Shriguru, Śrīguru, Shri-guru: 4 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
1. Purana
2. Vaishnavism
In Buddhism
1. Tibetan Buddhism
India history
See also

Introduction:

Shriguru means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

The Sanskrit term Śrīguru can be transliterated into English as Sriguru or Shriguru, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

Śrīguru (श्रीगुरु).—And gurupatnī—represent Brahmam.^*

* Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 43. 7.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)

Source: Pure Bhakti: Arcana-dipika - 3rd Edition

Śrīguru (श्रीगुरु) refers to the “worshipable deity” (Bhagavān), according to the Arcana-dīpikā (manual on deity worship).—Śrī-guru, the worshipable deity (Bhagavān), and the mantra are equally significant. One who considers them to be different will not attain perfection. Therefore, by really understanding the truth regarding Śrī-guru (guru-tattva) and thus accepting shelter at the Guru’s lotus feet, as recommended in the śāstras, one is sure to be liberated from the bondage of material existence

context information

Vaishnava (वैष्णव, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara Samadhi

Śrīguru (श्रीगुरु) refers to “honorable Gurus” [i.e., caiva tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ], according to the Guru Mandala Worship (maṇḍalārcana) ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

India history and geography

Source: Wisdom Library: India History

Shriguru (or, Śrīguru) refers to one of the 84 castes (gaccha) in the Jain community according to various sources. The associated place of origin is known as Abhuna Daulai (or, Ābhūnā Ḍaulāī). The Jain caste and sub-caste system was a comparatively later development within their community, and it may have arisen from the ancient classification of Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra. Before distinction of these classes (such as Shriguru), the society was not divided into distinct separate sections, but all were considered as different ways of life and utmost importance was attached to individual chartacter and mode of behaviour.

According to Dr. Vilas Adinath Sangava, “Jainism does not recognise castes (viz., Shriguru) as such and at the same time the Jaina books do not specifically obstruct the observance of caste rules by the members of the Jaina community. The attitude of Jainism towards caste is that it is one of the social practices, unconnected with religion, observed by people; and it was none of its business to regulate the working of the caste system” (source).

The legendary account of the origin of these 84 Jain castes (e.g., Shriguru) relate that once a rich Jain invited members of the Jain community in order to establish a vaiśya-mahāsabhā (i.e. Central Association of Traders). In response, 84 representatives came from different places (e.g., Abhuna Daulai), and they were later seen as the progenitors of these castes. Various sources however mention differences in the list.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Relevant text

Search found 14 books and stories containing Shriguru, Śrīguru, Shri-guru, Sriguru, Śrī-guru, Sri-guru; (plurals include: Shrigurus, Śrīgurus, gurus, Srigurus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter 2 - A hymn to the Śrīkrama < [Summary of the Vārāhī Tantra]

show preview

Conclusion < [Introduction]

Literary Estimate of H.H. Ṭembesvāmī’s Dvisāhasrī

show preview

The Glory of Gauḍīya Guru-paramparā < [Chapter 2.1 - Śrī Guru Tattva and Śrī Guru-sevaka]

Chapter 1.1 - Śrī Guru Tattva and Śrī Guru Sevaka

Chapter 2.1 - Śrī Guru Tattva and Śrī Guru-sevaka

+ 35 more chapters / show preview

Verse 2.1.62 < [Chapter 1 - Vairāgya (renunciation)]

Verse 1.4.16 < [Chapter 4 - Bhakta (the devotee)]

Verse 2.3.6 < [Chapter 3 - Bhajana (loving service)]