Significance of Expounding

Expounding, according to Vedanta, involves the meditation process on the syllable ‘Om’, focusing on its potencies and results. In the context of Dharmashastra, it refers to the detailed act of explaining or interpreting teachings. Similarly, Theravada views Expounding as the elaboration on dhamma teachings. Overall, Expounding encompasses comprehensive clarification and interpretation of important spiritual concepts across these traditions.

In Dutch: Uitleg; In Finnish: Selitetään; In Spanish: Explicando

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Expounding'

Buddhism Books

Expounding in Buddhism involves the detailed explanation and elaboration of dhamma teachings, facilitating a deeper understanding of Buddhist principles and practices for both practitioners and learners. This process enhances comprehension and application of core teachings.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)

(1) The act of explaining or elaborating upon dhamma teachings.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Expounding'

Hinduism Books

Expounding in Hinduism involves in-depth explanation and interpretation of teachings, along with the meditative process centered on the syllable 'Om', which encompasses understanding its significance and effects.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The act of explaining, clarifying, or interpreting information or teachings in depth.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The meditation process on the syllable ‘Om’, which involves describing its potencies and results.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).