Significance of Hermit
Synonyms: Recluse, Solitary, Anchorite, Eremite
In Dutch: Kluizenaar; In Finnish: Erakko; In Spanish: 贰谤尘颈迟补帽辞; In German: Einsiedler
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Hermit'
In Buddhism, a Hermit embodies a solitary lifestyle devoted to spiritual pursuits, including ascetics like Bhagineyyupali and Prince Maha Paduma, highlighting themes of renunciation, contemplation, and the pursuit of enlightenment away from societal distractions.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A person living in solitude for religious reasons, in this case referring to the Bodhisatta's ascetic life.[1] (2) Individuals who renounce worldly life to practice asceticism and spiritual discipline, mentioned as achieving greater spiritual heights.[2] (3) A person who has withdrawn from society to live a life of contemplation and solitude, representing the ideal of spiritual renunciation.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Over one thousand individuals living in a forest who followed the teachings of their great teacher and supported him during his sickness.[4] (2) The ascetic lifestyle adopted by Prince Maha Paduma during his time in the Himalayas.[5] (3) A solitary ascetic who discovered the floating cup and decided to care for the lump of flesh.[6]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Monastics who practice a life of solitude and simplicity, often seeking spiritual enlightenment away from societal distractions.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A person who lives in seclusion for spiritual reasons, such as dkon mcahog rten in the text.[8] (2) A practitioner who lives a solitary life dedicated to spiritual pursuits, representing one potential path within Buddhist practice.[9] (3) An individual who practices solitude for spiritual purposes.[10] (4) Refers to an individual who practices solitude and meditation, emphasizing the narrative's focus on the importance of personal practice and the tension between communal and solitary worship.[11]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Refers to Bhagineyyupali in his ascetic state, who recognized the Glorious One from afar.[12] (2) A person living in seclusion, often for religious reasons, noted for their devotion and discipline.[13]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Individuals, including royal princes, who gave up their worldly lives to join Buddha in the pursuit of enlightenment.[14]
Hindu concept of 'Hermit'
In Hinduism, a hermit symbolizes a spiritually focused individual living in solitude, practicing austerity and detachment from societal obligations. They engage in meditation and devotion, often aiding others through their wisdom and guidance.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The hermit is the individual who concluded his narration, signifying the conclusion of the tale's presentation to the audience present at the moment.[15] (2) This refers to the holy people, highlighting their actions, and it emphasizes their importance in the narrative.[16] (3) The hermit led the way and the young people followed the hermit, indicating guidance or leadership.[17] (4) The hermit is a person who received the poem鈥檚 pregnant seed and looked around to find fuller knowledge regarding the subject matter.[18] (5) The hermit is a person who is known to be a saint, described as taking a vest, bathing, and making libations.[19]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Individuals who live in seclusion often for spiritual reasons, engaging in practices such as offering oblations to fire.[20]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A person who has withdrawn from society to live a life of simplicity and austerity in a secluded place.[21] (2) A character archetype contrasted with the householders, indicative of someone who may live with less material need or societal attachment.[22] (3) A specific type of ascetic who lives in solitude, often focused on spiritual pursuits and serving guests.[23] (4) Individuals who live in seclusion, often for religious or spiritual reasons.[24] (5) A person who has renounced worldly life, whose dietary discipline is expected to be stricter than that of the Householder.[25]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) The third order, representing an individual who lives in solitude and detachment from worldly life.[26] (2) A person who chooses to live in solitude, often for religious reasons.[27]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Individuals living in secluded places, often linked to spiritual practices and rituals.[28]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A hermit is a recluse or solitary person, often living in seclusion for religious or spiritual reasons.[29] (2) A spiritual figure, Vasudatta's father, who provides a background of purity and divine connection.[30] (3) Spiritual practitioners who seek solitude for meditation and devotion, such as those who question Naravahanadatta.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to the third stage of life, and the text mentions a reference to the three ashramas before the passage about the brahmasamstha, including the hermit.[32] (2) This refers to an individual who undergoes the Kricchra penance when breaking their vows, followed by cultivating a place rich in plants.[33] (3) This order is one of the two other orders mentioned, and is taught alongside the student as a part of the four ashramas.[34]
The concept of Hermit in local and regional sources
Hermit denotes a person who seeks solitude, often for spiritual or religious purposes, typically living away from society in a secluded environment or home, emphasizing a lifestyle of introspection and contemplation.
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This describes an individual who lives in solitude, often for religious or spiritual reasons, in a home.[35]