Significance of Great soul
The term "Great soul" is used across various spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others, to describe individuals of elevated moral and spiritual stature. These "Great souls" are characterized by wisdom, compassion, and significant spiritual achievements. They are seen as compassionate, wise figures who guide others and possess profound understanding. Historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi are also recognized as "Great souls" for their impactful moral standing and commitment to justice. In essence, this term signifies individuals whose lives embody spiritual depth and virtue.
Synonyms: Noble spirit, Kind heart, Virtuous person, Generous soul, Compassionate being, Kind-hearted person
In Dutch: Grote ziel; In Finnish: Suuri sielu; In Spanish: Gran alma; In German: Gro脽e Seele; In Swedish: Stor sj盲l; In Malay: Jiwa yang hebat; In French: Grande 芒me
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great soul'
The term "Great soul" in Buddhism signifies prominent spiritual figures, including esteemed students, spiritual leaders, and highly realized individuals. It reflects high status, spiritual purity, and contributions to the Buddhist tradition, particularly regarding temple and stupa establishment.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A title for prominent students of Zhig po, highlighting their importance in the Buddhist tradition.[1] (2) A term denoting the Dharmasvamin of 鈥榖ri khung, indicating his high spiritual status within the Buddhist community.[2] (3) Refers to a highly realized individual expected to attain Buddhahood, specifically mentioned in the context of Naga, symbolizing extraordinary spiritual qualities.[3] (4) A term that denotes the exceptional spiritual status and purity of the Precious Great pandita.[4] (5) A term used for bla chen po, reflecting his elevated spiritual status and efforts in establishing temples and stupas.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Great soul'
In Hinduism, "Great soul" signifies individuals of exceptional character, moral integrity, and spiritual wisdom. It denotes enlightened beings who embody divine grace, devotion, and an understanding of profound spiritual principles, often recognized for their selflessness and virtues.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A term referring to the sage who speaks with wisdom and powerful presence.[6] (2) Denotes highly revered and enlightened beings known for their profound wisdom and moral integrity.[7] (3) A description of Krishna's spiritual stature, indicating his immense compassion and divinity.[8] (4) Individuals distinguished by their profound wisdom and elevated character.[9] (5) A term referring to an individual of high spiritual status, often recognized for their wisdom and virtue.[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A term of reverence for individuals of exceptional spiritual stature, such as gurudeva.[11] (2) Individuals who understand the conclusive truth of devotion and recognize its gentle nature.[12] (3) Implies an individual filled with divine grace, whose mercy is essential for understanding divine truths.[13] (4) Devotees whose dedication to worship is profound and has matured fully.[14] (5) Individuals recognized for their deep spiritual wisdom and understanding of divine principles, particularly regarding Shri Krishna.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Highly revered personalities who are spiritually advanced and are recognized for their divine qualities.[16] (2) Spiritual beings of high calibre, such as Shiva, Shukadeva, Uddhava, and Narada, known for their wisdom and devotion.[17] (3) A term used to describe Prahlada Maharaja, indicating his elevated spiritual status and qualities.[18] (4) Individuals with implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master, who can access Vedic knowledge.[19] (5) Individuals who are referred to as mahantas, characterized by their detachment from material desires and dedication to worshiping God.[20]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Individuals with extraordinary devotion and spiritual accomplishments who support Lord Gaura's mission.[21] (2) A term of respect used by Sanatana Pandita when speaking to Kashinatha, acknowledging the latter's wisdom.[22] (3) Individuals who take shelter of Lord Krishna鈥檚 feet and understand the great sweetness associated with Him.[23] (4) Highly revered beings who possess a deep understanding of spiritual matters.[24]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Individuals who recognize and appreciate the divine acts of kindness.[25] (2) Refers to enlightened beings who, according to Saint Yamunacarya, bestow blessings of joy and prosperity upon those on the brink of their ascent to heaven.[26]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refers to a person of high moral and spiritual character, often recognized for their wisdom.[27] (2) Term used to describe a person of significant spiritual stature, referred to as mahatma.[28]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Individuals who remain liberated in their mortal lives, transcending ignorance and earthly limitations.[29] (2) The elevated state of consciousness attained by aligning one's mind with the universal spirit.[30] (3) Individuals who possess profound wisdom and understanding, acknowledged for their insights into existence and consciousness.[31] (4) Individuals characterized by vast wisdom and selflessness, who embody virtues and achieve spiritual contentment.[32] (5) Those who have transcended worldly distractions and can enjoy both temporal and spiritual states.[33]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An eternal aspect of divinity or the universal consciousness that is beyond physical existence.[34] (2) A descriptor for individuals like Narada and Markandeya, representing their high spiritual stature.[35] (3) A term used to address Kuru, highlighting his noble character.[36] (4) An expression denoting Yudhishthira's nobility and ethical standing.[37] (5) A description of a person with immense inner strength, often referencing a warrior's character and abilities.[38]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A phrase used to honor the princes' noble qualities and their collective devotion.[39] (2) Individuals who possess wisdom and the ability to control their anger, extinguishing inner fire through self-discipline.[40] (3) An expression denoting a person with remarkable spirit or character, applicable to Hanuman.[41] (4) A term used to denote a person of high moral character and noble qualities, referring here specifically to Bharata.[42] (5) A description of Dasarathi, indicating his noble and admirable character.[43]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A descriptor for Vishnu, indicating his boundless compassion and transcendence.[44] (2) A reference to Vasudeva, who is described as eternal, peaceful, and unwavering.[45] (3) An individual recognized for their profound spiritual wisdom and virtuous qualities.[46] (4) A reference to Lord Vasudeva, signifying his supreme and universal presence as both creator and destroyer.[47] (5) A revered being whose recollection is essential for the adoration process.[48]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A term referring to a supreme spiritual essence or being, revered and respected in spiritual contexts.[49] (2) A reference to the Lord in the Vedas, signifying His supreme and expansive nature.[50] (3) The source from which the Purusha was created, representing a divine essence or higher consciousness.[51] (4) Refers to Hrishikesha, also identified as Narayana, who strives to sleep after the universe is brought to a state of equilibrium.[52]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Individuals of noble character or high moral standing, often recognized for their wisdom and virtues.[53]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Individuals born for the benefit of others, alleviating distress, akin to wayside trees that provide shade.[54]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) Refers to noble individuals who eventually succumb to the harsh realities of life.[55]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A reference to the Supreme Brahman that absorbs all things into itself, embodying a state of profound happiness and contentment.[56]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) A self-manifesting essence of the soul considered to be higher and more expansive than regular forms of soul.[57]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Describes an individual with a profound spiritual nature, who can truly comprehend the teachings of the Subala-Bija-Brahma-Upanishad.[58]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A supreme principle or universal essence which embodies the meaning of existence and being.[59]
Jain concept of 'Great soul'
In Jainism, the term "Great soul" signifies an individual who embodies compassion, moral integrity, and spiritual depth, achieving a high state of spirituality and liberation, reflective of their virtuous character and wisdom.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A phrase denoting a person of high moral and spiritual stature, characterized by wisdom, compassion, and depth of character.[60]
The concept of Great soul in local and regional sources
The term "Great soul" refers to spiritually advanced individuals characterized by high moral standards, profound influence, and a commitment to guiding humanity towards righteousness. They embody individuality, resilience, and a lasting impact on societal progress.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are individuals who have experienced great ideas and created the words to describe them, but later on, these words were misused by ignorant people.[61] (2) This is a term used to describe a person like Nag Mahashaya, whose birthplace Swamiji visited, and whose life and character are highly regarded.[62] (3) The great soul, the Messenger we are to study this afternoon, came at a period of the history of his race which we may well designate as a great fall.[63] (4) Great souls are the individuals who have discovered the path to perfect individuality through sustained discrimination, as all great men and women have found that the false individuality must go.[64] (5) The characters of the great souls are mysterious, and their methods are beyond our understanding, so we must not judge them.[65]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The great soul is the one that departed unhonoured, unwept and unsung, but lives in his poetry, according to the text.[66] (2) Individuals recognized for their extraordinary sacrifices and contributions to the cause of freedom, peace, and happiness.[67] (3) A term used to refer to Mutnuri Krishna Rao, suggesting his significant impact and influence on others, particularly as a teacher.[68] (4) A term used to describe someone with profound moral depth and integrity, often associated with admirable qualities such as empathy and selflessness.[69] (5) A term used to describe Gandhi, indicating his high moral standing and deep impact on people.[70]