Significance of Ordinary being
The concept of Ordinary being varies across different philosophical traditions. In Jainism, it refers to common living beings like humans and animals. Vaishnavism views Ordinary beings as those who suffer and have yet to achieve perfection. Mahayana Buddhism recognizes Ordinary beings as individuals trapped in the cycle of birth and death, who, despite their mundane appearance, hold an inherent purity and Buddha nature. These beings struggle with ignorance and distractions, often lacking the realization and insight associated with enlightenment.
Synonyms: Common person
In Dutch: Gewoon wezen; In Finnish: Tavallinen olento; In Spanish: Ser ordinario
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ordinary being'
In Buddhism, "Ordinary being" signifies individuals who are unenlightened and caught in delusion, yet possess inherent purity and potential for growth, struggling with mental distractions and ignorance while navigating worldly existence.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Individuals who do not fully recognize the value of their human body or the opportunity it presents for spiritual development.[1] (2) A term used to describe individuals who, despite spiritual aspirations, may not maintain their composure under difficult situations.[2] (3) Individuals who possess compassion but may lack the deeper quality of bodhicitta.[3] (4) A common individual who may not possess special insight into the Buddha's nature.[4] (5) Individuals who typically struggle to listen to the dharma without distractions caused by their mental afflictions.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) An individual who has not yet reached the level of realization or enlightenment and is still caught in delusion.[6] (2) Referencing common individuals who are engaged in worldly life, often seeking guidance for spiritual progress.[7] (3) Beings who are still caught in the cycle of birth and death, not yet enlightened.[8] (4) Individuals who have not recognized their inherent Buddha nature and are trapped in the cycles of ignorance.[9]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The vast multitude of beings in samsara whom bodhisattvas seek to save.[10] (2) A common person who does not possess the extraordinary qualities attributed to the Buddha, leading to a lack of respect for him if he appears too similar.[11] (3) Individuals whose perceptions are clouded by the threefold poison and who generally cannot see the truth objectively.[12]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Sentient beings who are caught in the cycle of birth and death, often lacking awareness of the spiritual path or their true nature.[13] (2) Individuals who are caught in the cycle of suffering and ignorance, distinct from enlightened beings.[14]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) Those who lack understanding of their Essence of Mind and thus remain trapped by ignorance in their spiritual journeys.[15]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) Sentient beings who have yet to attain enlightenment and are still caught in the cycle of birth, death, and suffering.[16]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Individuals who have not yet achieved enlightenment but are capable of doing so.[17] (2) A designation suggesting that Rudra, while being significant, is capable of manifesting in forms that are relatable or normal within human experience.[18] (3) Individuals lacking philosophical insight who follow basic pathways toward bettering their circumstances in life and existence.[19]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Sentient beings who receive benefits from the craftsmen and other types that arise from sambhogakaya.[20] (2) Individuals who remain defiled by their attachments and ignorance, contrasting with noble ones who have attained a higher state.[21] (3) Refers to those who have not yet attained higher stages of spiritual realization and remain in relative existence.[22]
Hindu concept of 'Ordinary being'
Ordinary being in Hinduism represents individuals who have not yet achieved perfection, often facing suffering in their existence. This state signifies a journey towards spiritual growth and enlightenment within the broader Hindu belief system.
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Individuals who experience enjoyment and suffering differently than discriminating Yogis, often oblivious of the deeper pain associated with pleasure.[23] (2) Individuals who experience the dual nature of outcomes - joy or suffering - based on their actions.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) This phrase refers to the incorrect perception of God as just another regular entity, which detracts from true understanding and devotion.[25]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Beings who have not attained the state of perfection and typically experience suffering.[26]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) This phrase encompasses sentient and non-sentient beings created by the Lord, highlighting the vast scope of His creation.[27]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The jiva that is still entangled in worldly desires and attachments, thus unable to recognize its true self.[28]
Jain concept of 'Ordinary being'
In Jainism, Ordinary being denotes common living entities, including five-organ beings, animals, and humans, representing the typical manifestations of life within the broader spiritual framework of the religion.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to beings that experience lapses in their karmic journey, often contrasted with omniscient beings.[29] (2) Living beings that are typical or common, such as five-organ beings, animals, and men.[30] (3) A term that encompasses a category of beings, distinguished from perfected or one-organ beings.[31] (4) Refers to all beings that do not possess omniscience, experiencing sleep and laughter as results of their karma.[32]