Significance of Hermit
Synonyms: Recluse, Isolate, Solitary, Anchorite, Eremite
In Dutch: Kluizenaar; In Finnish: Erakko; In Spanish: Ermitaño; In German: Einsiedler; In Malay: Bertapa; In Swedish: Eremit; In French: Ermite; In Portugese: Eremita; In Italian: Eremita; In Polish: Pustelnik
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Hermit'
In Buddhism, a Hermit embodies the ideal of spiritual renunciation, representing individuals who withdraw from society for contemplation and ascetic practices, ultimately seeking enlightenment and self-discipline through solitude and personal devotion.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The hermit is how the Master identified himself in the Birth, referring to the role of the Bodhisatta in the old-world tale.[1] (2) The Bodhisatta's chosen path after realizing the source of pain and seeking true bliss through abandonment.[2] (3) He heard the prince’s word and loathed the world so vain, then turned to his former Path and rose up in the air again.[3] (4) The hermit was consulted by the Boars, who sought his advice on how to dull the crystal's shine, after their failed attempts.[4] (5) A person living in solitude for religious reasons, in this case referring to the Bodhisatta's ascetic life.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Bavari agreed to stay as a hermit in the royal gardens of King Pasenadi Kosala, allowing the King to visit him regularly.[6] (2) The hermit lived near the tree where the Queen gave birth and helped her, later becoming the adoptive father of Udena and using his knowledge to reclaim Udena's throne.[7] (3) In five lives, the future Buddha Gotama existed as this and received a prediction from different Buddhas in those existences.[8] (4) The ten thousand male followers of Aggidatta who practiced his teachings and were eventually converted into monks by the Buddha.[9] (5) Over one thousand individuals living in a forest who followed the teachings of their great teacher and supported him during his sickness.[10]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Monastics who practice a life of solitude and simplicity, often seeking spiritual enlightenment away from societal distractions.[11]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) This is the role that Sumedha became, renouncing the world.[12] (2) This refers to Kaladevala, the gainer of eight kinds of Jhana, a friend of the royal family of the great king Suddhodana.[13] (3) Refers to Bhagineyyupali in his ascetic state, who recognized the Glorious One from afar.[14] (4) A person living in seclusion, often for religious reasons, noted for their devotion and discipline.[15]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Individuals, including royal princes, who gave up their worldly lives to join Buddha in the pursuit of enlightenment.[16]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A person who lives in seclusion for spiritual reasons, such as dkon mcahog rten in the text.[17] (2) A practitioner who lives a solitary life dedicated to spiritual pursuits, representing one potential path within Buddhist practice.[18] (3) An individual who practices solitude for spiritual purposes.[19] (4) Refers to an individual who practices solitude and meditation, emphasizing the narrative's focus on the importance of personal practice and the tension between communal and solitary worship.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Hermit'
In Hinduism, a hermit exemplifies a spiritual recluse devoted to meditation and austerity, contrasting with householders by leading a life of solitude and detached from worldly concerns while engaging in rigorous spiritual practices.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) This individual, along with saint and priest, was present as Great Vishvamitra spoke and ceased after issuing curses.[21] (2) The hermits, identified as Vashishtha's children, heard Trishanku's reply and guessed his evil purpose, crying out in rage for him to be turned into a vile Chandala.[22] (3) The text references hermits resting in Pushkar's wood, suggesting a place of spiritual retreat and austere practices for those individuals.[23] (4) The hermits are described as being warned of the coming of some people and they placed a barge upon the bank.[24] (5) The princes sought the hermits and the mighty saint, and the saint said farewell before leaving the hermits' perfect seat, indicating their presence and significance.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) One of the four conditions or orders of men, representing a stage of life dedicated to solitude and spiritual contemplation.[26] (2) The sage who diligently follows the rules and leads the life of the hermit consumes all imperfections like fire and conquers the mansions of eternity.[27]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Individuals who live in seclusion often for spiritual reasons, engaging in practices such as offering oblations to fire.[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The hermit is the kind individual and his wife, who, along with other wives of the hermits, protected Sudarshana and his mother in the forest.[29]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Rama inquired about the origin and reason for this hermit's dwelling in the forest and his seat on the high kadamba tree.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Those who have retreated from conventional society to live a life focused on austerity and contemplation must adhere to a purification measure that is three times the amount designated for householders.[31] (2) Hermits are individuals who live in seclusion, often in forests, and may require alms if they cannot find fruits and roots for sustenance.[32] (3) 'Hermits' consume grains obtained without cultivation, such as the Nirara, which represents a simple and natural sustenance derived directly from the environment.[33] (4) The text indicates that certain foods, like wild-growing grains, are associated with the diet of hermits, specifically the Vanaprastha, and considered sacrificial food.[34] (5) This is an individual who should repeat the Gayatri more than 1,000 times.[35]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) The third order, representing an individual who lives in solitude and detachment from worldly life.[36] (2) A person who chooses to live in solitude, often for religious reasons.[37]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Individuals living in secluded places, often linked to spiritual practices and rituals.[38]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) An individual living in the woods, whose meal consists of sixteen mouthfuls of food.[39]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A group of individuals, led by Kashyapa, who intervened and entreated the Emperor Naravahanadatta to forgive Ityaka's fault due to his familial connection.[40] (2) They lived in the forest, and Rama dwelt in their society, making a hut at the foot of a tree.[41] (3) It is a wise, old man living in a hermitage, offering guidance and information to those who seek it, often possessing knowledge and wisdom gained through long years of solitude and contemplation.[42] (4) He marries his daughter to the king using the gandharva form of marriage, differing from other versions of the story.[43] (5) A character in a tale, who first wept and then danced, in the land of Kalinga, in a city named Shobhavati.[44]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to the third stage of life, and the text mentions a reference to the three ashramas before the passage about the brahmasamstha, including the hermit.[45] (2) This refers to an individual who undergoes the Kricchra penance when breaking their vows, followed by cultivating a place rich in plants.[46] (3) This order is one of the two other orders mentioned, and is taught alongside the student as a part of the four ashramas.[47]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The text states that a person will turn out a hermit if pimples break out in the temples.[48]
The concept of Hermit in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Hermit" relates to individuals who seek solitude and harmony with nature, contrasting urban life, and often pursue higher truths or spiritual fulfillment, living independently in a natural setting.
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This describes an individual who lives in solitude, often for religious or spiritual reasons, in a home.[49]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) These are individuals in the forest who live in fraternal unity with nature, dedicated to higher ends, and in search of truth, in contrast to the life in the city.[50]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) A hermit is an individual who practices in isolation, and bcud len practices can enable them to subsist on minimal food through meditation and concentrated pills.[51]
The concept of Hermit in scientific sources
Hermits, according to regional sources, are individuals living in remote, mountainous areas. They receive protection and are exempt from specific taxes due to their isolated existence.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) These are individuals residing in mountains and distant places who are not subject to certain taxes and are protected.[52]