Significance of Spiritual growth
Spiritual growth is a multifaceted process that varies across different belief systems. In Buddhism and Jainism, it is primarily about developing spiritual potential and virtues while overcoming negative impulses. Vaishnavism and Purana emphasize enlightenment through devotion and righteous actions. Meanwhile, Yoga focuses on advancing one's spiritual journey and inner self. Each tradition highlights the importance of disciplined practice, self-understanding, and connection with the divine, reflecting a universal aim toward personal and spiritual development.
Synonyms: Spiritual development, Personal growth, Inner growth, Spiritual advancement, Spiritual evolution, Self-improvement, Enlightenment, Soul growth, Transcendence., Inner development, Personal transformation, Self-discovery, Spiritual awakening
In Dutch: Spirituele groei; In Finnish: Henkinen kasvu; In Spanish: Crecimiento espiritual
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Spiritual growth'
Spiritual growth in Buddhism encompasses the development of one's inner consciousness, moral character, and understanding through practice, ultimately leading to liberation and compassion along the Bodhisattva path, free from obstructive mental states.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The development in the doctrine and discipline of Buddhism which the Blessed One declared was not possible for the serpent.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The process of developing one's moral and spiritual character; involves understanding and acting upon the law of kamma.[2]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The development of one's inner life and consciousness, leading to greater understanding and liberation.[3]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The process of development in one's spiritual life, free from mental states that obstruct progress.[4]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The process of developing one's spiritual understanding and practices.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The process of developing one's mind and heart along the Bodhisattva path toward achieving higher states of understanding and compassion.[6]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The process of development in one's spiritual understanding and practices as referenced in the text.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The process of developing one's spiritual potential and understanding through practice and experience.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual growth'
Spiritual growth in Hinduism encompasses evolving one's self through devotion, charity, and personal discipline, leading to higher consciousness, moral clarity, and deeper connections with the divine, facilitated by dedicated practices and insightful experiences.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The process of developing one's spiritual self through righteous actions and adherence to pious practices.[9] (2) The process of developing one’s spiritual self, often highlighted through acts of devotion, charity, and participation in pilgrimages.[10] (3) The process of development towards higher states of awareness and connection with the divine, central to the sages' journey.[11]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The process of developing or improving one's spiritual knowledge and connection with the divine.[12] (2) The process of developing and evolving in one's spiritual practice and understanding.[13] (3) The process of evolving spiritually, gaining wisdom, and attaining higher states of consciousness.[14]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The process of evolving spiritually, which involves self-control, overcoming wickedness, and gaining purity of mind.[15]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) The process of developing one's spiritual understanding and practice, often through study and adherence to virtue.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Personal development towards a deeper understanding and connection with spiritual principles, often associated with ascetic practices.[17]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The process of developing one's inner life and understanding of spirituality through practices such as meditation and devotion.[18] (2) The process of becoming more enlightened and closer to God, facilitated by practices like Deity worship.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The process of developing one's inner life and understanding through devotion and proper knowledge.[20]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The process of developing spiritually through practices, disciplined living, and inspiring associations.[21]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The process of developing one's spirit or soul, often through practices that enhance understanding of self and connection to the divine.[22]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The process of advancing in spiritual knowledge and practice, which involves dedication to higher principles.[23]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The development and progress in an individual's spiritual journey, often marked by transformative experiences and insights.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The process of advancing in a spiritual journey, which can invite more temptation due to enhanced personal power.[25] (2) This reflects the development and progression of an individual's inner self and connection to spirituality.[26]
From: Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
(1) The development of a person's inner self, focusing on their moral and ethical beliefs.[27]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The process of personal development in one's spiritual journey, which may involve studying scriptures, practicing austerities, and following teachings.[28]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The personal development that results from the student’s commitment to the teachings and practices of the medical profession.[29]
Jain concept of 'Spiritual growth'
Spiritual growth in Jainism encompasses the soul's progress in understanding and detachment through disciplined practices like self-restraint and meditation, aiming for liberation from worldly attachments and overcoming base impulses to achieve higher virtues.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Haribhadrasuri's journey illustrates rapid spiritual growth driven by his thirst for knowledge and acceptance of new teachings.[30] (2) The development and progress in one's spiritual practices, applicable to Kulayogins and Pravrittacakrayogins eligible to study the Yogadrishtisamuccaya.[31] (3) The process of developing in one's spiritual journey, hindered by weariness, which is addressed by obtaining a feeling of non-weariness.[32] (4) The pursuit of understanding and practicing religious duties that lead to liberation from worldly attachments.[33] (5) The process by which a monk or individual achieves greater understanding and realization of spiritual truths through practices such as self-restraint and meditation.[34]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The process of developing the soul's quality and eliminating harmful tendencies, reflected through the categorization of leshya.[35]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The process of developing higher virtues and overcoming base impulses like anger, greed, and deceit.[36]
The concept of Spiritual growth in local and regional sources
Spiritual growth encompasses the development of one's inner self through authenticity, belief in God, personal evolution towards higher ideals, and dedication to service, transcending material concerns to address deeper existential needs and nurturing higher values.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The development of one’s inner self, which Ezekiel believes is achieved by shedding pretenses and focusing on authenticity.[37] (2) The evolution of one's character toward higher values and virtues, transcending mere material existence.[38] (3) The personal development towards a state of higher understanding and perfection in one's life.[39] (4) Rgveda suggests that belief in God and his powers fosters spiritual growth and prosperity.[40] (5) The advancement of one's soul through dedication to God and service to fellow humans, as encouraged by the community’s teachings.[41]
The concept of Spiritual growth in scientific sources
Spiritual growth involves enhancing one's spiritual awareness and practices, closely tied to the balance of doshas and gunas in Ayurveda. It focuses on developing the spirit and gaining deeper understanding through philosophical and Ayurvedic teachings.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) The process of developing one's spirit and increasing understanding and maturity in the context of philosophical and Ayurvedic teachings.[42] (2) The advancement and development of an individual's spiritual awareness and practices, which is linked to the balance of doshas and gunas in Ayurveda.[43]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Spiritual growth refers to the evolution of one's inner self and understanding, which is believed to be fostered through early morning practices during Brahma Muhurta.[44]
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) This refers to the evolution of an individual in relations to their spiritual well-being, which is highlighted as crucial for holistic health and fulfillment.[45]