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Significance of Enlightened One

The term "Enlightened One" encompasses various interpretations across different belief systems, primarily referring to individuals who have achieved enlightenment. In Buddhism, it signifies Buddhas or others with deep wisdom and compassion. Jainism highlights individuals from whom monks learn spiritual insights. Tibetan Buddhism acknowledges the Buddha and Tathagatas as significant figures of enlightenment. Purana, Vedanta, Mahayana, Theravada, and historical contexts all affirm this title, emphasizing wisdom, spiritual awakening, and the ability to guide others, most notably associated with Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha.1
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Synonyms: Buddha, Awakened one, Sage, Illumined, Wise being, Spiritual teacher, Illuminated one, Wise one, Guru

In Dutch: Verlichte; In Finnish: Valaistunut Yksi; In Spanish: El Iluminado; In German: Erleuchteter; In Swedish: Upplyst One; In Malay: Yang Tercerahkan; In French: 尝'滨濒濒耻尘颈苍茅

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Enlightened One'

Buddhism Books

The keyphrase "Enlightened One" in Buddhism refers to the Buddha, a revered figure of authority and wisdom who provides guidance, teachings, and rebukes regarding the behaviors and actions of monks and nuns within the community.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)

(1) A title for the Lord, who provides guidance and addresses the misconduct of the monks.[1] (2) Refers to the Buddha, who rebukes the behavior of the monks for their association with Arittha, emphasizing adherence to the monastic rules.[2] (3) A title referring to the lord, who addresses and rebukes the actions of the group of six monks.[3] (4) Referring to the Buddha, who provides guidance and admonishment regarding proper conduct concerning food among monks.[4] (5) A term referring to the lord who rebuked the monks for not adhering to the proper measure when using cloth.[5]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)

(1) A title used to refer to the lord, who rebuked the comments made about the nuns spinning yarn.[6] (2) A title referring to the lord, who acts as a moral guide in the situation, providing rebuke and clarification regarding the behavior of the nuns.[7] (3) Referring to the Buddha, who provides guidance and rebukes regarding the behavior of the nuns, specifically regarding cursing.[8] (4) A reference to the Buddha, who rebuked the nuns for their inappropriate actions that led to the brahmin's anger.[9] (5) A respectful title referring to the Buddha, who dispenses teachings and guidance, as mentioned in the responses to the actions of nuns.[10]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) A title referring to the future Buddha, signifying his attainment of full wisdom.[11] (2) A title for the Buddha, emphasizing His knowledge and teaching of the Four Ariya Truths.[12] (3) A term used to refer to the Buddha, highlighting his attainment of enlightenment.[13] (4) A title representing the Buddha, who has attained full enlightenment and teaches others the path to spiritual liberation.[14] (5) Refers to the Buddha, who attained enlightenment and maintained consistent effort in his teachings and discourses.[15]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) Refers to Lord Gotama, recognized as one who has attained enlightenment and guides others through dhamma.[16] (2) A reference to the Buddha as the ultimate refuge for practitioners seeking guidance on their spiritual journey.[17] (3) Referring to the Lord, who is characterized by wisdom and the ability to heal others.[18] (4) Refers to the Lord, who is at the head of the Order of monks during the meal.[19] (5) A title used to refer to the Lord, who possesses profound wisdom and understanding, particularly in guiding others.[20]

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) A title given to the Buddha, symbolizing his attained state of awakening and understanding of truth.[21] (2) A term referring to the Buddha, who is fully accomplished, enlightened, and embodies the highest virtues and wisdom.[22] (3) Individuals who have attained a state of enlightenment, possessing the ability to perceive and recollect past lives.[23] (4) A term referring to a fully awakened being whose teachings guide the development of mindfulness.[24]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A title referring to the Buddha, who has attained enlightenment and teaches others the path to freedom.[25]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A title for the Buddha that signifies his wisdom and profound understanding.[26] (2) The individual who has attained enlightenment and possesses deep insight into the nature of existence but at the beginning looked upon this world and the world beyond.[27]

From: Lankavatara Sutra

(1) Refers to those who have achieved enlightenment, including Buddhas and advanced Bodhisattvas.[28]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Refers to the Tathagatas, who are individuals that have attained enlightenment in the past and are anticipated to arise in the future.[29] (2) Refers to the Buddha, who is acknowledged as a powerful figure impacting the world and individuals positively.[30]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) Buddhas or beings who have achieved enlightenment, characterized by pure wisdom and compassion.[31]

Hindu concept of 'Enlightened One'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the term "Enlightened One" describes individuals who achieve profound spiritual awareness and understanding of the Self and Brahman, transcending duality and sin, and includes references to figures like the Buddha in sacred texts.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad

(1) A person who has attained knowledge of the non-dual Brahman and is not affected by anxiety regarding good and evil or the taint of sin.[32] (2) A person who has attained profound knowledge of the Self and Brahman, thereby achieving liberation and understanding.[33]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A reference to a person who possesses deep knowledge or insight, in this context referring to Sahadeva鈥檚 spiritual pursuits.[34]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Enlightened One'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the term Enlightened One signifies those who have attained spiritual awakening and wisdom, serving as revered figures from whom monks can learn the principles of proper conduct and deeper understanding.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) Individuals who have achieved spiritual insight and understanding, from whom monks should learn and practice what is right.[35]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) Individuals who have attained spiritual awakening and wisdom, respected and venerated within the context of the monk's beliefs.[36]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Enlightened One in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Enlightened One" encompasses individuals who achieve mental clarity and wisdom, specifically referencing the Buddha and his teachings. It signifies spiritual understanding, promotion of truth, and the attainment of liberation from desires and karmic repercussions.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Individuals who have transcended ordinary desires and attachments, achieving a state of mental clarity and calm.[37] (2) Refers to individuals who pursue and promote knowledge and truth, often facing persecution for their beliefs and ideals.[38] (3) A title referring to Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, underlining the philosophical depth found within his teachings.[39] (4) A term referring to Buddha as a representation of enlightenment, transcending the historical figure to embody a universal truth.[40] (5) A reference to Buddha, who preached in Pali, a language derived from Sanskrit, emphasizing its spiritual significance.[41]

Plural form: Enlightened ones.