Significance of Great company

Great company is a term with various interpretations across different texts. In Purana, it describes large assemblies, such as warriors and titans preparing for battle. Kavya refers to nobles gathered in sorrow, while Vedanta emphasizes the presence of nurturing figures leading to personal greatness. Mahayana highlights a gathering of five hundred monks with the Exalted One. Theravada portrays Great company as a collective of individuals united for common purposes, such as discussing omens or accompanying significant figures in missions, showcasing the importance of community and support.

Synonyms: Superior enterprise

In Dutch: Geweldig bedrijf; In Finnish: Hieno yritys; In Spanish: Gran empresa; In German: Tolles Unternehmen

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 company'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Great company" signifies collective support and unity among various groups, including monks, disciples, and individuals gathered for a common purpose, reflecting the importance of community in spiritual practice and teachings.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) This term is used to describe the group of people that accompany a person, emphasizing the size and importance of the entourage.[1] (2) This is a term used in the text to describe the group of people that Queen Phusati came with to her son.[2] (3) A large gathering of people, often referring to followers or supporters of a noble cause.[3] (4) A group of individuals assembled for a common purpose, in this case, to discuss omens.[4] (5) The large number of monkeys participating in the mission to steal fruit, showcasing unity in action.[5]

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) A great company of Bhikkhus accompanies the Blessed One on his pilgrimage to Kusinara, emphasizing the significance of community and support in spiritual journeys.[6] (2) Describes the large group accompanying the Blessed One, specifically mentioned as two hundred and fifty Bhikkhus.[7]

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) A large gathering or assembly of Bhikkhus at Savatthi, indicating the importance of community in the context of their practices.[8]

From: Mahavamsa

(1) The large group of people, including bhikkhus and anointed princes, gathered around the great Bodhi-tree for its worship.[9]

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).

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

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A large assembly or gathering of individuals, in this context referring to five hundred monks accompanying the Exalted One.[10]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Great company'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Great company" signifies the empowerment gained from being with revered figures like mothers, influential warriors, nobles during grief, and ardent followers, highlighting the importance of community and support in personal and collective journeys.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) A considerable assembly of warriors and followers accompanying Yudhajita in preparation for battle.[11] (2) A large group of titans gathered on the royal highway, some armed and attentive.[12]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Harsha-charita

(1) A large group of nobles assembled during a time of sorrow.[13]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) Being in the presence of mothers in the matriloka, leading to personal greatness.[14]

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).

Classical concept of 'Great company'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Great company in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Mentioned in the texts of Unȧs, this group of deities coexisted with the Little companies of the deities, the company of deities of Horus, and the double company of deities of Tem.[15] (2) A specific group of deities, often mentioned in conjunction with another group, indicating a hierarchical structure or division within the pantheon.[16] (3) The Great Company of the gods is discussed in connection with the various religious centers to which they belong, such as Heliopolis.[17]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) The Great Company of the gods is present during an attack, indicating their involvement in the events.[18] (2) The Great Company of the gods and the Little Company of the gods, and they shall deliver the hand from the poison from the mouth of every serpent.[19] (3) Osiris is the favoured one of the Great Company of the Gods, indicating his esteemed position and popularity among the major deities.[20]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) Great Company of the gods rejoice because the enemy hath fallen, Chief of the Great Company of the gods, One only.[21]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) "Father of the gods" is one of Nu's chief titles, and Nu is also known as the begetter of the great company of the gods.[22]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.