Significance of Wise persons
A wise person, as described across various traditions such as Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others, embodies deep understanding, knowledge, and discernment. This individual recognizes spiritual truths, seeks to distinguish between proper and improper actions, embraces the transient nature of life, and often dedicates their intelligence to a higher purpose. They navigate complexities with prudence, refrain from material desires, and provide guidance to others. Ultimately, the wise person strives for self-realization and a deeper understanding of existence and spirituality.
Synonyms: Sage, Philosopher, Pundit, Guru, Learned person, Expert, Mentor, Scholar, Intellect
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Wise persons'
In Buddhism, a Wise person is characterized by their pursuit of wisdom, discernment in moral matters, stable mindfulness, and a commitment to ethical actions, ultimately aiming for enlightenment and understanding the nature of reality and suffering.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A person who is free from hatred, harms no one, and possesses qualities of security, love, and fearlessness.[1] (2) A figure that embodies understanding and insight, whose presence does not automatically impart wisdom to those who are unwise.[2] (3) An individual of mature wisdom who is capable of quickly gathering and understanding the Dhamma.[3] (4) An individual with deep wisdom and insight, alert and mindful, able to surpass those who are heedless.[4] (5) An individual who possesses the quality of wisdom, particularly in having uprooted evil qualities.[5]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A wise person, also referred to as 'kavi,' is someone who praises things worthy of praise.[6] (2) An individual who is learned and possesses stable mindfulness, capable of perceiving the excellence of the Doctrine.[7] (3) Individuals who possess wisdom and should be associated with.[8]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Individuals who possess wisdom, particularly in relation to vipassana and the path leading to its goal.[9]
From: The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Individuals from the past whom the woman had also loved but refused upon their arrival, paralleling her current situation.[10]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) An individual with sound judgment and understanding, particularly in matters of ethics and morality.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A wise person is someone who understands that an echo is not a repetition by a third party but results from the reverberation of the original sound.[12] (2) An individual who recognizes the illusory nature of pratyayas and does not cling to them, understanding their non-reality.[13] (3) An individual who deeply examines the nature of reality and recognizes the non-existence of both worlds.[14] (4) A figure who provides guidance to help alleviate misunderstanding and sadness.[15]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Individuals who are capable of understanding deep teachings and recognizing the path toward enlightenment.[16]
From: The Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An individual who thoughtfully seeks to distinguish proper means of cognition from improper ones to achieve fruitful activity.[17] (2) Individuals who provide interpretations regarding the nature of Jinas (Buddhas) and their 'nirvana'.[18] (3) Individuals characterized by their knowledge and understanding, who recognize and describe the concept of dharma.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Wise persons'
In Hinduism, a "Wise person" is an enlightened individual characterized by deep knowledge, spiritual understanding, and a detached disposition, who effectively navigates life's complexities while cultivating self-realization and devotion to the Supreme.
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) An individual characterized by detachment from material possessions, ego, and who departs life free from worldly desires.[20] (2) An individual possessing discernment and understanding regarding the deeper truths of life and spirituality.[21] (3) An individual who practices righteous duties leading to God-realization from an early age.[22] (4) Individuals who recognize the sacredness of the Bhagavata and do not differentiate among various sacred texts, valuing Bhagavata's teachings the most.[23] (5) Individuals who are encouraged to read and listen to the narrative to gain spiritual benefits and purify their actions.[24]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An individual who maintains virtues, helps others, and acts prudently in the face of adversity or temptation.[25] (2) Individuals who possess intelligence and understanding, often sought for counsel in matters of action.[26] (3) An individual who honors and seeks to benefit friends, contrasting with ungrateful people.[27] (4) An individual characterized by prudence and understanding, particularly in relation to navigating the complexities of royalty.[28] (5) An individual who understands the importance of accepting circumstances rather than struggling against them.[29]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals who are encouraged to engage with the Devi Bhagavatam as it is said to yield profound spiritual benefits.[30] (2) Individuals skilled in knowledge and wisdom who argue against passive acceptance of fate and encourage active efforts.[31] (3) Individuals who carefully consider their actions and decisions, acknowledging the influence of fate and the importance of patience.[32]
From: The Shiva Purana
(1) An individual with the capacity for deep understanding and discernment, particularly regarding philosophical matters.[33] (2) Described as the extraordinary worshipper among the meritorious, he is a favorite of Shiva and embodies knowledge and understanding.[34]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Individuals who are devoid of desires and attachments, and who possess an understanding of the transient nature of worldly life.[35]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals recognized for their understanding and discretion in judgment.[36] (2) An individual who possess profound knowledge and understanding, particularly regarding the Self and its connection to all phenomena.[37]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A person who is able to understand and recognize the true nature of the Atma.[38] (2) An individual who practices self-realization and lives with the consciousness of non-duality.[39]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals who understand and articulate the similarities and identities between different states of experience.[40]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) An individual who understands and maintains a perception of truth, particularly regarding non-duality, instead of holding onto untrue beliefs.[41]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The wise person possesses self-knowledge and is distinct from the confused beings in the world.[42]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) An individual who consciously practices austerities to control their body and senses for spiritual advancement.[43]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) An individual who understands the nature of 'ayatana' and can thus support their family.[44]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Refers to those who understand and can interpret the scriptures and deeper philosophical truths about the nature of Self and Brahman.[45]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Individuals who possess deep understanding and insight into spiritual truths and higher states of happiness.[46] (2) An individual who judiciously chooses activities that lead to the service of their worshipable Deity.[47]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Individuals possessing knowledge and understanding who can discern between high and low statuses among living beings.[48]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An individual who, through expertise in yoga, can see the Supreme Godhead everywhere.[49]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An individual who possesses wisdom and dedicates their intelligence solely to the Lord.[50]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Individuals who understand the futility of striving for worldly happiness and instead seek transcendental bliss in devotion to the Supreme.[51]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An intelligent individual, characterized as the opposite of a demented person who may lack sound judgment.[52] (2) An individual who wisely employs different strategies to deal with multiple simultaneous troubles.[53]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A character referenced by minister Gomukha to contrast with foolish individuals and convey wisdom.[54]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) Individuals who understand and accept the predestined nature of life, as reflected in king Shantanu's thoughts.[55]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) An individual who understands the importance of not suppressing natural urges and seeks to maintain balance in their bodily functions.[56]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) An individual considered skilled enough to prepare the pit for capturing elephants safely.[57]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) An individual who has gained insight into the distinction between subjective and objective existence, leading to the cessation of curiosity about the Self.[58]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Individuals who have realized the true nature of the self and can feel pleasure without external objects.[59]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) An individual who understands the importance of choosing suitable messengers based on their wisdom and behavior.[60]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) An individual who understands the importance of performing purashcarana either by themselves or through a qualified facilitator.[61]
Jain concept of 'Wise persons'
In Jainism, a "Wise person" is interpreted as someone who efficiently balances familial obligations, particularly by limiting time spent with in-laws post-marriage, demonstrating a wisdom that prioritizes personal harmony and independence.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Individuals who do not linger long in the company of their in-laws after marriage.[62]
The concept of 'Wise persons' in local and regional sources
The term "Wise person" encompasses an individual with profound knowledge, humility regarding obligations, and moral integrity, exemplified by their respectful actions towards their guru and thoughtful decision-making in various circumstances.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) An individual who possesses deep understanding and knowledge, often implied to act thoughtfully and judiciously in various situations.[63] (2) An individual who understands the nature of obligation and feels humble about discussing it.[64] (3) A learned individual who exemplifies a moral stance by leaving upon hearing disrespect towards their guru.[65]