Significance of Holy man
Synonyms: Saint, Monk, Sage, Prophet, Spiritual leader, Visionary, Ascetic, Mystic, Guru, Cleric, Priest
In Dutch: Heilige man; In Finnish: Pyh盲 mies; In Spanish: Hombre santo; In German: Heiliger Mann; In Malay: Lelaki suci; In Swedish: Helige man; In French: Homme saint
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Holy man'
In Buddhism, the term "Holy man" encompasses various interpretations, including an ascetic practitioner, a deceitful individual disguised as virtuous, a spiritually advanced figure like the Buddha, and a revered guide known for wisdom and adherence to religious principles.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A devout figure who embodies spiritual righteousness and self-control, contrasted with the weakness of the king.[1] (2) Refers to the ascetic who is initially perceived as trustworthy but later proves otherwise, representing deceit in disguise.[2] (3) A person of deep spirituality, often practicing asceticism and revered for their commitment to religious principles.[3] (4) An individual perceived to be spiritually virtuous, which the monkey pretends to be in order to trick the villagers.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) A designation for an ascetic or religious practitioner in India, often characterized by their means of subsistence and spiritual practices.[5]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) An impression that Sunakkhatta had of the ascetic's way of life, mistakenly equating him with a virtuous being.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Refers to how some passers-by mistakenly perceived Bahiyadaruciriya based on his appearance and demeanor.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A revered spiritual figure in the text known for possessing wisdom and virtuous conduct.[8] (2) A Holy man is one recognized for their wisdom, spirituality, and adherence to religious principles, often serving as a spiritual guide for others.[9] (3) Refers to khro phu lo tsa ba, who played a vital role in the transmission of teachings and invitation of the maha-pandita to Tibet.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A description of someone spiritually advanced or enlightened, often used in relation to the Buddha.[11]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The title given to the Patriarch by Wu Chin-Tsang, reflecting his perceived holiness and wisdom.[12]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A term that references seers or ascetics who live life devoted to spiritual practice.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Holy man'
In Hinduism, a "Holy man" represents a spiritually advanced individual, often a sage or hermit, possessing deep wisdom and spiritual power, revered for their purity, teachings, and ability to guide others on spiritual matters.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Holy man refers to Vashishtha, who began speaking to Videha鈥檚 lord, and is seen as a figure of wisdom and religious importance.[14] (2) Holy man is a description of the pupils, who began to chant that verse after the heavenly father spoke.[15] (3) The respectful term that is used by Raghu's son when addressing the hermit, who is also described as the ancient sire.[16] (4) This phrase describes the sage, who begins a pleasant speech with joy, in response to Rama's inquiry about where he might dwell.[17] (5) This phrase describes the individual who is pleased with the song and gives gifts to the youths as a gesture of appreciation.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A person who has attained a high spiritual state after understanding the supreme essence, characterized by a calm, detached lifestyle away from societal interactions.[19] (2) A respectful address to an individual seeking truth, who has attempted to renounce worldly attachments.[20] (3) A spiritually advanced individual who, according to Manki, can resolve doubts and bring clarity to his mind.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to Agastya, the pot-born Rishi respected by the kings, and who is on a quest for wealth.[22]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A person regarded with spiritual authority who performed a ritual involving drawing a circle and chanting mantras to cure the cattle disease.[23]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A person regarded as spiritually significant or virtuous, often an ascetic.[24]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) An individual characterized by holiness, whose willingly offered food may be consumed.[25]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) An individual recognized for their piety and virtuous deeds.[26]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A virtuous individual, whose sight is equated to spiritual cleansing.[27]
Jain concept of 'Holy man'
In Jainism, the term "Holy man" signifies the Blessed One embodying enlightenment, revered individuals like the monk Bala who uphold high ethics, and a sage designated by Shrimati as her sacred marital partner, reflecting his esteemed stature.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Refers to the Blessed One, who represents enlightenment and spiritual authority.[28] (2) A term used by Shrimati to describe the sage she chooses as her husband, indicating his sacred and revered status.[29]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A title referring to revered individuals, like the monk Bala, who practice austerities and uphold high ethical standards.[30]
The concept of Holy man in local and regional sources
The term "Holy man" encompasses various individuals, including Sadhus and Sannyasins, embodying spiritual authority and healing abilities, recognized for their purity and teachings, ultimately representing a divine connection to uplift humanity and guide others.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This refers to someone who is considered sacred and virtuous, and a person who knows that this person is God Himself will love them more.[31] (2) The worshipper of a holy man gains knowledge and devotion, and this is a way to gain spiritual insight, and is different from those who minister to their mother or worship their father.[32] (3) Holy man is not mentioned directly, but the text discusses saints, Avataras, and gurus, suggesting a context related to individuals of spiritual importance.[33] (4) This phrase describes an individual who has achieved spiritual enlightenment and wisdom. These people emphasize the importance of feeling and love over intellectual pursuits for the salvation of the soul, according to the text.[34] (5) An extraordinary person, who is trying to uplift humanity, and their presence on earth signifies that the divine is working through them, guiding and assisting others.[35]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) King Oswy sent a holy man, of modest character, well-read in Scripture, to be ordained bishop of the church of York, as mentioned in the text.[36] (2) This refers to the individual who was ill, whose dwelling was miraculously spared by the fire, and who was the focus of the miracle.[37] (3) Holy man is the description given to the hermit consulted by the Britons.[38] (4) A term used to describe an individual like Ceadda, who led a devout life, dedicating efforts to the Church and spiritual matters.[39] (5) Refers to Ceadda, recognized for his piousness and great care in administering his bishopric.[40]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The sadhu at the temple, who provided blessings and prophetic insights regarding Ranjini's husband Vishnu's future work among the poor.[41] (2) A term used to describe Gajanan Maharaj, emphasizing his sanctity and spiritual authority.[42] (3) Refers to a figure in a religious context who is perceived as sacred or devout.[43]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The Jugi who examined the palms of the Raja and Rani and provided advice regarding their situation.[44] (2) A deeply religious and virtuous individual, represented by the Brahman in the story.[45]