Significance of Lord
The term "Lord" encompasses various interpretations across different spiritual traditions. In Jainism, it denotes a revered divine figure deserving of respect, embodying wisdom and spiritual authority. Tibetan Buddhism recognizes it as a title for a respected figure or deity, typically God as the creator. Vaishnavism applies "Lord" to divine beings like Krishna and highlights their transcendental qualities and affection for devotees. Similarly, in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, "Lord" refers to the Buddha, symbolizing guidance, wisdom, and a central role in spiritual teachings.
Synonyms: Master, Ruler, Sovereign, Deity, Noble, Gentleman, Authority, Prince, King, Chief, Leader, Monarch
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Lord'
In Buddhism, "Lord" symbolizes a revered spiritual guide, often referring to the Buddha, who teaches dharma, establishes guidelines for monks, and embodies wisdom and authority in the pursuit of spiritual awakening.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The title used to refer to a figure of authority among the monks, offering guidance on moral conduct.[1] (2) A title used to refer to a significant religious authority who provided a directive regarding the hermaphrodite's status.[2] (3) Refers to the Awakened One, a title for the Buddha who addresses and advises the monks on various matters of conduct.[3] (4) Refers to a revered figure in the text who shows compassion by visiting and addressing the needs of the sick monk.[4] (5) The figure to whom the monks reported their issues and who provided guidance on the matter.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Refers to the enlightened one who addresses the monks about their rug.[6] (2) A title used for the Buddha, denoting respect and reverence.[7] (3) Refers to the enlightened one who is a guiding authority for the monks and provides teachings.[8] (4) Referring to a respected figure, possibly the Buddha, who is appealed to for guidance regarding Upananda's actions.[9] (5) Refers to the enlightened one who addresses the behavior of the group of six monks and provides correction.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) The authoritative figure in the text who responds to Mahapajapati and addresses the monks regarding nuns.[11] (2) Refers to the enlightened one who provided guidance and established rules of training for the nuns.[12] (3) Refers to the enlightened one who rebuked the nuns for their gossip regarding Thullananda.[13] (4) Another term for the Buddha, who addressed the monks about the nuns' actions.[14] (5) Refers to the enlightened one or Buddha, who responded to the monks about the incident involving nun Thullananda.[15]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A reference to the Buddha, the enlightened teacher in Buddhism.[16]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The Master who appeared to Baka in Brahmaloka, understanding his reflections and correcting his ignorance.[17]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to a figure of authority or divinity who communicates teachings and truths about existence and reality.[18] (2) The divine authority or teacher who has imparted knowledge about the True Doctrine.[19] (3) A title applied to someone who may possess nothing, illustrating that titles can be used without a substantive basis.[20] (4) The term 'Lord' stands for God, recognized as the creator and operator of all things that are produced.[21]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An honorific title for the Buddha, indicating a being of great wisdom and virtue who guides others.[22]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) A reference to the Buddha, emphasizing the reverence and respect due to the enlightened being in the practice of Dharma.[23]
Hindu concept of 'Lord'
In Hinduism, "Lord" signifies a divine figure embodying authority, joy, and connection. This encompasses the supreme deity, revered in devotion, characterized by emotional engagement with devotees, and recognized for miraculous actions and teachings.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to a divine or supreme being who is responsible for creating and governing the universe.[24] (2) Refers to a divine figure or deity to whom obeisances were intended to be offered.[25] (3) The supreme being who shows respect and offers obeisances to His devotees.[26] (4) The omniscient Supersoul in the hearts of all, who knows everything.[27] (5) The divine figure speaking in the text, commanding Raghava Pandita to carry out a task.[28]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A title referring to Krishna, indicating reverence and divinity.[29] (2) Refers to Lord Krishna, who is a central figure in the text and is depicted as fulfilling responsibilities.[30] (3) The divine figure whom the married women of Mithila saw and desired.[31] (4) Referring to Bhagavan, who is revered as a supreme being or deity within the spiritual context.[32] (5) A respectful term often used to refer to Shri Krishna, acknowledging his divine authority.[33]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A central figure revered as the ultimate source of joy and devotion.[34] (2) Refers to the omnipotent deity who possesses paradoxical traits of love and strategic cunning, manipulating situations to achieve His goals.[35] (3) Refers to Shri Krishna, the central divine personality of devotion.[36] (4) Refers to the divine presence that dwells at the temple within Mount Maliruncolai, which lovingly stays to guide devotees.[37] (5) The divine figure being described, recognized for His extraordinary qualities and presence.[38]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to Jagadishvara, the Supreme Being, who is the focus of worship and reverence.[39] (2) The Lord refers to Bhagavan, who is not directly visible in all places, leading devotees to aspire for His abode.[40] (3) A reference to Shri Bhagavan, the deity central to the practice of bhajana and worship in the context discussed.[41] (4) The supreme deity governing Vaikuntha, characterized by extraordinary attributes.[42] (5) The supreme being or deity who holds authority and is the object of worship.[43]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to the deity being discussed, represented in various forms as described in the text.[44] (2) Refers to the divine figure from whom the devotee feels separation, leading to emotional turmoil.[45] (3) The Lord (vishaya) signifies the primary focus or the object of affection in the emotional context described.[46] (4) A divine figure or deity regarded as the protector and source of bliss.[47] (5) The divine figure referred to in the text, who takes three forms.[48]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A reference to the divine presence and authority embodied in Nimai, evoking respect, awe, and veneration from all who encounter Him.[49] (2) The Supreme being who imparts teachings to His pupils, often identified with Sri Krishna.[50]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the divine presence or essence that is embodied in the Murti (idol) at the shrine.[51] (2) Refers to Maheshvara, the Lord of Devas, who created the Kalakaleshvara Tirtha after killing Andhaka.[52] (3) Refers to divine figures like Narayana and Venkatesha who grant boons to devotees.[53] (4) The name Ishana, a general title often used for deities, including Shiva.[54] (5) Refers to Mahadeva, also known as Rudra, who is responsible for the destruction of the universe.[55]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A term of respect and submission used by Yudhishthira and his brothers towards Dhritarashtra.[56]
From: Agni Purana
(1) An example of the abstract noun devah.[57]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A reference to Brahma, who is portrayed as a divine authority, capable of addressing the dilemmas of the gods.[58]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Indicates the king's supreme authority and his central role in the hierarchy of society.[59]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The title used by the princess to address her husband, indicating her reverence and affection.[60]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The Lord, in this context, is the ruling principle in the creation of the universe and is associated with the evolution of names and forms.[61] (2) A title ascribed to Brahman, signifying its supreme authority and governance over existence.[62]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Referred to in the context of facilitating inner perception and dream experiences for the Jiva, recognized as the maker of inner consciousness.[63] (2) The Supreme Self who is not subject to the delusions of individuality and controls the states of Prajna and Turiya.[64]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Another term used for the Supreme Being, particularly in the context of Hindu philosophical texts.[65] (2) A title used to refer to God or the Supreme Being in the context of the discussions held in the text.[66]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A reference to a divine being or deity being addressed in the prayer, indicative of reverence and devotion.[67] (2) Refers to Ishvara, the divine agent of actions, distinguished from the actions themselves in this context.[68]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) Referred to as Paramesvara or Paramatman, the supreme being who rules everything and is the Atman of all.[69]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Refers to the supreme being who possesses omniscience and understands the secret of all things.[70]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) A reference to a divine being or higher power that is omniscient and is central to the spiritual beliefs expressed in the text.[71]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A term referring to the supreme deity, often associated with attributes of omniscience and compassion.[72]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to a divine or supreme being worshipped by all, symbolizing ultimate truth and liberation.[73]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Refers to the supreme divine entity or deity that is being worshipped or revered.[74] (2) In this context, refers to the all-pervasive divine being who is depicted as powerful and protective.[75]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A reference to the divine or supreme being in Hinduism, indicating a higher authority supervising spiritual practices.[76]
Jain concept of 'Lord'
In Jainism, "Lord" signifies a revered central spiritual figure embodying authority and wisdom, acknowledged and respected by characters like Jinadasa and esteemed for guiding followers toward emancipation and spiritual enlightenment.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A reference to a divine figure or deity in religious context.[77] (2) A title given to a significant leader who marries for courtesy and holds great responsibilities, including honoring his parents.[78] (3) A reference to a divine figure who possesses clairvoyance and is able to reflect on karma and its destruction.[79] (4) A title referring to the divine figure in the context that reflects authority and spiritual significance.[80] (5) Refers to the central divine figure in the text, who experiences torments and visions, and is worshiped by others.[81]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A title of reverence used in the text, denoting a figure to whom homage and obeisance is paid.[82] (2) Refers to a divine entity or figure deserving of reverence, which Bhagavan Gautama acknowledges.[83] (3) A term of reverence used for a divine or respected figure in the narrative, further establishing the spiritual context.[84] (4) A reference to a divine figure or deity, often associated with spiritual authority and power.[85]
The concept of Lord in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Lord" signifies a divine being embodying ultimate authority and power, as highlighted by regional sources that emphasize this entity's elevated status in a spiritual or hierarchical context.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A divine figure or entity that reflects supreme authority and power.[86]