Significance of Rich man
The term "Rich man" appears in various contexts across religious and cultural narratives, reflecting themes of wealth, social dynamics, and moral implications. In Jainism, it can refer to individuals of great wealth and their actions or challenges. Similarly, in South Asian lore, a rich man can symbolize desperation, class disparity, or ethical dilemmas. In Theravada, characters like Anatha-pindika embody generosity despite their wealth, while in broader Indian history, rich individuals are often depicted as neglecting moral obligations for financial success. Overall, the concept highlights the complex relationship between wealth and virtue.
Synonyms: Wealthy man, Affluent man, Prosperous man, Moneyed man
In Dutch: Rijke man; In Finnish: Rikas mies; In Spanish: Hombre rico; In German: Reiche; In Malay: Orang kaya; In Swedish: Rik man; In French: Homme riche
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Rich man'
In Buddhism, "Rich man" embodies various characters illustrating the tension between material wealth and spiritual enlightenment, showcasing both the potential for generosity and the pitfalls of attachment to possessions, impacting spiritual paths and choices.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) In his last existence, Citta was reborn as the son of the Rich Man in the town of Macchikasanda.[1] (2) In her last existence, Patacara was reborn as the daughter of a rich man in Savatthi.[2] (3) A reference to Pavarika, who owned the mango grove where the Buddha stayed.[3] (4) The father of future Kali, in whose family she was reborn, indicating her status at birth.[4] (5) An individual who constructed a monastery and regularly offered his resources to the resident monk, demonstrating the value of generosity and respect within the monastic community.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The father of Kisagotami, who was characterized by his wealth.[6] (2) The character in the story who represents attachment to material possessions, highlighting the conflict between wealth and spiritual pursuits.[7] (3) The father of Nun Uppalavanna who struggles to satisfy the desires of all suitors for his daughter.[8] (4) Refers to Anathapindika as a person of great wealth who ultimately faced poverty due to his continued acts of generosity.[9] (5) A character in the story who, despite his wealth, was stingy and unable to recognize the value of generosity, leading to negative consequences in his life.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A character who represents the worldly perspective, trying to persuade the Bodhisatta to abandon the ascetic life and enjoy material comforts.[11] (2) Refers to Anatha-pindika, who is portrayed as a wealthy and kind individual, responsible for employing his friend despite the latter's unfortunate name.[12]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Refers to Visakha, a character who frequently visited the Buddha's monastery.[13]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A metaphor used to illustrate the capabilities of the Tathagata's knowledge, suggesting that lack of immediate reflection does not equate to lack of knowledge.[14]
Hindu concept of 'Rich man'
In Hinduism, a "Rich man" symbolizes wealth's moral complexities, embodying both generosity and selfishness. He navigates social dynamics, interacts with the needy, and is recognized for sharing religious merits, often entangled in ethical dilemmas.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A character described as having contrasting traits of generosity and stinginess.[15]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Refers to Devasharman, who was well-known, honored guests, and proficient in sacred texts.[16]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A person of wealth who is approached by someone in need, typically seeking financial assistance for personal or sacrificial purposes.[17]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) An individual with substantial wealth who often overlooks or disregards the welfare of those less fortunate.[18]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A character from the narrative who represents wealth and the consequences of ethical choices.[19]
Jain concept of 'Rich man'
In Jainism, the term "Rich man" encompasses various figures, including Shrikanta, Gobhadra, and Citra, each representing wealth and societal roles, emphasizing abundance, familial support, and the complexities of wealth in spiritual narratives.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An individual of substantial wealth and resources.[20] (2) Gobhadra, who is Bhadra's husband and provides for their family abundantly.[21] (3) The identity Citra's soul assumed after falling from the first heaven, representing wealth and influence in Purimatala.[22] (4) Refers to Shrikanta, who was promised Gunavati by her mother instead of Dhanadatta.[23] (5) A character named Dhanya who is wealthy and is the husband of Shalibhadra’s youngest sister.[24]
The concept of Rich man in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Rich man" encompasses a character who embodies wealth, privilege, and miserliness, reflecting social disparities, moral neglect, and the struggle between materialism and spiritual fulfillment within various narratives.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A person of wealth and privilege, often viewed as detached from the struggles of the poor.[25] (2) A wealthy individual who can provide luxuries, symbolized by adorning the empty wrist with gold bangles.[26] (3) A person who possesses a significant amount of wealth, often criticized for neglecting moral obligations in pursuit of financial success.[27] (4) A character in the teachings of Jesus who, despite his wealth, was instructed that spiritual fulfillment comes from generosity and selflessness.[28] (5) Symbolizes wealth and privilege, often associated with disdain towards those who are poor.[29]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A wealthy individual who is the father of seven sons and exhibits miserly behavior despite his financial status.[30] (2) A wealthy individual who had seven sons and faced a significant life change after his wife's death.[31] (3) A wealthy individual characterized by his miserliness and poor treatment of his servants.[32] (4) A person characterized by wealth and pride, who looks down on poverty and shows disdain for his visitor.[33]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The wealthy individual orchestrating the meal for the Brahmans, showcasing social dynamics.[34]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A character in the story from the Katha Upanishad, who made a sacrifice but was not sincere, and he gave away things that were useless to him.[35]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A wealthy individual who comes to ask for one of the daughters in marriage but is refused due to lineage concerns.[36] (2) The wealthy individual for whom the servant is procuring a horse, indicating the class disparity in the narrative.[37] (3) A character who offers a large reward for curing his blindness, symbolizing desperation and hope.[38]