Significance of Tirthika
In Dutch: Tirthika; In Finnish: Tirthika
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Tirthika'
Tirthika in Buddhism refers to non-Buddhist practitioners or heretical groups that diverge from Buddhist teachings. They are often critiqued for their misunderstanding of reality and pursuit of spiritual liberation through unaligned methods.
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A term often used to denote sectarians or non-Buddhist practitioners who follow other spiritual paths.[1] (2) Refers to non-Buddhist ascetics or adherents of other spiritual paths; contrasted with Buddha's teachings in the text.[2] (3) Heterodox practitioners or schools of thought that diverge from Buddhist teachings, often criticized within Buddhist texts.[3] (4) Philosophers or practitioners of other religious traditions encountered in the context of Buddhist teachings.[4] (5) Non-Buddhist teachers or ascetics who are critiqued by the Buddha for their misunderstanding of the self and the nature of existence.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term used to describe seekers or individuals pursuing spiritual goals, often in contrast to Buddhist teachings.[6] (2) A term for heretics who have renounced their desires but lack the full liberation and insights as achieved by arhats.[7] (3) The heretics who questioned the Buddha.[8] (4) Refers to heretical groups or non-Buddhist sects that Nagarjuna sought to convert or challenge.[9] (5) A term for heretics or rival teachers; the presence of such individuals in Rajagriha served as a challenge for the Buddha.[10]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Individuals considered inappropriate to receive the teachings or benefits associated with the mandala, as stated in the text.[11]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Teachers or practitioners of external paths who cannot transcend worldly existence despite achieving some levels of realization.[12]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Individuals or groups who practice other beliefs, often antagonistic to the teachings of the Bodhisattvas.[13]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The five schools of philosophical extremists categorized into eternalism and nihilism, with distinct views on existence.[14]
The concept of Tirthika in local and regional sources
Tirthika refers to groups involved in diverse religious practices, particularly those who conducted sacrifices to local deities, reflecting their engagement with the contemporary belief systems and spiritual traditions of their environment.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term referring to groups engaging in various religious practices amidst the prevailing belief systems of the time, including those who performed sacrifices to appease local deities.[15]