Significance of Way
Synonyms: Method, Manner, Approach, Route, Path, Direction, Technique, Style, Course, Technique.
In Finnish: Tapa; In Dutch: Manier; In German: Weg; In Spanish: Forma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Way'
The "Way" in Buddhism signifies the spiritual path towards enlightenment, encompassing the teachings of the Buddha, ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom, ultimately leading to the cessation of suffering and spiritual liberation.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A path of spiritual awakening and understanding in Buddhism that leads to enlightenment.[1] (2) Represents the path towards spiritual enlightenment and liberation as taught by the Buddha.[2] (3) The path to enlightenment that sound-hearers and other beings strive to comprehend and embody.[3] (4) The Way refers to the path of spiritual development and practice that leads to enlightenment, often synonymous with the teachings of the Buddha.[4] (5) A path or method of cultivation and spiritual practice aimed at achieving enlightenment and overcoming negative traits.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A path of practice in Buddhism leading to enlightenment, characterized by moral conduct, meditation, and wisdom.[6] (2) The path leading to enlightenment and the understanding of the Buddha's teachings.[7] (3) A term used to describe the path or method leading towards enlightenment, understanding, and liberation from defilements.[8] (4) The path that leads individuals toward realizing their Buddha-Nature and attaining enlightenment.[9] (5) The Buddhist path toward enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.[10]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) This signifies the path that bodhisattvas undertake, described as imperishable, and is a solitary journey towards the goal of complete awakening, undertaken without reliance on others.[11] (2) This is the way that the bodhisattvas give vehicles, horses, elephants, carts, and foot-men to complete.[12] (3) This refers to one of the truths revealed by the letter, along with suffering and origination, with the meaning being the realization of cessation.[13] (4) This is what implicit scriptures are taught to enter, contrasting with the fruit that is entered by explicit scriptures, demonstrating concealed truth and explaining impurities.[14]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A fundamental teaching revealed by the Lord concerning the path leading to enlightenment.[15] (2) A reference to the path of spiritual enlightenment and the teachings of dhamma provided by the Lord.[16]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) This refers to the path of spiritual practice and enlightenment, and is followed by those who practice the religion.[17]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The practices and principles that lead to the cessation of suffering, including the Eightfold Path outlined by the Buddha.[18] (2) A term referring to a path of understanding and enlightenment that one follows in their spiritual practice.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Way'
In Hinduism, "Way" signifies a spiritual journey, a method for achieving goals, and the guiding path influenced by deities. It embodies both personal and collective paths reflecting divinity, knowledge, and moral conduct throughout life's experiences.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The path or route taken during a journey.[20] (2) A journey or path, often implying a spiritual or metaphorical route one takes in life or self-discovery.[21] (3) The journey or path taken by the individual, which might have led to experiences worthy of awe or inspiration.[22] (4) Refers to the specific manner or method in which something occurs or is done.[23] (5) A phrase that signifies a method or approach to understanding or achieving a goal.[24]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Way is what was asked.[25] (2) This refers to the path that needs to be cleared and guided through pathless spots.[26] (3) The way is a reference to Rama's way.[27] (4) The chosen path or journey that reflects the practices of pious hermits, emphasizing spirituality and commitment to a divine quest.[28]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) An acknowledgment of Vishnu as the guiding force and protector for the Gods against their troubles.[29]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is the path or method that the teacher will explain, which is related to the understanding of Brahman, and is not a new topic.[30] (2) The departure of the soul is common to him who knows and him who does not know up to the beginning of this. The soul of him who knows passes into the vein, which is the door of release. It is the path that those who do not know depart on.[31] (3) This is a manner in which something is done or happens, and the text mentions the way something is interpreted.[32]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A reference to established guidelines or rules that dictate proper conduct, particularly in relation to sexual practices.[33]
The concept of Way in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Way" signifies a challenging journey towards truth, spiritual enlightenment, and divine connection, highlighting personal decisions and customs, while contrasting worldly struggles with the ultimate path to God and understanding.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A way to shorten the time to reach perfection, which is achieved by focusing on one goal.[34] (2) Who knew the way? Who there declared whence this arose? Projection whence? For after this projection came the gods, a question of origin.[35] (3) The way is for those who have not been blessed with the sight of him, and the way is to call on him, indicating a path for spiritual connection.[36] (4) This refers to the right path or direction to take in life. If one feels for others, even if they cannot read any book or know any language, they are in the right way, according to the text.[37] (5) This refers to the path towards truth, victory, and religion, which is a difficult journey, but it is the correct path to achieve freedom and enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal.[38]