Significance of Sadhu
Synonyms: Saint, Holy man, Ascetic, Sage, Hermit, Mystic, Monk, Recluse
In German: Sadhu; In Finnish: Sadhu; In Spanish: Sadhu; In Swedish: Sadhu; In Malay: Sadhu; In Dutch: Sadhoe; In French: 厂芒诲丑耻
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sadhu'
The keyphrase "Sadhu" in Buddhism encompasses moral conduct, expressions of approval for virtuous actions, and recognition of those following the Dhamma, signifying praise for commendable behaviors and insights within a spiritual context.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An expression of approval or praise often used in the context of merit-making activities and alms-giving.[1] (2) An expression used by King Tissa at the conclusion of Kala Buddha Rakkhita's discourse, meaning 'good' or 'well done.'[2] (3) A term used to denote those who behave in accordance with moral precepts and principles.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A term used to refer to individuals who practice Dhamma and follow the correct path toward enlightenment.[4]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A term used to express appreciation or approval in a spiritual context, often in response to teachings or insights.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term often used to express approval or agreement, indicating praise for virtuous actions.[6] (2) A term which, in this context, signifies praise, often used to honor the commendable actions and behaviors of individuals or groups.[7]
From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补
(1) A term used to describe righteous or virtuous actions or individuals.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Sadhu'
In Hinduism, "Sadhu" refers to a saintly individual devoted to spiritual practices and guiding others toward enlightenment, embodying virtues, deep faith, and righteousness while fostering loving devotion to the divine, particularly within the Vaishnavite tradition.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Devoted spiritual practitioners dedicated to the pursuit of loving devotion to the divine, often serving as guides for others.[9] (2) Holy people or saints, whose houses are mentioned as places where Shri Bhagavan may also reside.[10] (3) Noble sages who practice spirituality and humility, recognizing their own insignificance.[11] (4) Saintly individuals who follow spiritual paths and demonstrate virtuous characteristics.[12] (5) A saintly person who embodies the qualities of equal vision and devotion.[13]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Holy men or saints recognized for their commitment to the spiritual path, often visited by householders.[14] (2) Spiritual practitioners or saints who embody and teach the principles of devotion and worship in the Vaishnavite tradition.[15] (3) Saintly individuals or devotees who possess authenticity in their spiritual practices, serving as guides for others.[16] (4) Self-realized saints or practitioners devoted to spiritual life, who guide others on their paths to enlightenment.[17] (5) Spiritual practitioners who embody the principles of devotion and serve as guides for others.[18]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Holy persons or saints, often engaged in spiritual practices.[19] (2) A saintly person or devotee engaged in spiritual practices.[20] (3) Sadhu refers to a saintly person or devotee who is properly engaged in spiritual practices despite previous misdeeds.[21] (4) A saintly person or devotee of Krishna, whose association is vital for spiritual growth.[22] (5) A spiritually enlightened person who, in the absence of material desires, exemplifies virtue and devotion.[23]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A saintly person who provides guidance and support in spiritual practices.[24] (2) Saintly people or practitioners with whom one should associate to control the mind and further spiritual practice.[25] (3) A saintly person or devotee who is devoted to spiritual practice and living a life in accordance with religious principles.[26] (4) A saintly person or devotee who embodies and practices spiritual teachings, leading others on the path of devotion.[27] (5) A saintly person or devotee of Krishna who exemplifies the qualities of purity and dedication in spiritual practice.[28]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Sadhu is a term used to refer to a saintly person or devotee, indicating those who embody the principles of devotion and righteousness.[29] (2) Spiritual practitioners or saints with whom Trivikrama Maharaja associated, contributing to his spiritual development.[30] (3) Holy persons or saints, whose association is essential for spiritual growth and devotion.[31] (4) Saintly individuals whose thoughts can become focused on pure devotion to Krishna through transcendent knowledge and association with true devotees.[32] (5) Self-realized souls who provide guidance and support on the devotional path.[33]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Godly men whom the Lord intends to help, embodying the primary purpose of His incarnations.[34] (2) Godly men deemed deserving of divine protection and sustenance, representing the righteous who are upheld by the Lord.[35]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Pious and virtuous individuals devoted to spiritual practice and serving the Supreme Lord, often in contrast with miscreants.[36] (2) A saintly person or devotee who practices bhakti and seeks the company of others to enhance spiritual growth.[37]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A term that generally refers to a good or virtuous person, often used in a spiritual context.[38]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Means 'well' or 'virtuous' in Sanskrit, often used to refer to saintly or righteous individuals.[39]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A term generally referring to a person engaged in spiritual practice or asceticism, often in pursuit of the ultimate truth or liberation.[40] (2) Saints or holy individuals who use Tripundra and besmear themselves with ashes as a mark of their devotion.[41] (3) Saintly persons, often practitioners of spiritual and ascetic disciplines.[42] (4) A term referring to a virtuous individual or practitioner.[43]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A term used to refer to a person who has renounced worldly life in pursuit of spiritual goals.[44]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A saint or holy person who embodies ethical and moral virtues, often acting as a guide for others in spiritual and practical life.[45]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Holy men or sages, whose words are sought after for spiritual guidance.[46]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to good conduct, characterized as fair, honest, beautiful, decent, or elegant.[47] (2) A term that may refer to dharma or Brahman, symbolizing something uplifting or propitious.[48]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A term synonymous with 'Sama', indicating something that is good or possesses goodness.[49]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Holy men or ascetics, like Sarvanandanatha, who are often the subjects of fascinating stories and traditions.[50] (2) A holy man or ascetic, exemplified by the encounter with the Sadhu who claimed to have met Sarvanandanatha.[51]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) An honorable person characterized by good qualities, often used in contrast to the wicked (nica).[52]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Correctness or appropriateness of a word form when used within an appropriate context, as noted in the text.[53]
Jain concept of 'Sadhu'
In Jainism, "Sadhu" refers to respected spiritual practitioners, ascetics, and holy individuals dedicated to dharma, embodying virtue and simplicity. They often guide others towards enlightenment and are integral to spiritual practices and narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Spiritual individuals associated with Rishabha Svamin, indicating a community of believers.[54] (2) Indicates a person of a good or virtuous character, often used in a religious or ethical context.[55] (3) A wandering ascetic and spiritual practitioner who came to beg for alms while afflicted with physical ailments.[56] (4) Ascetics or spiritual practitioners who have renounced worldly pursuits, often seeking enlightenment.[57] (5) Holy men or ascetics with whom Rama left the queen during the encounter with the god Analaprabha.[58]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A term used to denote ascetic practitioners who follow the path of renunciation.[59]
The concept of Sadhu in local and regional sources
Sadhu encompasses various interpretations, including expressions of reverence, holy men devoted to spirituality, and ascetics facing worldly criticism, representing a profound pursuit of enlightenment in Hindu tradition, as seen through different characters and their journeys.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The Sadhus (holy men) are practising meditation and holding lofty talks in the Math, and are a reason for the disciple to stay there.[60] (2) These are the monks of the Math that the disciple is told to listen to.[61] (3) Sadhus are holy men who are examples of lofty ideals and teachers to householders, and the householders give food and clothing to the Sadhus in return for their teachings.[62] (4) These were individuals who were often seen in the company of the Swami, engaging in religious activities and questioning the Swami, as mentioned in the provided narrative.[63] (5) The group of people who, according to the couplet of Tulasidas, are often subjected to slander and criticism from the worldly people.[64]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Holy men or saints who lead a life of asceticism and spiritual devotion.[65] (2) Holy men or ascetics in Hindu tradition who devote their lives to spiritual practices.[66] (3) Holiest individuals or ascetics that Vithoba met during his time in Alandi.[67]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Hindu holy men who renounce worldly life, which Chandra Kiron admires and wishes to join in order to seek a deeper understanding of life.[68] (2) A wandering ascetic who Ramanujam resembles during his time of travel; this lifestyle symbolizes the challenges he faced before settling down.[69] (3) A holy man in India who offers spiritual guidance and insight, as encountered by Steegman during his travels.[70]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An expression of approval or praise used by the monk's pupils during his teaching.[71]