Significance of Spiritual teacher
The concept of a spiritual teacher varies across different religious traditions. In Buddhism, it denotes a mentor guiding monks in teachings, while in Hinduism, it usually refers to a Brahman imparting sacred knowledge. Jainism sees spiritual teachers as wise individuals guiding spiritual journeys, whereas Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes qualities like kindness and wisdom in guiding spiritual practices. Essentially, the term "spiritual teacher" signifies a respected figure who imparts essential guidance, wisdom, and support, helping individuals navigate their spiritual paths toward enlightenment.
Synonyms: Spiritual guide, Guru, Mentor, Sage, Philosopher, Spiritual leader, Spiritual mentor, Guide, Mystic, Holy person, Enlightened being
In Dutch: Spirituele leraar; In Finnish: Henkinen opettaja; In Spanish: Maestro 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 teacher'
A spiritual teacher in Buddhism is an essential guide who imparts wisdom on the path to enlightenment, embodies qualities that inspire devotion, and assists practitioners in navigating spiritual practices and understanding profound truths.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Individuals who convey Buddhist teachings and methodologies, helping students navigate their understanding of profound truths.[1] (2) An individual who imparts wisdom and guidance on the path to enlightenment, worthy of respect and reverence.[2] (3) An essential guide for practitioners in developing bodhicitta and navigating the bodhisattva path.[3]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Individuals known as good friends who guide and teach the perfection of wisdom to the learner.[4]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Those perceived to provide guidance in spiritual matters, even in unconventional forms such as beggars.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Individuals who guide others on their spiritual journeys, imparting wisdom and knowledge about dharma.[6]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to a figure who provides guidance and instruction in spiritual matters within the context of Buddhism.[7] (2) The Brahma angel, Tudu, who attempts to intervene and persuade Kokalika to reconcile with the Chief Disciples.[8] (3) Individuals responsible for guiding the discontented Brother, confirming his feelings of discontent.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Guides who recommend moderation and self-restraint as a path to Nibbana.[10] (2) An individual who guides others in spiritual practices and teachings, which requires more than just verbal skill.[11]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) An individual who guides others in their spiritual practices, often embodying the qualities that inspire devotion and faith.[12] (2) An individual who leads and instructs others in the ways of the Doctrine, embodying qualities of kindness and wisdom.[13] (3) An individual who guides others on their spiritual journey, providing teachings and insights for personal development.[14] (4) An individual who guides others in spiritual practices and teachings, as seen in the roles of both lho rin po che and shar rin po che.[15] (5) A figure, often referred to as an acarya, who imparts wisdom and guidance on the spiritual path.[16]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Refers to the mentor or guide of the monks, including Punna, emphasizing the importance of learning and following teachings.[17]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual teacher'
In Hinduism, a spiritual teacher, or Guru, serves as a moral authority and mentor, guiding individuals through complex spiritual truths, rituals, and promoting understanding of the divine, thus playing a crucial role in spiritual growth and education.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A mentor or guide in spiritual matters, essential for the growth and understanding of devoted individuals.[18] (2) The Guru, who provides guidance and instruction in performing sacred rituals and striving towards liberation.[19] (3) A revered guide who imparts true knowledge and wisdom, worthy of utmost respect and devotion, surpassing even a mother's reverence.[20] (4) Individuals whom Shuka Deva has served for wisdom, indicating the importance of seeking guidance on the spiritual path.[21] (5) An individual, such as Brihaspati, who imparts wisdom and guides others on the right path.[22]
From: Padma Purana
(1) An individual who imparts spiritual wisdom and guidance to seekers.[23] (2) The individual from whom a student learns the Vedas and their meanings, prompting the student to perform the ceremony of bathing upon leaving.[24]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Individuals who provide guidance and teachings to others in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and practice.[25] (2) A guide responsible for instructing seekers towards spiritual realization and liberation.[26]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A guide or guru who instructs disciples on performing rituals and understanding spiritual concepts.[27] (2) The spiritual teacher is the individual responsible for initiating students and guiding them along their spiritual paths, ensuring they are prepared for the rites.[28]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A guiding figure who imparts knowledge and helps devotees on their path toward liberation and understanding of the Lord.[29]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Individuals considered superior within social classes based on spiritual enlightenment, taking precedence over economic and political roles.[30] (2) An individual recognized for their wisdom and knowledge in guiding others towards spiritual enlightenment.[31] (3) A spiritual preceptor whose guidance is essential in the quest for understanding the Absolute.[32]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A person who imparts spiritual knowledge and guidance, synonymous with the term 'Acarya.'[33] (2) A person who provides guidance and wisdom in spiritual matters, referred to here as the guru.[34]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) An individual who provides guidance in spiritual practice and understanding, playing a crucial role in the lives of seekers.[35] (2) An individual who imparts wisdom and guidance on the path of devotion, assisting followers in their spiritual journey.[36]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A guiding figure in one's spiritual journey, often providing teachings and insights to foster growth.[37]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A person of authority in spiritual or religious matters who may intervene to protect a criminal from punishment except for serious offenses.[38] (2) A person who inherits the wealth in the absence of direct heirs such as sons or Sapinda.[39] (3) Those educators considered significant in a student's learning journey.[40] (4) An individual who imparts wisdom and guidance to a student, playing a vital role in their education and personal development.[41]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Elders and mentors who oversee the rituals and ensure proper conduct during the offerings for those deemed outcasts.[42]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) An individual responsible for correcting the learned individuals, representing a moral authority in spiritual matters.[43]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) An important figure who provides guidance and wisdom; the king must respect this figure's authority.[44]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) An individual or entity that imparts wisdom and knowledge about spiritual matters and the Self.[45]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) Also referred to as acaryas, these are individuals from whom the distinction and intricacies of bhakti and prapatti are to be learned.[46]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An individual who imparts spiritual knowledge, facilitating the student's understanding of their true nature as Being.[47]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A figure such as Christ or Ramakrishna who leads others towards spiritual understanding and devotion, making it easier to develop a loving relationship with the divine.[48] (2) Individuals who guide others towards the understanding of their true nature as divine, often met with resistance from those who cling to false identities.[49]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) An essential figure whose nature and characteristics are elucidated within the Ganakarika, playing a crucial role in an aspirant's journey.[50] (2) A person, often a Brahman, tasked with imparting knowledge and instruction in sacred texts and rituals, reflecting the relationship of guidance in the learning process.[51]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A mentor figure who teaches the young Dattasharman the secret of alchemical transformation, emphasizing the value of knowledge.[52] (2) The mentor of the lad who revealed to him the secrets of making gold out of copper using a specific device.[53]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) An individual who possesses knowledge of the eight pentads and three functions, guiding disciples in their spiritual journey.[54]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) A guide or mentor in spiritual matters, who aids in the understanding of complex spiritual truths.[55]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) a guide or mentor in spiritual matters[56]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A reliable support figure who guides individuals towards spiritual growth and understanding.[57]
Jain concept of 'Spiritual teacher'
In Jainism, a spiritual teacher is someone who provides guidance on spiritual journeys, embodying deep wisdom and insight to help others achieve enlightenment and understanding of Jain principles.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Individuals who guide others in their spiritual journeys, often possessing profound wisdom and insight.[58]
The concept of Spiritual teacher in local and regional sources
A Spiritual teacher is a guide who assists individuals on their spiritual journeys by sharing insights and practices, as exemplified by figures like Dr. Andrew Cohen and Perialwar, fostering personal transformation and imparting cultural wisdom.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Gurazada's role as a mentor to many progressive writers, guiding them with his innovative approaches to language and poetic expression.[59] (2) An individual who guides others in spiritual practices and philosophies, exemplified by Dr. Andrew Cohen.[60] (3) A role fulfilled by Dr. Andrew Cohen, who is known for his unique teaching style.[61] (4) An individual who guides others on their spiritual path, often sharing teachings, insights, and methodologies for personal transformation.[62] (5) An individual who imparts wisdom and guidance related to cultural or moral values; Gurazada is noted for influencing progressive writers as a mentor.[63]
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) An individual who guides disciples towards spiritual knowledge and practices.[64]
The concept of Spiritual teacher in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Spiritual teacher" relates to individuals, such as sages and philosophers, who sought tranquility in forest environments to engage in meditation and profound contemplation, emphasizing their role in guiding spiritual development.
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) Refers to the sages and philosophers who preferred the peaceful atmosphere of forests for meditation and deep contemplation.[65]