Significance of Commentary
Synonyms: Analysis, Discussion, Review, Observation, Interpretation, Explanation, Evaluation, Elucidation, Assessment
In Dutch: Commentaar; In Finnish: Kommentti; In Spanish: Comentario; In German: Kommentar; In Malay: Ulasan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Commentary'
In Buddhism, Commentary refers to explanatory texts that clarify and interpret Tantric scriptures, providing insights into mantras, philosophical arguments, and teachings, thus enhancing understanding of complex spiritual themes and practices.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The elucidation or interpretation of a text. Here, Kamalashila鈥檚 commentary serves to clarify points and interpretations of the philosophical arguments presented.[1] (2) An explanation or interpretation, such as Kamalashila鈥檚 insights on the True Doctrine and its implications.[2] (3) a detailed explanation or interpretation of a text, in this case referring to Kamalashila鈥檚 elaboration on the original ideas presented.[3] (4) The explanation or interpretation given by Kamalashila regarding the text and its questions.[4] (5) An explanation or interpretation provided on a particular text or subject, aimed at clarifying its meanings.[5]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Explanatory texts written to elucidate and interpret the meanings and applications of primary Tantric scriptures.[6] (2) Refers to insights or explanations accompanying the main texts that Kalacakrapada committed to memory.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Additional explanations or interpretations provided for clarification, especially in relation to Buddhist teachings.[8] (2) Explanatory notes accompanying the sutra to provide further clarity and understanding of its teachings.[9] (3) An explanation or interpretation of a Sutra, which provides further insights into its meaning and implications.[10] (4) The explanations provided by the Buddha to clarify his teachings and guide Ananda's understanding.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Explanatory texts that provide further understanding and interpretation of the jataka.[12]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Explanatory texts that accompany the Sutta Nipata, aiding in the understanding of the teachings presented.[13]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Explanatory notes and interpretations provided in the Treasury of Truth to assist in understanding the text.[14]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) A critical explanation or interpretation of a Buddhist text, which often elaborates on its meanings and applications.[15]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) A type of explanatory literature that elaborates on Buddhist texts, in this instance, referring to Anuruddha Thera's Abhidhammattha Sangaha.[16]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Insights or explanations that discuss the nature of communication, highlighting the repercussions of various types of speech.[17]
Hindu concept of 'Commentary'
In Hinduism, Commentary encompasses a variety of explanatory texts that elucidate scriptures, provide insights into specific terms, and enhance understanding of spiritual concepts, doctrines, and practices by offering detailed interpretations from various scholars.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The explanatory notes provided by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura that give insight into the actions and teachings discussed.[18] (2) An explanatory piece or interpretation of a text, providing insight and understanding.[19] (3) An explanation or interpretation of religious texts, in this case, related to the designation given by the Lord.[20] (4) An explanation provided by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura regarding the importance of the Punpuna River and its stations.[21] (5) Refers to the written explanation or analysis about Gauridasa Pandita provided by Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.[22]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A textual layer providing insights on the main narration, in this case, the dig-darshini-tika by Shrila Sanatana Gosvami.[23] (2) An explanation provided by Shrila Sanatana Gosvami regarding the text.[24] (3) The interpretation or analysis of the events and actions described within the text, providing further context.[25] (4) An explanatory text that interprets and elaborates on sacred verses and teachings.[26] (5) Explanation and interpretation of sacred texts, providing context and deeper understanding of the principles conveyed.[27]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) An explanation or interpretation of the teachings within the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, providing deeper insights.[28] (2) Explanatory notes or interpretations intended to clarify the meanings contained within the main text.[29] (3) An interpretation provided by Shrila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, elaborating on the themes of separation and suffering in the context of Krishna鈥檚 pastimes.[30] (4) An explanation or elaboration provided on the experiences and descriptions of Krishna's form and pastimes, focusing on the transformative impact of His beauty.[31] (5) An explanation provided by Shri Brahma on the implications of the devotional path versus the path of knowledge without devotion.[32]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) An explanation or interpretation that clarifies the meaning of the text, particularly regarding the dvandva compound and its understanding.[33] (2) An explanatory note that clarifies the meaning and implications of the terms used in the text.[34] (3) A discussion or explanation provided to elucidate the concepts of identity and difference in a collection.[35] (4) A description or explanation that elucidates how cognition relates to identifying objects as same or different.[36] (5) An explanation or interpretation of a concept, suggesting that Time serves as a continuous foundation for all occurrences.[37]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The explanation provided enhances understanding of the terms and concepts related to divine music and the role of the god.[38] (2) Explanatory notes that clarify the meanings and implications of the previous verses, particularly regarding the benefits of worshipping the Sama.[39] (3) An explanatory note providing additional understanding of the Upanishad's teachings and the application of stobhas.[40] (4) An additional explanation or interpretation following the main text to elaborate on its meanings.[41] (5) Explanatory notes that provide additional insight into the meanings and implications of the religious text or verses.[42]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The explanatory notes provided by Shankara Bhashya that delve into the philosophical implications of Jivas' existence and the nature of illusion.[43] (2) A written explanation or interpretation of a text, such as Shankara's Bhashya, which clarifies philosophical ideas.[44]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) An explanation or interpretation provided to elucidate the teachings found within the text.[45]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A written explanation or interpretation of a text, often by a scholar or expert.[46] (2) An explanation or interpretation of a text, providing deeper understanding and context to its meanings and implications.[47] (3) Analysis or explanation provided by various scholars (like Medhatithi, Govindaraja) regarding texts related to spiritual and ritual practices.[48] (4) Explanatory remarks or interpretations of texts and practices related to the Yati-Candrayana, provided by scholars like Medhatithi.[49] (5) Scholarly explanations and interpretations that provide insights into religious or philosophical texts.[50]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) Notes and explanations accompanying the Sutras which provide additional context and understanding of the practices and rules laid out in the text.[51]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is a form of writing, like the vritti on the astronomical treatise Brahmatulya, and Balabhadra himself claims to have authored shorter commentaries (tippana) on Makaranda and Bijaganita.[52] (2) The text mentions that certain manuscripts include commentaries, which are additional explanatory materials.[53] (3) The commentary is a separate section where textual remarks, irregularities in verse numbering, and other clarifications are provided to aid the reader in understanding the text.[54] (4) This section provides additional information or explanation, and is where less frequent occurrences are described.[55]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Explanatory notes that accompany some copies of the Vishnu Purana, offering insights from different scholiasts.[56]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Explanations and interpretations provided by scholars on the Bhagavadgita, enriching its understanding and context.[57]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Subsequent writings that analyze or explain the original texts of Ayurveda, providing valuable interpretation and context.[58]
The concept of Commentary in local and regional sources
Commentary acts as a crucial tool for interpreting complex Sutras in Sanskrit literature, providing detailed explanations that enhance understanding and facilitate deeper insights into the intricate meanings embedded within the texts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A detailed explanation or interpretation of a text, necessary for understanding complex Sutras in Sanskrit literature.[59]