Significance of Great teacher
The term "Great teacher" encompasses a variety of esteemed figures across different philosophical and spiritual traditions, particularly in Buddhism, where it primarily refers to the Buddha and his role in imparting wisdom to guide practitioners towards enlightenment. In Jainism, it highlights figures who promote wisdom and detachment. Great teachers are viewed as authorities in their fields, providing profound insights and mentoring others in their spiritual or academic journeys, emphasizing their significant contributions to knowledge and enlightenment throughout history.
Synonyms: Educator, Instructor, Mentor, Guide, Tutor, Lecturer, Coach, Pedagogue.
In Dutch: Geweldige leraar; In Finnish: Hieno opettaja; In Spanish: Gran maestro; In German: Großartiger Lehrer; In Swedish: Bra lärare; In Malay: Guru yang hebat; In French: Excellent professeur; In Italian: Grande insegnante; In Polish: Świetny nauczyciel; In Portugese: Ótimo professor
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 teacher'
The "Great teacher" in Buddhism primarily refers to the Buddha, revered for his enlightenment and teachings. It also encompasses venerated spiritual teachers who guide practitioners in understanding Dharma, morality, and the path to liberation.
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) This is the role that Venerable Acharn Mun will set up the person as, even though they are still full of stupidity, to satisfy their desire.[1] (2) This is the Buddha, whose hardships and striving far surpass those of individuals engaged in this practice, representing the ultimate example of dedication and perseverance.[2] (3) This refers to the Lord Buddha and the Dhamma he bestowed, which causes enlightenment to arise in his followers and is always present.[3] (4) The Great Teacher, also known as Sasada, is the Lord, the first Teacher, whose teaching and practice were done with carefulness and circumspection, and is the source of the religious teaching.[4] (5) This refers to the Buddha, and the text emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Sasana bestowed by him.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A title for the master who guides the hermits, who passes away before receiving the return of his senior disciple.[6] (2) The revered figure under whom the three princes completed their education.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A term referring to the learned sage who imparts crucial life lessons and magical knowledge.[8] (2) Refers to the teacher of Prince Brahmadatta, who ultimately teaches him important life lessons.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Referring to the Buddha as a mentor who guides monks towards the practice of frugality and mindfulness.[10]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Refers to Anuruddha, the composer of the treatise.[11]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The Great Teacher was yon tan gzungs, from whom mother wang mo obtained initiation, which was a significant spiritual event.[12] (2) Prominent and revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism who have contributed to the dissemination and understanding of the Doctrine.[13] (3) A reference to the notable spiritual figure, te ne, recognized for his wisdom and teachings, who played a significant role in the protagonist's spiritual journey.[14] (4) A highly respected instructor or figure in Buddhism, exemplified here by rin chen 'od.[15] (5) Mentors such as Kasoripa and others who advised Abhaya on his conduct and the significance of realizing sahaja jnana.[16]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to an important figure or authority in a philosophical context who has made assertions about the nature of reality and language.[17] (2) Teachers who are confident in their own teachings and abilities to present those teachings, having overcome fear and arrogance.[18] (3) Authority figures or scholars who have contributed thoughtful insights regarding the nature of language and convention.[19] (4) A referenced authority whose opinion aligns with the presented commentary.[20] (5) A reference to a revered figure whose teachings propose interpretations about Cognition and its relation to objects.[21]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A revered figure (Kia lo kieou t’o kia tchen yen) who embodies wisdom and the ability to guide beings toward the elimination of faults.[22] (2) Refers to Upagupta's role as a respected spiritual leader, particularly in the context of Jambudvipa.[23] (3) Referring to the Buddha as a highly revered figure in Buddhism, distinguished by his teachings and enlightenment.[24] (4) A title for the Buddha, emphasizing his role in guiding and teaching others.[25] (5) Refers to the Buddha, emphasizing his role as a guide and source of wisdom for his followers.[26]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The text describes the Tathagata as the 'unsurpassed great teacher', recognizing the Buddha's position of authority and wisdom, particularly in the eyes of Ajatasatru.[27] (2) This phrase is used in association with Nirvana, describing it as a part of the ultimate, fearlessness, great fruition, great patience, and unhindered samadhi.[28] (3) A term used for spiritual teachers like Nirgrantha-Jnatiputra who guide beings in understanding cause and effect, morality, and enlightenment.[29]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Renowned instructors at Dzogchen Monastery, including khenpos and tulkus, known for their higher perception and scholarly prowess.[30]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Refers to Tathagata’s role in imparting wisdom and teaching others, emphasizing his status as a guide for those seeking enlightenment.[31] (2) A title used for Buddha, recognized for his profound insights and teachings that guide beings towards enlightenment.[32] (3) A significant figure who provides guidance and instruction to others, recognized for their wisdom and knowledge.[33]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The text references panic-stricken public approaching the Great Teacher and asking about an occurrence.[34]
Hindu concept of 'Great teacher'
The phrase "Great teacher" in Hinduism denotes a revered figure, such as Shankara or Krishna Atreya, recognized for imparting profound spiritual wisdom, guiding seekers, and revealing truths about existence, creation, and spiritual disciplines.
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A revered instructor or mentor in a particular field, in this case, referring to Madhva.[35]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The wise sages or mentors who impart spiritual knowledge and guide seekers on their path to understanding Brahman.[36]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The revered figure who, through compassion, rescues beings from the struggles of existence and provides spiritual guidance.[37]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Refers to enlightened figures throughout history who illustrate the altruistic doctrine.[38]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An esteemed instructor recognized for imparting wisdom and knowledge to others.[39] (2) Uddhava is a great teacher of Shrimad Bhagavati-samhita[40]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Prominent figures such as Shri Narada and Prahlada who impart wisdom and learning regarding spiritual practices and truths.[41]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) It refers to a respected spiritual guide or master, from whom devotees may receive a mantram in a dream, considered sacred.[42] (2) Individuals who have attained a high level of spiritual insight and have the ability to guide others.[43]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The reference point for making actions meaningful, symbolizing a higher spiritual goal.[44]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Punarvasu Atreya was in the habit of touring in the company of his disciples for the sake of healing the sick and the dissemination of the science of Ayurveda.[45] (2) Esteemed educators known for their wisdom and ability to impart knowledge, often associated with ancient learning systems.[46] (3) A revered and knowledgeable instructor, in this context referring specifically to Krishna Atreya, who is acknowledged for his contributions to medicine.[47]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals who have previously revealed the truths about Creation and the Destruction of the universe.[48]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) With the background being the vital of Buddha worship, the Tai period is famous for colossal sizes of the Great Teacher notably in bronze.[49]
Jain concept of 'Great teacher'
In Jainism, the term "Great teacher" signifies esteemed individuals who share profound knowledge and promote selflessness, guiding followers towards spiritual growth and ethical living. Their influence is pivotal in shaping moral values within the community.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Illustrious figures who impart wisdom and encourage disinterestedness.[50]
The concept of Great teacher in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Great teacher" encapsulates influential figures and educators who impart wisdom and knowledge across various contexts, embodying divine truth, inspiring students, and shaping societal perspectives through their teachings and mentorship.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) They all claim to have got their truths from beyond reasoning, but they did not know where they got them from and the knowledge came from within.[51] (2) The group of people that the visitor represents when coming to India.[52] (3) Those who are the greatest manifestations of God to man, and the text indicates that we cannot see God except through them.[53] (4) Every great Teacher knows that the principle must be clothed in matter to be known, and tries to guard against humanity's tendency to worship the seen rather than the unseen.[54] (5) These individuals, often Kshatriyas, were prominent figures in India who imparted knowledge and wisdom, influencing the teachings and spiritual understanding of the people.[55]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) In contemporary times, the level of commitment and dedication once exhibited by exemplary educators is perceived to be diminishing, indicating a decline in professional ethos.[56] (2) These individuals, present in forest universities, shared fundamental truths of life with students who sought their guidance, imparting teachings found in the Upanishads.[57] (3) The nation has responded with love, enthusiasm and reverence to the celebration of the great teachers.[58] (4) He describes how the great teacher laid down his life it order to vindicate the rights of the Hindus to practise their own religion.[59] (5) The great teachers of humanity are mentioned in the context of their teachings, and the importance of changing oneself, and reaching the feet of God.[60]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) This refers to the person that the Brahman saw just entered Nirvana, highlighting the importance of the master.[61]
The concept of Great teacher in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Great teacher" indicates an educator who inspires and motivates students, fostering a passion for learning and helping them reach their full potential. This highlights the critical role teachers play in student development and education.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is a description of someone who inspires, which was quoted from William Arthur Ward and used to describe the influence of the professor.[62] (2) This type of educator inspires, according to William Arthur Ward, and Professor Luc Calliauw exemplified these qualities through his influence.[63]
Classical concept of 'Great teacher'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) A person who imparts knowledge and moral guidance, influencing behavior and character through instruction, acting as a mentor and role model.[64]