Significance of Ignorant people
According to Vaishnavism, ignorant people are defined as individuals who lack knowledge or understanding of spiritual truths and practices, including their relationship with the divine. This ignorance may lead to misguided worship, misinterpretation of teachings, and misconceptions about devotional service. They may also be seen as innocent beings deserving mercy from intermediate devotees. Overall, these individuals, despite their ignorance, can still encounter divine experiences and benefit from the teachings of Lord Caitanya, highlighting the complex nature of spiritual awareness.
Synonyms: Uninformed people
In Dutch: Onwetende mensen; In Finnish: Tietämättömät ihmiset; In Spanish: Gente ignorante
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ignorant people'
In Buddhism, ignorant people are seen as those misled by desires for sensual pleasures in the Brahma world and those who misunderstand natural phenomena like the wind, attributing them to simplistic origins or spontaneity.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Individuals who might find the idea of sensual pleasure in the Brahma world appealing due to their lack of knowledge.[1]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Those who misinterpret the nature of wind by attributing its origin to simple causes and conditions or mistakenly believing it arises spontaneously.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Ignorant people'
In Hinduism, ignorant people are those who lack knowledge of spiritual truths, misinterpret reality, seek superficial self-satisfaction, and are easily deceived, ultimately failing to recognize their divine nature and deeper spiritual practices.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Individuals who are perceived as lacking knowledge or awareness, as portrayed in the text regarding the Vaishnavas' role.[3] (2) Individuals who harbor misconceptions, particularly regarding spiritual practices and their meanings.[4] (3) Individuals lacking awareness of their relationship with the divine who can also achieve blessings through Lord Caitanya's teachings.[5] (4) Individuals who misunderstand the nature of the jokes exchanged by Nityananda and Advaita, viewing them as quarreling.[6] (5) Individuals lacking proper understanding of devotional principles, which can lead to misinterpretations of practices.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Individuals whom the intermediate devotee shows mercy towards, due to their innocence.[8] (2) People who lack knowledge or awareness, leading to misconceptions about certain concepts.[9] (3) Refers to those who mistakenly regard the shameless person as the lord of Vraja, highlighting a theme of misunderstanding and superficial judgments in society.[10] (4) Individuals who lack knowledge about spiritual principles but can still experience chaya ratyabhasa through proper actions.[11] (5) Individuals who may not have knowledge of spiritual practices but can still experience chaya ratyabhasa under certain circumstances.[12]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) those who are not aware of the true nature of liberation and mistakenly seek it, believing it to be beneficial.[13] (2) Individuals lacking wisdom regarding the true goals and practices of worship, leading to misguided rituals.[14] (3) Those who seek self-satisfaction without recognizing its lesser value compared to the cultivation of bhakti.[15] (4) Individuals who lack knowledge of the divine truths and consequently are easily bewildered by the sentiments being displayed.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Those who lack understanding of spiritual truths and are bound by worldly desires.[17] (2) Individuals who are misled by their desires and lack understanding of deeper, spiritual truths.[18] (3) Individuals who lack awareness or understanding of higher truths and spiritual wisdom.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to those who fail to recognize their true nature and the divinity within themselves and others.[20] (2) Those who, burdened by the cycle of life and suffering, require the divine grace and assistance of the Lord for liberation.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals lacking understanding of the divine nature and the true essence of existence, often misguided by vain pursuits.[22]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals who misattribute the power of action and doership to the atman, rather than recognizing the role of the Devi.[23]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Individuals who lack knowledge or awareness, particularly regarding spiritual matters and the true nature of reality.[24] (2) Individuals who are unable to discern the true nature of reality and mistakenly attribute the movement of the reflection to the original object, such as the sun.[25] (3) Individuals who falsely superimpose concepts on the Reality due to lack of knowledge.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Individuals who lack awareness or understanding of the true nature of bliss and self, for whom inference is intended.[27]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals whose understanding is limited to the causal plane, mistaking the ultimate reality as separate from the effects.[28]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Individuals who interpret the meanings of corrupt forms of words without understanding their true nature.[29] (2) Individuals lacking knowledge or awareness and thus easily misled by the teachings presented in shastras.[30]
The concept of Ignorant people in local and regional sources
Ignorant people are characterized by a lack of awareness, failing to appreciate the deeper significance of the forest, and misjudging Mirabai's genuine devotion and pure heart, ultimately reflecting a broader theme of misunderstanding.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Those who misjudge and misunderstand Mirabai's devotion and purity of heart.[31] (2) Individuals who lack awareness or understanding, watching the vibrancy of the forest without comprehending its deeper significance.[32]