Significance of Great vow
In Jainism, the term Great vow, or mahavrata, signifies higher ethical commitments that extend beyond basic obligations for householders. These vows encompass rigid renunciations and complete abstinence from certain actions, indicating a deep devotion to spiritual purity and ethical conduct. Great vows are particularly significant for monks and ascetics, symbolizing their serious dedication to achieving spiritual liberation. Overall, they represent the fundamental ethical commitments guiding practitioners' behaviors within Jainism.
Synonyms: Solemn promise, Pledge, Promise, Oath, Commitment, Assurance, Declaration
In Dutch: Grote gelofte; In Finnish: Hieno lupaus; In Spanish: Gran voto; In German: Gro脽es Gel眉bde; In Swedish: Stort l枚fte; In Malay: Sumpah yang hebat; In French: Grand v艙u
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great vow'
The Great Vow in Buddhism embodies profound commitments made by Buddhas and bodhisattvas to liberate and aid all sentient beings, emphasizing selflessness, compassion, and the aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of others.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Significant commitments that Bodhisattvas make to ensure the welfare of all beings and strive towards enlightenment.[1] (2) Commitments made by bodhisattvas to aid beings in suffering, which motivate their altruistic actions.[2] (3) The significant commitment made by the bodhisattva to liberate all beings as part of his Bodhisattva path.[3] (4) A significant resolution taken by a bodhisattva expressing the wish to save beings without seeking personal happiness, glory, or nirvana.[4] (5) The strong commitment (mahapranidhana) of the bodhisattva to attain Buddhahood and assist all beings.[5]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) Commitments undertaken for the purpose of alleviating suffering and aiding sentient beings.[6] (2) The profound commitment made by Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva to assist all sentient beings toward liberation.[7] (3) The powerful, compassionate commitments made by Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva throughout kalpas to aid sentient beings in their suffering.[8] (4) The significant aspiration made by Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva to save all sentient beings and guide them towards enlightenment.[9] (5) The commitment made by Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva to save all sentient beings before he becomes a Buddha.[10]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) An immense commitment made by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to deliver all sentient beings from suffering.[11] (2) Promises made by beings, like Life Administering Ghost King, to protect and aid sentient beings in their journeys through life and death.[12] (3) The commitments made by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to help all sentient beings achieve liberation.[13]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The extensive and compassionate commitments made by Amitabha Buddha that guide living beings towards enlightenment and rebirth in the Pure Land.[14] (2) Ucchushma's commitment to support and protect Buddhas in their path to enlightenment, highlighting a key aspect of his development.[15]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The solemn promises made by Bodhisattvas, particularly by Earth Store Bodhisattva, to save all beings and not attain Buddhahood until hells are empty.[16] (2) Inspiring and ambitious intentions made by practitioners seeking to benefit all beings and achieve enlightenment.[17]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A profound commitment made by a Bodhisattva to seek enlightenment in order to aid all sentient beings in attaining liberation.[18]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Significant promises or commitments made with the intention of helping and benefiting all beings.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Great vow'
In Hinduism, the Great vow encompasses solemn commitments related to spiritual practices, such as lifelong celibacy, asceticism, and adherence to religious observances, emphasizing moral discipline and the pursuit of spiritual goals leading to salvation.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A significant promise or commitment made by Arjuna to elevate his honour in battle.[20] (2) The significant commitments Dyumatsena undertook during his ascetic practices.[21] (3) Refers to Bhishma's dedication or commitment, especially in the context of his principles and actions.[22] (4) The solemn promise made by Arjuna to enact revenge or fulfill a task during the battle.[23] (5) Refers to commitments or promises made by Ganga's son (Bhishma) regarding the conduct of the battle.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A significant spiritual commitment to holding multiple Rudrakshas, which bestows great merit and reverence, akin to Rudra.[25]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Refers to King Dasaratha's previously made promises that he should honor in order to maintain his integrity.[26]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Serious commitments made by ascetics in pursuit of spiritual goals, often involving abstinence and discipline.[27]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) a significant personal commitment or promise, particularly related to religious or spiritual practice.[28] (2) A significant commitment or promise made, particularly in a spiritual context.[29] (3) Refers to Sanat-kumara's commitment to lifelong celibacy, indicating his disciplined lifestyle.[30] (4) A significant commitment or promise, particularly related to lifelong celibacy.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A significant commitment made during special observances such as ekadashi.[32] (2) A significant promise or commitment to follow religious practices, which in this context refers to the observance of ekadashi and dvadashi.[33] (3) A significant promise or commitment made by Shri Radha, emphasizing its importance.[34] (4) Refers to the significant commitment made by the daughters to attain Krishna.[35]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A profound commitment that is universal and not limited by any constraints such as life-state, space, time, and circumstance.[36]
Jain concept of 'Great vow'
The Great vow in Jainism, or mahavrata, encompasses profound commitments focused on spiritual dedication and ethical living, reflecting the rigorous renunciation practiced by ascetics and lay followers alike for achieving spiritual purity and liberation.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Severe commitments or oaths taken by followers of Jainism, reflecting a higher level of spiritual practice.[37] (2) The significant commitments taken by Sita as part of her spiritual path and devotion.[38] (3) The solemn promises taken by Kadamba as he withdraws from worldly affairs.[39] (4) Ascetic commitments that Culanipitri was initially questioned about taking, indicating a higher level of renunciation.[40] (5) Serious commitments made by the ascetics aimed at achieving spiritual purity.[41]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Significant commitments made by individuals aiming to enhance their spiritual journey and karma, leading to favorable life circumstances.[42] (2) The five significant commitments that Skandaka undertakes as a monk towards spiritual liberation.[43] (3) The significant commitments made by practitioners, varying between the first and last tirthankaras in number and interpretation.[44]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A vow characterized by complete abstinence, which encompasses a total renouncement of certain actions as defined by the term 'virati'.[45] (2) Referred to as mahavrata, these are higher vows that a householder practices beyond the minimal or supplementary ones.[46]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Significant commitments undertaken by monks indicating deep dedication to their spiritual path.[47]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The significant commitments made by monks to adhere to a disciplined and ethical lifestyle.[48]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Significant commitments embraced by ascetics aiming for spiritual liberation.[49]
The concept of Great vow in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Great vow" signifies a deep commitment to ahimsa, or non-violence, as embodied in Mahavrata, reflecting a fundamental principle in certain spiritual practices that emphasizes ethical conduct and compassion towards all living beings.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Great vow (Mahavrata) refers to the principle of ahimsa, which involves purity of thought, word, and deed in the practice of universal love, representing a significant commitment to non-violence.[50] (2) An expression referring to the commitment involved in practicing ahimsa, known as Mahavrata.[51]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The author mentions two fundamental principles, chastity and poverty, which form the foundation of a Sannyasin's life, suggesting a commitment to these principles.[52]