (3) An additional explanation or interpretation following the main text to elaborate on its meanings.[56] (4) Explanatory notes that provide additional insight into the meanings and implications of the religious text or verses.[57] (5) A written explanation or interpretation that follows the section, providing further insights.[58]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The explanatory notes provided by Shankara Bhashya that delve into the philosophical implications of Jivas' existence and the nature of illusion.[59] (2) A written explanation or interpretation of a text, such as Shankara's Bhashya, which clarifies philosophical ideas.[60]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) An explanation or interpretation provided to elucidate the teachings found within the text.[61]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Written analyses or explanations accompanying the texts of various Shankaravijayas, aimed at elucidating meanings and filling gaps.[62]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A written explanation or interpretation of a text, often by a scholar or expert.[63] (2) An explanation or interpretation of a text, providing deeper understanding and context to its meanings and implications.[64] (3) Analysis or explanation provided by various scholars (like Medhatithi, Govindaraja) regarding texts related to spiritual and ritual practices.[65] (4) Explanatory remarks or interpretations of texts and practices related to the Yati-Candrayana, provided by scholars like Medhatithi.[66] (5) Scholarly explanations and interpretations that provide insights into religious or philosophical texts.[67]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) Notes and explanations accompanying the Sutras which provide additional context and understanding of the practices and rules laid out in the text.[68]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Explanatory notes that accompany some copies of the Vishnu Purana, offering insights from different scholiasts.[69]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Explanations and interpretations provided by scholars on the Bhagavadgita, enriching its understanding and context.[70]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Subsequent writings that analyze or explain the original texts of Ayurveda, providing valuable interpretation and context.[71]