Significance of Preliminary stage

The Preliminary stage, as explained in Theravada Buddhism, represents the initial phase of mental culture achievable through different meditation subjects. This stage focuses on developing foundational skills that are essential for deeper meditative practices and overall mental development. It serves as a stepping stone for practitioners seeking to cultivate greater mindfulness and concentration in their journey towards enlightenment.

Synonyms: Initial phase, Preparatory phase, Early stage, Early phase, Preparatory stage

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Preliminary stage'

Buddhism Books

The Preliminary stage in Buddhism represents the foundational phase of mental cultivation, established through various meditation practices, setting the groundwork for deeper spiritual development and understanding.

Significance of Preliminary stage in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):

Theravada Books

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) The initial phase of mental culture that can be attained across various subjects of meditation.^[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance of Preliminary stage in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)

(1) The initial level of practice or understanding in a spiritual path before reaching advanced states.^[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Preliminary stage'

Hinduism Books

The Preliminary stage in Hinduism signifies an initial phase of spiritual growth, focusing on the development of divine love (prema) through emotional connection (bhava), particularly within the framework of Tantra.

Significance of Preliminary stage in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The initial phase or level of development, specifically referring to the beginning of prema as bhava in the context of Tantra.^[3] (2) An initial phase in the development of spiritual emotions, particularly leading towards divine love.^[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

The concept of Preliminary stage in scientific sources

Science Books

The Preliminary stage denotes the initial phase of a disease, where early symptoms manifest, exemplified by conditions like Amsa shosha in Avabahuka, indicating the beginning of the illness's progression.

Significance of Preliminary stage in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

(1) The initial phase of a disease where early symptoms might begin to emerge, such as Amsa shosha in Avabahuka.^[5]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.

Last Updated: 06 December, 2024