Significance of Universal Monarch
Synonyms: Sovereign, Emperor, Ruler, King of kings, Supreme monarch, Universal sovereign, Supreme ruler, Sovereign emperor, World emperor
In German: Universal Monarch; In Dutch: Universele Monarch; In Finnish: Universaali hallitsija; In Spanish: Monarca universal; In Portugese: Monarca universal; In Swedish: Universell monark; In Malay: Raja Sejagat; In French: Monarque universel; In Finnish: Universaali monarkki; In Italian: Monarca universale; In Polish: Uniwersalny monarcha
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 symbolizes an ideal ruler with immense worldly power and spiritual authority, exemplifying impermanence and the pursuit of enlightenment, while serving as a metaphor for ultimate power and benevolence across realms.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Queen Yasodhara told Rahula that he would, in due course, be crowned a Universal Monarch and therefore needed wealth and treasures.[1] (2) The female, even if she be the wife of this person, is to serve the male. Therefore the male treasure is more praiseworthy.[2] (3) This is a person whose crown jewel, ruby, has the property of instantly purifying and clearing the water into which it is put, no matter how dirty the water is.[3] (4) It is a position of great power and wealth that the Bodhisatta could have attained if he had remained in his palace.[4] (5) Also called Cakkavattis, they can travel in space because they have accumulated merits.[5]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Kusinara, formerly known as Kusavati, was the capital city of Universal Monarchs who ruled over the four quarters of the world, as told in the Mahasudassana Sutta.[6] (2) The ideal ruler possessing the Celestial Wheel and ruling with righteousness, providing security and prosperity.[7]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) This refers to Rahula's future role as a ruler, prompting him to ask the Buddha for his inheritance as advised by his mother.[8] (2) The Buddha used the example of "universal monarchs" who had immense wealth and power, yet still did not fulfill their desires, to emphasize the insatiability of desire.[9] (3) A title that signifies a worldly ruler, which Rupananda reflects upon regarding her elder brother who became a monk instead.[10] (4) The highest respect and treatment due to the Buddha during his funeral rites, akin to royal honors in ancient traditions.[11] (5) A revered worldly position that symbolizes ultimate power and luxury achieved by ruling over the entire Earth.[12]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The universal monarch is associated with a precious jewel found on Mount Vepulla, illustrating the value of the gem.[13] (2) A ruler considered worthy of supreme power or sovereignty over all realms, reflecting high ideals.[14] (3) A term used by Uddalaka suggesting a king with a broad authority to ask questions, indicating that he can manage inquiries about truth.[15] (4) A sovereign foretold to rule over all lands, in association with the lineage of Prince Kalinga.[16] (5) A hypothetical ruler with dominion over all and who possesses supreme authority, as contemplated by the king regarding the Buddha.[17]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) A title that the King hoped Prince Siddartha would achieve instead of becoming a Buddha.[18]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A leader of unparalleled authority wielding power over a vast territory and multitude.[19]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A universal monarch is a potential outcome for the child born from Maya's dream, alongside becoming a Buddha, as interpreted by soothsayers in Varga 2.[20] (2) A term referring to the anticipated rise of Bodhisattva as a ruler who will bring enlightenment and governance to the world.[21]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Svabhavikakaya is fully expressed, like a universal monarch, due to its great dominion over the dharmin, highlighting its inherent power.[22] (2) These are individuals who, despite their high status, will experience further cycles of rebirth and potentially be born as servants, emphasizing the impermanence of power and the cycle of existence.[23] (3) Rulers who wield supreme authority over their domains, representing the pinnacle of secular power.[24] (4) A metaphor for an ideal leader, illustrating the aspiration of a bodhisattva to lead by example.[25]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A prophesied king who is expected to arise and reign over the world.[26] (2) A predicted future role of the lion, signifying kingship and authority in the world.[27] (3) A powerful ruler who reigns over the world, in this context referring to the Bodhisatta Vijitavi.[28]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A king, such as King Ratnacchattra, who rules over all and honors the Tathágata with offerings.[29]
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.[30]
Hindu concept of 'Universal Monarch'
In Hinduism, "Universal Monarch" refers to a sovereign authority, exemplified by figures like Prithu and future kings, embodying moral and cosmic leadership, capable of governing vast realms and recognized by their peers as righteous rulers.
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Marutta was one of the famous kings, especially as this, according to the provided text.[31] (2) A title promised by the gods to Avikshit's future son, indicating he would be a great ruler with widespread dominion.[32] (3) A title expected to be held by the son of Avikshit and Bhavini, indicating his future power and kingship.[33] (4) The title and role that Dattatreya promises Kartavirya, indicating his supreme authority and power over his realm.[34] (5) The future son of the princess, foretold to become a powerful and righteous ruler with vast authority.[35]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The form taken by Vishnu in the Treta age to govern and maintain righteousness in the three worlds.[36] (2) A king of significant moral and cosmic authority, symbolized by Marutta.[37]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A sovereign ruler acknowledged across various realms, embodying the ideal qualities of leadership and benevolence.[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: Manasara (English translation)
(1) The same with mezzanine rooms at the corners and front, and inside the hall, is said to be the mansion fit for the universal monarchs.[41] (2) A ruler who has the capability to govern a vast empire or region, recognized by other kings.[42] (3) Referred to as Sarvabhauma in the text, this title denotes a king who rules over all, akin to a Cakravartin.[43]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) The king Prithu, for whom Vishvakarma planned the capital city as a central point within the human habitation.[44] (2) Refers to Prithu, the first king who interacts with the Earth and Brahma, highlighting his role in governance and planning.[45]
Jain concept of 'Universal Monarch'
In Jainism, the Universal Monarch symbolizes a future ruler with extensive power and authority, representing both a spiritual aspiration and a potent symbol of capability, as seen in historical kings who prioritized spiritual growth over worldly dominance.
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.[46] (2) Kings like Sagara and Sanatkumara mentioned in the text who gave up their worldly power to pursue a life of austerity.[47] (3) A title Sambhuta aspired to achieve, indicating a ruler with wide-reaching power and authority in future births.[48] (4) A potent symbol of authority and capability, likening the attributes of a learned monk to a ruler's power.[49]
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.[50]
The concept of Universal Monarch in local and regional sources
The text defines Universal Monarch as the object of desire for an ambitious Candala girl. This ambition leads her to marry a young Candala after a series of events, highlighting the Universal Monarch as a symbol of her ultimate aspiration and a catalyst for her marital journey.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A universal monarch is the object of desire for an ambitious Candala girl, who eventually marries a young Candala after a series of events.[51]
The concept of Universal Monarch in scientific sources
Universal Monarch, as presented in regional sources, describes a ruler like Ashoka, who was envisioned to govern all continents, a concept linked to the powerful emperors of China.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The text compares the concepts of the "great being" and "universal monarch", which are related to the Vedic symbols of the warrior-conqueror.[52] (2) Universal monarch is how Ashoka was presented, meant to rule over all continents, with his mention associated with China’s emperors.[53]