Significance of Ignorant person
The concept of an "Ignorant person" varies across different philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Jainism, it highlights the innocence of childhood. Tibetan Buddhism describes such individuals as lacking spiritual knowledge, while Vaishnavism identifies them as those who misunderstand essential truths about devotion and spirituality. Other traditions like Vedanta, Dharmashastra, and Theravada emphasize a lack of awareness regarding the Self, moral actions, and spiritual teachings. Overall, an "Ignorant person" signifies someone devoid of true understanding or awareness in various spiritual contexts.
Synonyms: Uneducated person, Simpleton, Illiterate person, Fool, Dunce, Dullard
In Dutch: Onwetend persoon; In Finnish: Tietämätön henkilö; In Spanish: Persona 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 person'
In Buddhism, an ignorant person is defined as someone lacking awareness and wisdom about existence and dharmas, leading to harmful actions and misinterpretations of reality, ultimately hindering their spiritual growth and understanding of Buddha's teachings.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) An individual lacking understanding or knowledge, especially regarding the teachings of the Buddha, often leading to harmful decisions.[1] (2) A fool or an individual who is not aware of the repercussions of their evil deeds.[2] (3) A description of individuals who are slothful and gluttonous, akin to being stuffed like pigs and subject to reincarnation.[3] (4) Refers to a fool or balam, someone who lacks understanding or awareness, particularly in the context of moral judgments.[4] (5) A fool who speculates about the future, unaware of the dangers that may come, particularly the inevitability of death.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A person lacking knowledge or awareness, who falls into offences, in contrast to a wise person.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An individual lacking wisdom and awareness regarding the true nature of existence, self, and dharmas.[7] (2) An ignorant person mistakenly believes that an echo comes from another individual rather than understanding its true nature as a reflection.[8] (3) An individual who lacks understanding and insight, exemplified by the peasant's misinterpretation of the nobleman's explanation about salt and its flavor.[9]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Individuals lacking knowledge or awareness, particularly in the context of spiritual or philosophical teachings.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Ignorant person'
In Hinduism, an ignorant person is one who perceives duality instead of oneness, lacks spiritual knowledge, misinterprets the nature of Atman, and is often confined to material illusions, hindering true understanding and meaningful actions.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals who mistakenly believe in the inherent change of entities, thus hindering their comprehension of the eternal truth of Atman.[11] (2) Individuals who misinterpret or do not recognize the true nature of Atman and thus see separateness.[12] (3) Individuals who believe their limited understanding of reality is the absolute truth.[13] (4) Individuals who are misled by their perceptions, seeing the world through the lens of duality and the illusion of change.[14] (5) Individuals who perceive themselves as subject to birth and death while failing to recognize their true nature as the Atman.[15]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) An individual who lacks knowledge and, as a result, mistakenly believes that Brahman is unattainable.[16] (2) A person lacking knowledge or awareness, particularly in the context of spiritual understanding.[17] (3) A person who is unable to know the existence of the Self due to being confined to the mere products (the five sheaths).[18] (4) A term used to describe someone who perceives differences and duality instead of recognizing the inherent oneness of reality.[19]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A person who lacks knowledge about the god when reciting the scriptures.[20] (2) An individual who lacks awareness of the Self and does not understand the nature of existence.[21]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) An individual who is unawakened to true knowledge and is therefore attached to karma.[22]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Individuals who, lacking knowledge, engage in karma believing it leads to bliss, but ultimately face decay and death.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A portrayal of Advaita's manner of interaction that contrasts sharply with his actual omniscience.[24] (2) Refers to individuals who lack knowledge or understanding, particularly in the context of interpreting the Lord's actions.[25] (3) Individuals who lack understanding of the true purpose of the festival and equate spiritual gatherings with mundane economic pursuits.[26] (4) Those who lack awareness and understanding of spiritual realities and are easily misled by material circumstances.[27] (5) The self-description of an individual who teaches Shrimad Bhagavatam but lacks knowledge.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) a foolish individual who misinterprets or misunderstands the nature of prema-bhakti and its accompanying ecstasies.[29] (2) Individuals who do not understand the essential truths of devotional service and liberation.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An individual who lacks knowledge or understanding, particularly in spiritual matters.[31]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) An individual lacking understanding of the divine nature of Krishna.[32] (2) Someone who lacks awareness of the true nature of reality and pursues ephemeral pleasures.[33] (3) An individual lacking spiritual knowledge and understanding of reality as per the sacred teachings.[34]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An individual lacking knowledge or awareness, especially in matters of wisdom or behavior.[35] (2) An individual lacking knowledge or awareness, particularly regarding the distinction of truth and morality.[36]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Those who fail to recognize the Devi's significance and worship other deities instead.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An individual lacking knowledge or awareness, who may still receive perceptible rewards from gifts.[38] (2) An individual lacking awareness or understanding, who is implied to be incapable of performing meaningful actions or sacrifices.[39] (3) An individual lacking knowledge or awareness, referenced in the context of fear related to accepting gifts.[40] (4) A term referring to an uneducated individual, described figuratively as a 'child' regardless of age.[41] (5) An individual lacking knowledge or understanding of the Veda, specifically in the context of consuming offerings.[42]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A reference to individuals who lack understanding or insight, particularly in the context of making unkind comparisons.[43]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A person who fails to understand the true nature of the primordial atom and perceives it incorrectly.[44]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) An individual who lacks true knowledge and is trapped by desires for external objects, mistaking them for sources of happiness.[45]
Jain concept of 'Ignorant person'
In Jainism, an ignorant person symbolizes childhood innocence and simplicity, which juxtaposes with the profound wisdom of the Lord, illustrating the contrast between unawareness and spiritual enlightenment.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An expression highlighting the innocence and simplicity experienced during childhood, contrasting with the Lord's ultimate wisdom.[46]