Significance of Disciple
Synonyms: Student, Apprentice, Devotee, Pupil, Learner
In Dutch: Discipel; In Finnish: Opetuslapsi; In Spanish: Discípulo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Disciple'
In Buddhism, "Disciple" encompasses students and followers of spiritual teachers, engaging deeply in teachings, practices, and guidance from their gurus to attain wisdom, understand the path to enlightenment, and uphold Buddhist traditions.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Individuals who follow and learn from a spiritual teacher, such as the Master spyan snga in this context.[1] (2) Individuals who follow and learn under the guidance of a teacher or master, often undertaking spiritual training and responsibilities.[2] (3) Disciples are students or followers of a teacher, particularly in a religious or spiritual context, who seek to learn and practice the teachings provided.[3] (4) A student or follower of zhang rin po che, often mentioned with their particular contributions to his legacy.[4] (5) Students and followers of U rgyan pa who carried on his teachings after his passing.[5]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Individuals who, unlike Bodhisattvas, reach Nirvana more quickly and therefore exhibit less lasting consciousness and intensity of Mercy.[6]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Refers to those who followed the Buddhas and the theras, participating in their teachings and lineage.[7]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Followers or students who seek to learn from and uphold the teachings of the Lord, specifically mentioned in the context of Kassapa of Uruvela.[8]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A follower of the Buddha's teachings, as indicated by Siha's pledge of allegiance to him.[9]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Followers of the Buddha who seek to learn from and emulate his teachings in their lives.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An individual who follows their teacher's guidance, often seeking wisdom and understanding in their spiritual journey.[11]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An individual who follows the teachings of the Buddha and embraces the path towards enlightenment.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Disciple'
In Hinduism, "Disciple" refers to individuals committed to learning from a guru, engaged in spiritual practices, dedicated to achieving liberation, and exemplifying qualities like service-mindedness and a pursuit of wisdom under their teacher's guidance.
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The student or follower of the Guru who seeks knowledge and enlightenment.[13] (2) An individual learning under the guidance of the Gurus and Shrutis.[14]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The learner or student who receives instruction from the teacher.[15] (2) The learner who receives guidance and instruction from the teacher regarding true happiness and the nature of Brahman.[16]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The student or learner who engages with the spiritual wisdom imparted by the Guru.[17] (2) An individual learning from the guru, inherently connected to Brahman.[18]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The student or follower who learns from the Guru and seeks knowledge of the self and the divine.[19]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The seeker of knowledge who asks the preceptor to teach the Upanishad.[20]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An individual who follows and learns from a teacher, in this context referring to Satyakama's role under Gautama-Haridrumata.[21]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) A disciple in this context is a seeker who aims for spiritual liberation and adheres to the teachings of the Guru, actively engaging in the process of confession and correction of their faults.[22]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A student who learns from the Guru, dedicated to following the teachings and practices.[23] (2) A student or follower of a preceptor who is committed to learning and practicing spiritual teachings.[24] (3) Individuals under the guidance of the preceptor who learn and participate in sacred rituals and practices.[25]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Individuals who are initiated and taught the worship practices by a preceptor.[26] (2) Individuals who follow a spiritual path under the guidance of a preceptor, often engaged in rites and initiations.[27] (3) A person who is calm, clever, and service-oriented toward the preceptor and eager to accomplish their practices.[28]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Individuals who follow and learn from a guru or spiritual teacher, often involved in spiritual practice.[29]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to students or followers of the Sage Bharadvaja, involved in the rituals and teachings of the sage.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The followers or students of a teacher, specifically referring to those accompanying Garga Acarya.[31] (2) A follower of the spiritual master who is expected to emulate their actions and teachings.[32]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An individual committed to serving and learning from a spiritual master.[33]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A follower of a spiritual teacher, characterized by dedication and the pursuit of guidance in their devotional practice.[34]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) An individual who seeks to learn and follow the teachings of the Holy Master, exemplified by Nṛkeshari.[35]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Refers to the Rajputs accompanying Vikramaditya, indicating his noble lineage and readiness to take on challenges with loyal followers.[36]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Individuals who follow or learn from a teacher, which is an alternative interpretation of terms that may refer to progeny.[37] (2) The term that relates to the concept of a guru, necessary for understanding the role of a guru.[38]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A student or follower of Atreya, such as Agnivesha, who learned and propagated his teachings in the field of medicine.[39]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The student or follower who, if he transgresses laws and is forgiven by his preceptor, transfers his guilt onto that teacher.[40]
The concept of Disciple in local and regional sources
Disciple, in this context, refers to students or followers of spiritual leaders, including Buddha and the Holy Mother, illustrating the significance of learning, guidance, and reverence in spiritual growth and influence across diverse fields.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Individuals who sought guidance and instruction from the Holy Mother, benefiting from her wisdom and compassion.[41] (2) Individuals who follow and learn from a spiritual teacher, often seeking guidance and enlightenment.[42] (3) A student or follower of Buddha who is being defended by him against the parent's anger.[43] (4) Individuals who were taught by Professor Venkatarangaiya, signifying his influence across various fields of activity.[44]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Individuals who follow, learn from, and show reverence to their spiritual teachers.[45]