365bet娱乐

Significance of Path

The concept of Path varies across different spiritual traditions. In Jainism, it represents the spiritual journey that leads to liberation from Samsara. Tibetan Buddhism views Path as the progression toward enlightenment guided by teachers. In Vaishnavism, it signifies the journey towards understanding divine truth and serves as a metaphor for spiritual pilgrimage. Similarly, in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, it refers to practices aiming for enlightenment and liberation from suffering. Overall, Path encapsulates the various spiritual journeys individuals undertake across different beliefs.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Route, Way, Track, Trail, Course, Passage, Road, Conduct, Direction.

In Dutch: Pad; In Finnish: Polku; In Spanish: Camino; In German: Weg; In Swedish: 痴盲驳; In Malay: Laluan; In French: Chemin

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Path'

Buddhism Books

The Path in Buddhism signifies the spiritual journey toward enlightenment and liberation from suffering, emphasizing practices and moral living while navigating impermanence, ultimately aiming to attain Nibbana and transform one鈥檚 understanding of reality.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Refers to the spiritual journey or practices intended to lead one towards enlightenment or Buddhahood.[1] (2) The route to enlightenment where an individual gains insight and understanding of the illusory nature of existence.[2] (3) Signified as margopamakshanti, it entails the practice leading towards enlightenment and the realization of truths.[3] (4) The spiritual journey or route that individuals follow toward enlightenment, facilitated by personal insight.[4] (5) The spiritual journey or practice leading to enlightenment that beings may strive for.[5]

From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补

(1) Refers to the spiritual pathway that leads to liberation from suffering and cessation of erroneous views.[6]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) The spiritual journey that practitioners undertake, which requires them to recognize their own faults and strive for improvement.[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) A concept that some people say is influenced so that it is not able to bring forth its flower and fruit fully to those who practice the way, but is not to be found in the 鈥渨ell taught鈥� Dhamma.[8] (2) The Path refers to the path to enlightenment, which includes Fruition and Nibbana, and the text discusses the author's desire to become a complete, fully fledged Bhikkhu and to reach the Path, Fruition, and Nibbana.[9] (3) This is the method to end suffering, and the text presents it as the second of the two cures.[10] (4) The right way of Dhamma that is followed in doing the practice on the Path (Magga), and it is the means of shedding all the kilesas and the whole load of dukkha from one鈥檚 heart.[11] (5) This is the path, fruition, and Nibbana, which is the ultimate goal of the practice, the end of suffering, and the cessation of the cycle of rebirth.[12]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) Refers to spiritual advancements or stages in Buddhist philosophy which individuals can attain through understanding and moral living.[13] (2) The spiritual paths indicative of moral and ethical living, which King Ajatasattu disregarded.[14] (3) A spiritual journey or way of life encouraged by the Buddhas, which King Sadhina aspires to follow.[15] (4) Refers to the stages or phases on the spiritual journey towards enlightenment in Buddhism.[16] (5) Refers to the spiritual paths or practices that one undertakes in the pursuit of enlightenment, which the protagonist initially follows before being swayed by desire.[17]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) Also called Magga, it refers to the way that leads to Nibbana, incorporating the correct understanding and practices necessary for attainment.[18] (2) The spiritual journey and practice aimed at achieving liberation from suffering and mental defilements.[19]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) Refers to the spiritual journey or practice that leads to enlightenment and the understanding of the Dhamma.[20] (2) The path refers to the spiritual journey or the way that leads to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.[21]

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) The spiritual pathway in Buddhism consisting of various stages and forms of knowledge that lead to ultimate liberation, encapsulated in practices and insights.[22]

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) Referred to as magga, it represents the spiritual paths leading to liberation.[23]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) The journey or progression of spiritual development that practitioners undertake, often guided by teachers.[24]

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鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Path'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Path" symbolizes a spiritual journey or method toward divine truth and fulfillment, represented in various contexts鈥攆rom personal pilgrimage to interactions with deities鈥攅mphasizing actions that align with ultimate welfare and spiritual enlightenment.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The metaphorical or literal route taken by King Raivata and the young mountain, representing the journey involved in this confrontation.[25] (2) The metaphorical journey or life direction that Radha finds herself on during Krishna's absence.[26] (3) A literal or metaphorical road that signifies the journey or course of life where significant encounters occur.[27] (4) Walkways or routes that provide access from one area to another.[28] (5) The routes or paths that the gopis travel, which symbolize the journey towards spiritual fulfillment.[29]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The route or way taken while traveling, mentioned in the context of where they intend to eat after bathing.[30] (2) Indicates the route along which Mahaprabhu was dancing, suggesting a journey or pilgrimage that attracted many followers.[31] (3) The route or way taken by the Lord, suggesting a journey or pilgrimage.[32] (4) In this context, 'tattva' indicates the way or manner in which one understands or approaches the divine truth.[33]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The journey one takes towards Vrindavana, which should be pursued without distraction or hindrance.[34] (2) marga, represents a route or way in the context of spiritual practices and endeavors.[35]

From: Chaitanya Mangala

(1) The literal and metaphorical paths taken by various characters in their journeys and decisions within the narrative.[36]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) 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 (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The journey that leads to Brahman, followed by those who know Brahman, and from this path, there is no return to the life of man.[37] (2) A route that leads through smoke, and is taken by those who perform sacrifices, and leads to the moon, and is mentioned in the scripture, and is followed by the fathers.[38] (3) This is where the man comes to the world of Agni, and where the deceased man frees himself from his good and evil deeds, as described in the text.[39]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Another designated location where urination or defecation is to be avoided, emphasizing cleanliness.[40]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The course of action suggested by Surya to Karna, emphasizing that following it is for Karna鈥檚 ultimate welfare.[41]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 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.

Jain concept of 'Path'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Path" signifies the spiritual journey taught by the wise Brahmana, guiding individuals toward liberation from the cyclical existence of Samsara and promoting enlightenment and ultimate freedom from these cycles.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) The spiritual journey preached by the wise Brahmana, which leads to liberation from the cycle of Samsara.[42]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Path in local and regional sources

History Books

Path encompasses a journey of spiritual and personal growth, emphasizing service to others, virtue, and purity over material forms, ultimately leading to a deeper connection with the divine through perseverance despite challenges.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) There is no regular path to bathe.[43] (2) The path is what the Messenger came to show, that the spirit is not in forms, but in purity, and not through philosophy.[44] (3) This is the way of virtue.[45] (4) This refers to the path of deliverance.[46] (5) This is the question of attainment depends only, in the last resort, on the thirst of the soul, which is a path to God.[47]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A metaphorical route in life that may have challenges; it is described as steep and involves both joy and sorrow.[48] (2) The journey of personal and spiritual growth that requires perseverance and dedication to truth.[49] (3) The route Cheynulu walks, symbolizing his journey back into memory and childhood experiences.[50]

Plural form: Paths.