Significance of Wise person
The term Wise person is defined across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, emphasizing intelligence, understanding, and moral integrity. In Jainism, it distinguishes those who maintain appropriate interactions post-marriage. Tibetan Buddhism describes them as seekers of true cognition and interpreters of dharma. Vaishnavism highlights their connection to spiritual practices and detachment from material desires. Other traditions, such as Ayurveda and Theravada, focus on maintaining balance, self-knowledge, and the discernment of truth. Overall, a Wise person exemplifies profound insight and ethical behavior in their approach to life's complexities.
Synonyms: Sage, Philosopher, Pundit, Guru, Learned person, Expert, Mentor, Scholar, Oracle, Visionary, Savant, Intellect
In French: Sage; In Dutch: Wijze persoon; In Finnish: Viisas ihminen; In Spanish: Persona sabia; In German: Weise Person; In Malay: Orang yang bijak; In Swedish: Vis person
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Wise person'
In Buddhism, a "Wise person" embodies profound understanding and discernment. They evaluate good conduct, grasp the Dhamma, provide insightful guidance, and strive for Nibbana, marked by self-control, ethical reasoning, and awareness of reality.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A person who is free from hatred, harms no one, and possesses qualities of security, love, and fearlessness.[1] (2) A figure that embodies understanding and insight, whose presence does not automatically impart wisdom to those who are unwise.[2] (3) An individual of mature wisdom who is capable of quickly gathering and understanding the Dhamma.[3] (4) An individual with deep wisdom and insight, alert and mindful, able to surpass those who are heedless.[4] (5) An individual who possesses the quality of wisdom, particularly in having uprooted evil qualities.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A wise person, also referred to as 'kavi,' is someone who praises things worthy of praise.[6] (2) An individual who is learned and possesses stable mindfulness, capable of perceiving the excellence of the Doctrine.[7] (3) Individuals who possess wisdom and should be associated with.[8]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Individuals who possess wisdom, particularly in relation to vipassana and the path leading to its goal.[9]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Individuals from the past whom the woman had also loved but refused upon their arrival, paralleling her current situation.[10]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) An individual with sound judgment and understanding, particularly in matters of ethics and morality.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A wise person is someone who understands that an echo is not a repetition by a third party but results from the reverberation of the original sound.[12] (2) An individual who recognizes the illusory nature of pratyayas and does not cling to them, understanding their non-reality.[13] (3) An individual who deeply examines the nature of reality and recognizes the non-existence of both worlds.[14] (4) A figure who provides guidance to help alleviate misunderstanding and sadness.[15]
From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补
(1) Individuals who are capable of understanding deep teachings and recognizing the path toward enlightenment.[16]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An individual who thoughtfully seeks to distinguish proper means of cognition from improper ones to achieve fruitful activity.[17] (2) Individuals who provide interpretations regarding the nature of Jinas (Buddhas) and their 'nirvana'.[18] (3) Individuals characterized by their knowledge and understanding, who recognize and describe the concept of dharma.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Wise person'
In Hinduism, a wise person embodies deep understanding of spiritual truths, practices self-realization, values devotion to the Supreme, and distinguishes between higher and lower states of existence, promoting spiritual growth over material pursuits.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An individual who maintains virtues, helps others, and acts prudently in the face of adversity or temptation.[20] (2) Individuals who possess intelligence and understanding, often sought for counsel in matters of action.[21] (3) An individual who honors and seeks to benefit friends, contrasting with ungrateful people.[22] (4) An individual characterized by prudence and understanding, particularly in relation to navigating the complexities of royalty.[23] (5) An individual who understands the importance of accepting circumstances rather than struggling against them.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals who are encouraged to engage with the Devi Bhagavatam as it is said to yield profound spiritual benefits.[25] (2) Individuals skilled in knowledge and wisdom who argue against passive acceptance of fate and encourage active efforts.[26] (3) Individuals who carefully consider their actions and decisions, acknowledging the influence of fate and the importance of patience.[27]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Individuals who are devoid of desires and attachments, and who possess an understanding of the transient nature of worldly life.[28]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals recognized for their understanding and discretion in judgment.[29] (2) An individual who possess profound knowledge and understanding, particularly regarding the Self and its connection to all phenomena.[30]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A person who is able to understand and recognize the true nature of the Atma.[31] (2) An individual who practices self-realization and lives with the consciousness of non-duality.[32]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals who understand and articulate the similarities and identities between different states of experience.[33]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) An individual who understands and maintains a perception of truth, particularly regarding non-duality, instead of holding onto untrue beliefs.[34]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The wise person possesses self-knowledge and is distinct from the confused beings in the world.[35]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) An individual who understands the nature of 'ayatana' and can thus support their family.[36]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Refers to those who understand and can interpret the scriptures and deeper philosophical truths about the nature of Self and Brahman.[37]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Individuals who possess deep understanding and insight into spiritual truths and higher states of happiness.[38] (2) An individual who judiciously chooses activities that lead to the service of their worshipable Deity.[39]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Individuals possessing knowledge and understanding who can discern between high and low statuses among living beings.[40]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An individual who, through expertise in yoga, can see the Supreme Godhead everywhere.[41]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An individual who possesses wisdom and dedicates their intelligence solely to the Lord.[42]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Individuals who understand the futility of striving for worldly happiness and instead seek transcendental bliss in devotion to the Supreme.[43]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An intelligent individual, characterized as the opposite of a demented person who may lack sound judgment.[44] (2) An individual who wisely employs different strategies to deal with multiple simultaneous troubles.[45]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A character referenced by minister Gomukha to contrast with foolish individuals and convey wisdom.[46]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) An individual who understands the importance of not suppressing natural urges and seeks to maintain balance in their bodily functions.[47]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) An individual who has gained insight into the distinction between subjective and objective existence, leading to the cessation of curiosity about the Self.[48]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Individuals who have realized the true nature of the self and can feel pleasure without external objects.[49]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) An individual who understands the importance of choosing suitable messengers based on their wisdom and behavior.[50]
Jain concept of 'Wise person'
In Jainism, a Wise person is interpreted as someone who values independence and avoids prolonged associations with in-laws post-marriage, reflecting a focus on personal responsibility and self-reliance in familial relationships.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Individuals who do not linger long in the company of their in-laws after marriage.[51]
The concept of Wise person in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Wise person" describes an individual characterized by learnedness, moral integrity, humility in obligations, and deep understanding, often leading them to act thoughtfully and judiciously, particularly in challenging situations.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) An individual who possesses deep understanding and knowledge, often implied to act thoughtfully and judiciously in various situations.[52] (2) An individual who understands the nature of obligation and feels humble about discussing it.[53] (3) A learned individual who exemplifies a moral stance by leaving upon hearing disrespect towards their guru.[54]