Significance of Universal Monarch
Synonyms: Sovereign, Emperor, Ruler, King of kings, Supreme monarch, Universal sovereign, Supreme ruler, Sovereign emperor, World emperor
In Dutch: Universele Monarch; In Finnish: Universaali hallitsija; In Spanish: Monarca universal
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Universal Monarch'
The term "Universal Monarch" in Buddhism denotes a supreme ruler with extensive authority, moral integrity, and a significant spiritual role, contrasting the Bodhisatta’s potential worldly power with his choice to pursue enlightenment instead.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A ruler who is prophesied to reign over the human realm, including its many smaller islands, predicted to appear in the future.[1] (2) A ruler possessing the Wheel treasure, which represents the authority and power of a Monarch, as exemplified by King Sunanda.[2] (3) A term referring to a supreme ruler with authority over the world, holding a position of great social status and power.[3] (4) A title held by Pilindavaccha during a past existence, during which he established people in the five moral precepts and made significant contributions to their spiritual welfare.[4] (5) A sovereign ruler who possesses seven Treasures and is said to rule over four island continents.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A ruler considered worthy of supreme power or sovereignty over all realms, reflecting high ideals.[6] (2) A term used by Uddalaka suggesting a king with a broad authority to ask questions, indicating that he can manage inquiries about truth.[7] (3) A sovereign foretold to rule over all lands, in association with the lineage of Prince Kalinga.[8] (4) A hypothetical ruler with dominion over all and who possesses supreme authority, as contemplated by the king regarding the Buddha.[9] (5) The title given to the son born of the King and the country woman, indicating a lineage that leads to greatness and leadership.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A title that signifies a worldly ruler, which Rupananda reflects upon regarding her elder brother who became a monk instead.[11] (2) The highest respect and treatment due to the Buddha during his funeral rites, akin to royal honors in ancient traditions.[12] (3) A revered worldly position that symbolizes ultimate power and luxury achieved by ruling over the entire Earth.[13]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A leader of unparalleled authority wielding power over a vast territory and multitude.[14]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) A title that the King hoped Prince Siddartha would achieve instead of becoming a Buddha.[15]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The ideal ruler possessing the Celestial Wheel and ruling with righteousness, providing security and prosperity.[16]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A prophesied king who is expected to arise and reign over the world.[17] (2) A predicted future role of the lion, signifying kingship and authority in the world.[18] (3) A powerful ruler who reigns over the world, in this context referring to the Bodhisatta Vijitavi.[19]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Rulers who wield supreme authority over their domains, representing the pinnacle of secular power.[20] (2) A metaphor for an ideal leader, illustrating the aspiration of a bodhisattva to lead by example.[21]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A term referring to the anticipated rise of Bodhisattva as a ruler who will bring enlightenment and governance to the world.[22]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) An enlightened being who emanates for the benefit of all living beings, embodying an ideal ruler or protector among humans and deities.[23] (2) A spiritually enlightened ruler who possesses comprehensive wisdom and compassion, embodying the ideal qualities of a king in the context of Buddhist teachings.[24] (3) A metaphor used to illustrate the relationship between a genuine son and the many sons of a king, representing the highest spiritual attainment.[25] (4) A figure representing an ideal ruler who embodies enlightened qualities and serves the welfare of all beings.[26]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A supreme sovereign figure whom one will be born as upon reciting the mantra, symbolizing ultimate power and benevolence.[27]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A ruler with a reign over multiple continents who has significant moral and spiritual authority, often mentioned in relation to the transmission of teachings.[28]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A king, such as King Ratnacchattra, who rules over all and honors the Tathágata with offerings.[29]
Hindu concept of 'Universal Monarch'
The Universal Monarch in Hinduism embodies supreme authority, benevolence, and leadership, often synonymous with Cakravartin. This title signifies a ruler with global dominion, foretold greatness, and cosmic moral authority, exemplified by figures like Prithu and Mandhata.
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A title promised by the gods to Avikshit's future son, indicating he would be a great ruler with widespread dominion.[30] (2) A title expected to be held by the son of Avikshit and Bhavini, indicating his future power and kingship.[31] (3) The title and role that Dattatreya promises Kartavirya, indicating his supreme authority and power over his realm.[32] (4) The future son of the princess, foretold to become a powerful and righteous ruler with vast authority.[33] (5) A ruler with authority over the entire realm, noted for great leadership and accomplishments.[34]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The form taken by Vishnu in the Treta age to govern and maintain righteousness in the three worlds.[35] (2) A king of significant moral and cosmic authority, symbolized by Marutta.[36]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Mahamana was said to be this type of ruler, reigning over all seven continents.[37]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A ruler with dominion over the world, specifically referring to Mandhata later in the text.[38]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The title that is conferred upon Shridarshana after his heroic deeds in the story.[39] (2) A title synonymous with Cakravartin, indicating a ruler with dominion over the world.[40]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A sovereign ruler acknowledged across various realms, embodying the ideal qualities of leadership and benevolence.[41]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) The king Prithu, for whom Vishvakarma planned the capital city as a central point within the human habitation.[42] (2) Refers to Prithu, the first king who interacts with the Earth and Brahma, highlighting his role in governance and planning.[43]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) A ruler who has the capability to govern a vast empire or region, recognized by other kings.[44] (2) Referred to as Sarvabhauma in the text, this title denotes a king who rules over all, akin to a Cakravartin.[45]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A term derived from cakravartin, representing a king with universal authority.[46]
Jain concept of 'Universal Monarch'
In Jainism, Universal Monarch symbolizes a future ruler with vast power and authority, reflecting spiritual journeys and capabilities akin to learned monks. Historical figures like Sagara exemplify the transition from worldly authority to austerity.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A title given to kings who had extensive power and authority over a vast territory, often referred to in the context of their spiritual journeys.[47] (2) Kings like Sagara and Sanatkumara mentioned in the text who gave up their worldly power to pursue a life of austerity.[48] (3) A title Sambhuta aspired to achieve, indicating a ruler with wide-reaching power and authority in future births.[49] (4) A potent symbol of authority and capability, likening the attributes of a learned monk to a ruler's power.[50]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) A title indicative of a future ruler who will have extensive power, as prophesized by the interpretation of the dreams.[51]