Significance of Teacher
Synonyms: Instructor, Mentor, Professor, Guide
In Finnish: Preceptor; In Dutch: Docent; In Spanish: Maestro
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Teacher'
In Buddhism, "Teacher" encompasses individuals imparting knowledge, including spiritual guides like the Buddha and figures such as Kassapa the Great, emphasizing mentorship, guidance, and the importance of wisdom in spiritual practice.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Individuals who impart knowledge, particularly within the Buddhist tradition, guiding students in their spiritual practices.[1] (2) The individual from whom he obtained permission and guidance, suggesting the importance of mentorship in his journey.[2] (3) Refers to Sgang shAkya yon tan, who selected nyi ma 'dul 'dzin as a disciple.[3] (4) Refers to his multiple spiritual teachers, including gtsang and gling ras pa, who guided his education.[4] (5) Individuals who have imparted knowledge and led religious practices within the monastery's community.[5]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Figures such as Buddha, Kapila, Kanada, and Gautama, who provide teachings and are regarded as authorities by their followers, each claiming omniscience.[6] (2) Educators or scholars who provide instruction based on Vedic knowledge and whose works are validated by the community of Vedic scholars.[7] (3) Individuals who impart knowledge, specifically referring to those who compose treatises on teachings.[8]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Refers to the Transcendent Lord, who plays a leading role in imparting spiritual wisdom.[9]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The narrator of the story who concludes the discourse by identifying the characters.[10] (2) Refers to the wise sage Mahosadha, a pivotal character known for his exceptional wisdom and ability to solve problems.[11]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) An instructor or educator in the Order whose guidance can also be nullified by specific alterations in their status or connection to the preceptor.[12] (2) Individuals, such as Kassapa the Great, who serve as mentors and guides to newer monks in the Buddhist tradition.[13]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A spiritual guide or mentor who provides instruction and support to meditation practitioners.[14]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) An individual who imparts knowledge, specifically in the context of Buddhist monastic education.[15]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) refers to the concept of guidance; the Buddha questions the necessity of a teacher since he attained enlightenment by himself.[16]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A reference to the Buddha himself, who emphasizes his unique capability to measure beings.[17] (2) A reference to the Buddha, who provides guidance and wisdom, highlighting the significance of inner purity over outward appearances.[18] (3) The revered figure within the context who was believed to still be in a state of illness despite having died.[19] (4) Refers to the Buddha as a guiding figure for both Mallika and king Pasenadi.[20]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The regents or principal figures associated with the five families in the context of sambhogakaya teachings.[21]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Refers to the Buddha who imparts wisdom and guidance through religious discourse.[22]
Hindu concept of 'Teacher'
In Hinduism, a Teacher embodies a knowledgeable guide who aids spiritual understanding, imparts Vedic teachings, and plays crucial roles as an Acarya and mentor, helping individuals navigate life's complexities and attain enlightenment.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The Initiator responsible for imparting knowledge and guiding students in learning.[23] (2) An instructor or guide in the study of literature, philosophy, and ethics, whose role is essential in understanding the texts.[24] (3) Refers to an educator or guide, significant in the context of respect and acknowledgement.[25] (4) The term ‘Teachers’ here includes all dependants also.[26] (5) The individual to whom food is offered, representing authority and the recipient of the offering.[27]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The central figure in the ritual who sits facing the east and is revered by others in the circle.[28] (2) The individual responsible for instructing students, described as sitting to the east or north.[29] (3) A person who imparts knowledge or guidance, particularly in a spiritual or ritualistic context.[30]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Educators or guides who teach the principles and rituals related to the texts.[31] (2) An authoritative figure who guides the boy through rituals, instructing him on the significance of garments, verses, and offerings.[32] (3) The teacher is the individual who initiates the student in the sacrificial ritual, seated to the west of the fire facing east.[33]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) An individual who imparts knowledge and skills, for whom the desire to collect a fee is mentioned as a reason for permissible begging.[34] (2) The Acarya, a person who imparts knowledge of religious duties and is seen as pivotal in the student’s spiritual journey.[35]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Referred to as Acarya, the individual from whom students learn and receive guidance.[36]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The person providing guidance and conducting the ritual, responsible for initiating the student.[37]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The individual responsible for instructing and initiating the student during the rites.[38]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A guiding figure who plays a crucial role in the religious observance, instructing students in sacred rituals.[39]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to an instructor or a spiritual guide who plays a significant role in education and spiritual development.[40]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A guiding figure who helps an individual in their spiritual journey, providing personal support in navigating the teachings of the scriptures.[41] (2) A knowledgeable figure who guides the blindfolded person, symbolizing wisdom and the path to enlightenment.[42] (3) The person from whom the disciples seek knowledge and understanding about life and existence.[43]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A knowledgeable guide who aids in the understanding of spiritual truths and assists the individual in overcoming ignorance.[44] (2) A mentor or guide in spiritual learning, specifically referring to the figure under whom Satyakama wishes to study.[45]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) An enlightened individual who imparts knowledge and instruction to dispel ignorance and guide towards truth.[46]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) An individual who imparts knowledge or wisdom and may receive offerings.[47]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An individual who imparts knowledge about Atman and guides students in understanding the distinction between reality and illusion.[48]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Individuals who impart knowledge to students, playing a critical role in the educational process.[49] (2) In this context, 'teachers' refers to individuals who guide and educate others, with Nimai Pandita being recognized as the most distinguished among them.[50] (3) Indicates the individuals in Navadvipa who were defeated by the Lord.[51] (4) The individual with whom the students have developed a bond and from whom they are now separated.[52] (5) The individual who instructs and educates students, recognizing Nimai's exceptional abilities.[53]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An individual who imparts knowledge, serving various roles depending on the context and the person receiving education.[54]
Jain concept of 'Teacher'
In Jainism, a Teacher embodies dual roles: an authority figure mistakenly seen as a source of deliverance without personal effort, and a mentor crucial for individual development, as exemplified by Citragati's instruction in the arts.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The mentor who instructed Citragati in the arts, playing a vital role in his development.[55]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) An authority figure whose mere attendance is mistakenly believed to provide deliverance from misery, without the need for personal abstention from sins.[56]
The concept of Teacher in local and regional sources
The term "Teacher" encompasses various roles, including the Acarya guiding Upanayana, educators of royalty facing challenges, advisors to individuals like Beri-Nadaya, and carrying cultural significance among the Vaeddas regarding familial bonds and respect.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The term used by the Vaeddas to suggest that the bride should belong to them, implying a bond or respect between them and the woman who originally went to fetch water.[57] (2) An individual who advises Beri-Nadaya on how to handle different situations, offering guidance based on experience.[58] (3) An individual responsible for educating the Prince, who ultimately concludes that he cannot teach the young royal effectively.[59] (4) An individual responsible for educating the King's son.[60]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) The individual, known as Acarya, who guides and initiates the student through the Upanayana Samskara.[61]