Significance of Commentaries
Commentaries encompass scholarly interpretations and explanations across various fields, serving to elucidate texts' meanings. In Jainism, they include Haribhadrasuri's works on both Jain and non-Jain literature. Tibetan Buddhism's commentaries explain scriptures like the Kalacakra-Tantra. Similarly, in other traditions such as Vaishnavism, Ayurveda, and Mahayana, commentaries provide critical insights into scriptures, enhancing understanding and accessibility. Overall, commentaries are crucial in bridging the gap between complex texts and their interpretations, enriching the overall comprehension of diverse philosophical doctrines.
In Dutch: Commentaren; In Finnish: Kommentit; In Spanish: Comentarios; In German: Kommentare; In Swedish: Kommentarer; In Malay: Ulasan; In French: Commentaires
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Commentaries'
Commentaries in Buddhism encompass various texts that clarify and explain teachings, including works by the Buddha, interpretations of the Pali Canon, and writings on practices like air kasina, aiding practitioners in understanding complex concepts.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Writings or texts that provide explanations and interpretations of certain teachings or practices.[1] (2) Writings that provide explanations and teachings related to the practice of air kasina.[2] (3) Works that explain and clarify the meanings of Buddhist texts and teachings.[3]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Additional texts that provide explanations and interpretations of the teachings and doctrines found in the Pali Canon.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Commentaries given by the Buddha provide explanations and teachings relevant to the Dharma and the practice of Buddhism.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A type of treatise aimed at elucidating the teachings of the Buddha, helping practitioners comprehend difficult subjects.[6]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Scholarly interpretations and explanations of scriptures that serve to elucidate their meanings.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Explanatory texts authored by Bodhisattvas that elaborate on the Kalacakra-Tantra and contribute to its understanding.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Commentaries'
Commentaries in Hinduism encompass a variety of scholarly interpretations of primary texts, providing insights into philosophical, religious, and ritual concepts. They enhance understanding through explanations of works like the Gita, Dharmasutras, and Agnivesha’s writings, ensuring knowledge continuity.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Scholarly texts providing interpretations or explanations of religious scriptures.[9] (2) Explanations and interpretations of spiritual texts meant to clarify their meanings.[10] (3) Refers to the written or spoken explanations or interpretations that require elucidation.[11] (4) Commentaries are in-depth analyses or explanations of sutras that provide context and insight into their meanings.[12]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Interpretations and explanations of Agnivesha’s works by later scholars, ensuring the continuity of knowledge and understanding in Ayurveda.[13] (2) Explanatory texts written by scholars about ancient works, such as those by Bhattara Haricandra and Jejjata on Caraka.[14]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Annotations or explanations related to the Naishadhacarita mentioned in the text, which are mostly unpublished.[15]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Written interpretations and explanations of the Gita that provide insights and reflections on its philosophical teachings, varying significantly across schools.[16]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Scholarly interpretations and explanations of Dharmasutras and Smritis that provide additional insights into understanding the concept of Dharma.[17]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Exegeses and interpretations of the Grihya-sutra texts that provide additional insights into the meaning and practice of rituals.[18]
The concept of Commentaries in local and regional sources
Commentaries refer to scholarly analyses of the Raghuvamsa, offering insights, clarifying confusion, and contextualizing technical content, while also providing information on geometrical concepts, philosophical doctrines, and specific citations from historical texts.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Commentaries are discussed as sources of information, and they are used to understand geometrical knowledge and the value of pi.[19] (2) Commentaries are works, such as those by Bhattotpala, where citations of Garga are found, providing context and interpretation of his texts.[20] (3) These are valuable for helping the reader understand the text, clarifying confusion, providing context, and offering insight into how the technical content was generated and understood.[21]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Scholarly exegeses written by Desika that provide insights into philosophical texts and doctrines.[22] (2) Several written analyses and interpretations of the Raghuvamsa, made by scholars including Jain writers.[23]