Significance of Great Being
In Buddhism, the term Great Being typically refers to the Bodhisatta, a figure characterized by noble qualities and an eventual path to enlightenment. It describes his journey fulfilling the ten perfections needed to attain Buddhahood, his role as a wise teacher, and his embodiment of virtues like compassion and moral authority. Great Being also signifies significant spiritual figures across various Buddhist traditions, highlighting their contributions to teachings, philosophy, and the overall mission to aid others toward enlightenment and understanding.
Synonyms: Supreme entity, Higher power, Divine being, Supreme being, Transcendent force, Ultimate reality, Deity, Almighty, Divine entity
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great Being'
Great Being in Buddhism primarily refers to the Bodhisatta, symbolizing wisdom, moral authority, and spiritual excellence. This term encompasses enlightened individuals who guide others through compassion, virtue, and teachings about profound spiritual truths.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A term of reverence for the Bodhisatta, indicating his noble qualities and enlightened character as a teacher.[1] (2) The royal stag named Rohanta, who represented kindness and leadership among the deer.[2] (3) Refers to the Bodhisatta, who is depicted as a noble and wise character determined to help his fellow crows.[3] (4) A reference to a significant spiritual figure or enlightened being who imparts wisdom and lessons through stories and parables.[4] (5) A term used to refer to the bodhisattva or enlightened one who facilitates the resolution of the tale.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A term used to describe individuals who possess great wisdom and are recognized for their significant spiritual achievements.[6] (2) A title for the Buddha that underscores his exceptional nature and the positive impact of his birth on the world.[7]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Individuals who have perfected the qualities of the divine abidings and utilize them in their actions towards all beings.[8]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Spiritual individuals noted for their advanced practice and realization in the dhamma, representing aspirational figures for monks.[9]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) High beings within the spiritual context, including Arahats and deities, recognized for their wisdom and power.[10]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A term for Bodhisattvas who have reached a high level of spiritual development and are significant in Buddhist teaching.[11] (2) A term used to honor Bodhisattvas who embody the ideals of righteousness and virtue.[12] (3) A term of respect reflecting the Bodhisattva's noble character and the expectations of the devas regarding his potential to attain enlightenment.[13]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Remarkable individuals highlighted for their contributions to Buddhist philosophy and teachings.[14] (2) Refers to accomplished practitioners and teachers in the Buddhist tradition, recognized for their profound qualities and achievements in dharma.[15]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Bodhisattvas who have eliminated misguided views and understand the world as an illusion.[16]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) A term referring to bodhisattvas or mahasattvas, who are committed to accepting the True Dharma and extending help to others.[17]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Refers to the bodhisattvas or revered figures exemplifying enlightened qualities and driving the mission of aiding living beings.[18]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A term used to describe the Bodhisatta as He reflects on fulfilling the ten perfections to attain Buddhahood.[19] (2) Another description of the Bodhisatta, signifying his noble qualities and eventual path towards enlightenment.[20] (3) A title referring to the Bodhisat during significant events of his spiritual journey, particularly during the attainment of Buddhahood.[21] (4) A significant spiritual figure whose life events are explored in the commentary, particularly in relation to the Buddha Dipankara.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A term describing an enlightened person, such as a Buddha, who possesses immense spiritual qualities and wisdom.[23]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Individuals who have achieved significant spiritual or moral excellence.[24] (2) Referring to a Mahasattva, an accomplished spiritual being who has progressed on the path of Bodhisattvas.[25]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A term suggesting a powerful figure or divinity from whom various seed-syllables and their characteristics emerge.[26]
Hindu concept of 'Great Being'
In Hinduism, the Great Being signifies a powerful divine entity, often identified with Vishnu and Shiva, embodying universal significance, encompassing various deities, and representing the supreme source of creation, spirituality, and cosmic authority.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A respectful term used to address the sages and illustrious figures in the narrative.[27] (2) Refers to the devas, gandharvas, asuras, and nagas who were distressed by the actions of King Sagara’s sons.[28] (3) A category that includes divine figures such as Devas, Gandharvas, and Siddhas, present during the narration.[29] (4) Warriors skilled in various arts, endowed with celestial bodies, and capable of great feats in combat.[30] (5) Another description for Vishnu, emphasizing his significance in the universe.[31]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A reference to a significant figure, possibly a sage or deity, associated with the lineage mentioned in the text.[32] (2) An all-encompassing term for deities or divine entities, particularly Vishnu, which signifies the height of spiritual significance.[33] (3) Referring to Krishna as the primal source from which various forms and deities arise, highlighting His transcendental aspects.[34]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A description of Vishnu in his vast and supreme form that encompasses the universe.[35] (2) Refers to the supreme existence believed to pervade all things, often associated with the deity Shiva.[36]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals with significant spiritual accomplishments or virtues who are to be respected and emulated.[37]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Divine or revered entities that are honored and whose satisfaction leads to spiritual advantages.[38]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A powerful and formidable entity encountered by Arjuna, indicative of divine challenges.[39]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The portrayal of Shiva as being superior to all other beings.[40]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Refers to the supreme entity described by Rudra, whose name aids in crossing the ocean of Samsara.[41]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Refers to Vyasa, who embodies a significant role in the division and arrangement of the Vedas throughout different ages.[42]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to Omkara, denoting its role as the maker, transformer, and annihilator of everything.[43]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to the Lord, who is the source of all creation and the one from whom the prapanca originates.[44]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A reference to the Supreme Lord, emphasizing a sense of grandeur and authority in creation.[45]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Refers to the supreme entity that is the source of all creation.[46]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A character in Buddhist tales who embodies virtues and performs actions consistent with truth, especially evident in the motif of the 'Act of Truth'.[47]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A term used to describe the significance and elevated status of a Snataka, indicating respect and honor within religious texts.[48]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The comprehensive existence that encompasses all universals, described as mahasatta.[49]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) A description of Narayana, emphasizing his vast nature and the divine spirit within all creatures.[50]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The Divine entity that shines with brilliance and is beyond all darkness, emphasizing immortality through realization.[51]
The concept of Great Being in local and regional sources
Great Being symbolizes the cosmic forces influencing the physical world, often depicted in art. This concept reflects the interconnectedness of spirituality and nature, serving as a representation of universal power in various cultural expressions.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Symbolic representations of the cosmic forces that control the physical world, often appearing in artistic expressions.[52]