Significance of Shramana
Synonyms: Ascetic, Hermit, Monk, Practitioner, Seeker, Recluse, Renunciant, Sage, Mendicant, Sanyasi
In Dutch: Shramana; In German: Shramana; In Finnish: Shramana; In Spanish: Shramana; In Swedish: Shramana; In Malay: Shramana; In French: Shramana; In Portugese: Shramana; In Italian: Shramana; In Polish: Shramana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Shramana'
In Buddhism, "Shramana" denotes a diligent practitioner, often an ascetic, renouncing worldly life for spiritual liberation. They cultivate precepts, wisdom, and samadhi, seeking truth and freedom from suffering through practices like the Eightfold Path, with varied associations including monasticism and renunciation.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) What then can be said of the shramanas who have gone forth from their home?[1] (2) This term refers to a monk who has gone forth from home, according to the provided text.[2] (3) Someone who was seen leaping over a canal, prompting an irreverent comment.[3] (4) A designation some beings use for the Buddha, implying he is merely a powerful ascetic.[4] (5) A shramana is an ascetic or practitioner who renounces worldly pleasures and pursuits for spiritual development, a state to which Vitashoka was converted through his experiences.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Sramanas are identified as individuals who may come to ask questions, suggesting that they are seekers of truth who are interested in the Buddha's teachings.[6] (2) This is a title used by the speaker when transforming himself and joining the wrestlers, indicating a person who is on a spiritual journey.[7] (3) A practitioner of spiritual discipline aiming for liberation, often depicted in relation to the Buddha's teachings.[8] (4) Ascetic practitioners or seekers of truth within Buddhist and Indian traditions who renounce worldly life for spiritual progress.[9] (5) One who practices asceticism and renunciation, seeking wisdom and liberation from worldly attachments.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A Sanskrit term referring to a diligent practitioner who cultivates precepts, samadhi, and wisdom, striving for liberation from suffering.[11]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) An individual who practices asceticism and seeks spiritual truth; in this text, it highlights those who genuinely cultivate versus those who don't.[12]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) A person who has renounced worldly life for a spiritual journey, typically associated with Buddhist monasticism.[13]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Various sects or groups that emerged from earlier Brahminic religion, viewed as opposing subsequent forms but later integrated spiritual meanings.[14] (2) A term that refers to ascetics or those who practice renunciation, appearing occasionally in early texts and associated with the act of begging.[15] (3) Ascetics or practitioners who might have taken on a mendicant lifestyle; often associated with the term bhikshu.[16]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A practitioner on the path of renunciation and spiritual development, distinguished from others by their commitment to the teachings.[17]
Hindu concept of 'Shramana'
In Hinduism, Shramana denotes wandering ascetics linked to physicians, significantly contributing to the evolution of Indian medicine through their practices and knowledge.
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) These are wandering ascetics who played a significant role in the development of Indian medicine due to their association with physicians.[18]
Jain concept of 'Shramana'
In Jainism, Shramana describes spiritual seekers, monks, and ascetics. They practice renunciation, self-discipline, and non-violence, seeking knowledge and detachment from worldly affairs. This pursuit aims for spiritual purity and enlightenment, following Mahavira's teachings.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A group of ascetics or practitioners who focus on self-discipline and spiritual progress, often characterized by a renounced lifestyle.[19] (2) A wandering monk who has renounced worldly pleasures and attachments in pursuit of spiritual development and enlightenment.[20] (3) A seeker or monk focused on spiritual practice and renunciation led by the pursuit of knowledge and detachment from worldly affairs.[21] (4) A term for a monk or ascetic in the context of the text, emphasizing the commitment to spiritual practice.[22] (5) An individual who is free from desires and obstacles, renouncing material possessions and passionate actions to attain spiritual purity.[23]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A term used by the boatman when speaking to the mendicant, sometimes viewed as a heavy load.[24] (2) Ascetics who, along with Brahmanas, guests, paupers, and beggars, might be the intended recipients of lodging provided by a householder.[25] (3) A religious ascetic, potentially involved in the rules for accepting clothes.[26] (4) A term used to address ascetics or practitioners who engage in voluntary religious austerity and renunciation.[27]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A person who can give a spiritual prescription that can lead to heavens.[28] (2) These were a group of worshippers who gathered in the city and were known for their rich and powerful status, as well as their discussions about spiritual concepts and beliefs.[29] (3) Ascetic practitioners that Sudarshana worshipped; the presence of Shramana Bhagavan Mahavira is noted in the city.[30]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) Practitioners or followers of asceticism within the tradition of Mahavira, often linked to the teachings of non-violence and truth.[31] (2) The community of ascetics following Rishabha, engaged in spiritual practices.[32]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A Shramana is a restrained ascetic who practices penance, self-restraint, and self-control, and is full of virtues and good qualities, as exemplified by the one Mrigaputra saw.[33] (2) This is a term for a sage, who after living many years, should practice self-mortification through religious exercises to achieve spiritual goals.[34]
The concept of Shramana in local and regional sources
Shramana encompasses various meanings, including a learned person from China, ascetics observed by Fa-Hian, and Jaina ascetics. It also refers to wandering monks in Buddhist traditions, and those originating from India who spread dharma-vinaya. These individuals are characterized by spiritual practices and a commitment to austerity.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Suddenly they saw a shramana with dignified mien and calm demeanour holding his staff, walking through the sky, and coming towards them to rescue them from shipwreck, and in consequence they were at their own country immediately.[35] (2) Formerly there were two or three shramanas, passionately fond of learning, who lived in the country of Tu-ho-lo (Tukhara).[36] (3) This is a person of learning from China who was invited by Kumara-raja to visit him after the king heard of his fame and distinction, showing the king's respect for scholars.[37] (4) A term referring to Buddhist ascetics, often depicted in the text as figures with a commitment to spiritual practices.[38]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) These individuals, originating from India, were responsible for dispatching the dharma-vinaya beyond the river, according to tradition.[39] (2) A term for a wandering monk or ascetic in Buddhist traditions, often considered to have a spiritual purpose in their actions.[40] (3) Ascetics or monks whose customary behavior and decorum Fa-Hian observed.[41]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A Jaina ascetic who lives a life of austerity and meditation, embodying qualities like forgiveness and detachment.[42] (2) A Jaina ascetic, who practices a life of austerity and meditation.[43]