Significance of Lineage
Lineage is a significant concept across various spiritual traditions, each defining it in unique ways. In Jainism, it refers to an individual's ancestral line, which diminishes after seven generations. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the succession of spiritual teachings and connections stemming from acarya Kalacakrapada, highlighting the importance of authentic transmission from teacher to student. Similarly, the Purana and Vedanta stress the importance of family heritage and its impact on social status. Overall, lineage serves as a vital link to ancestry, teachings, and spiritual authority, reflecting continuity across generations.
Synonyms: Descent, Ancestry, Heritage, Family tree, Genealogy, Origin, Pedigree
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Lineage'
Lineage in Buddhism encompasses the spiritual transmission of teachings and practices across generations, emphasizing continuity, authority from teacher to student, and the importance of descent in social and spiritual status within the tradition.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The succession of authority and teachings passed down in the gcod tradition, emphasizing its historical continuity.[1] (2) The succession of spiritual teachings passed down from one master to the next, detailed as Early, Intermediate, and Later.[2] (3) Refers to the descendants and followers of teachings who spread the doctrines and practices.[3] (4) The line of descent or ancestry of the acarya Kalacakrapada, tracing his origins and connections.[4] (5) Refers to the spiritual or monastic lineage that bkra shis 'od belonged to.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ancestry or descent that is crucial for the social and spiritual status of a noble cakravartin king, pinpointing the importance of the last son.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Lineage'
Lineage in Hinduism encompasses the importance of honoring family heritage, individual ancestry uncertainty (as with Satyakama), wealth distribution among heirs, and the influence of actions like Yayati's curses on one's familial descent.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The line of descent or family heritage that is affected by the actions and curses of Yayati.[7]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The heritage and family lineage that must be honored and protected.[8]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ancestry or descent of Satyakama, which he inquires about from his mother.[9] (2) The ancestry or heritage of an individual, which Satyakama is uncertain about.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Ancestry or descent, particularly affecting the distribution of wealth among heirs.[11]
Jain concept of 'Lineage'
In Jainism, Lineage signifies a person's ancestral heritage, believed to diminish after seven generations post-death. This concept emphasizes the transient nature of familial ties and the importance of spiritual progress over ancestral connections.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The ancestral line of a person, which is stated to fade out even after seven generations following an individual's death.[12]