Significance of Holy men
Holy men in various spiritual traditions represent revered figures acknowledged for their divine qualities, wisdom, and moral integrity. In Jainism, they are respected spiritual figures with divine powers. In Tibetan Buddhism, holy men are venerated for their holiness and serve as transmitters of sacred teachings. Vaishnavism emphasizes their piety and spiritual authority, often being considered mediators in worship. Across different contexts, these individuals embody spiritual knowledge, inspire communities, and guide followers toward deeper connections with the divine.
Synonyms: Clergymen, Priests, Ministers, Prophets
In Dutch: Heilige mannen; In Finnish: Pyh盲t miehet; In Spanish: Hombres santos; In German: Heilige M盲nner; In Malay: Lelaki suci; In Swedish: Heliga m盲n; In French: Hommes saints
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Holy men'
Holy men in Buddhism encompass ascetics and venerated figures known for wisdom and holiness, including enlightened Arahats. They embody Buddhist teachings, are respected in the community, and often face worldly temptations while dedicated to spiritual pursuits.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Individuals dedicated to religious life whose minds can be clouded by the temptations of the world, including alcohol and women.[1] (2) Another term for the ascetics who originally lived in the woods and later accompanied prince Chatta in his quest.[2] (3) Men of virtue and moral integrity who are worthy of receiving the king's offerings.[3]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Individuals, including some from Burma, who are reputed to possess extraordinary spiritual qualities akin to Arahats.[4] (2) Individuals like Arahats who are revered for their spiritual wisdom and noble character.[5]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Refers to enlightened individuals (Arahats) regarded with respect and reverence.[6]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Refers to revered figures within the Buddhist community who embody the teachings of the Buddha and are respected by followers.[7] (2) Venerated figures in Buddhism known for their holiness and wisdom, regarded as transmitters of sacred teachings.[8] (3) Spiritual figures and teachers who Precious Dharmasvamin attended and learned from in his studies and practices.[9]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Individuals who have cultivated moral virtues highly esteemed in the spiritual community.[10]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Holy men refer to practitioners of Buddhism who have dedicated their lives to spiritual pursuits and the realization of enlightenment.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Holy men'
In Hinduism, Holy men are revered spiritual figures characterized by their piety, wisdom, and commitment to service. They serve as guides, embody elevated spiritual principles, and are often sought for blessings and insights into divine matters.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) These were the individuals that Raghu鈥檚 son approached, and they were endowed with keen celestial sight, suggesting they had spiritual insight.[12] (2) The holy men are individuals possessing knowledge of the heavens, and they are implored to reveal a means of expiating the plague that has befallen the kingdom.[13] (3) Holy men are who took of the food and ate their fill, unweeting the ill that was done.[14] (4) The people who cried 'Well done! well done!' with reverence, after the hermit鈥檚 tale.[15] (5) The holy men are those who, along with Saint Vashishtha, should agree with the words the hermit has said for the king to give Rama.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Respected and learned sages accompanying the procession to lead the ceremonial journey.[17] (2) Individuals of religious significance who attend the sacrifice, including sage Shri Shatananda and various brahmins.[18] (3) Refers to ascetics noted for their devout practices living in the retreats of the Dandaka Forest.[19] (4) Spiritual practitioners who seek a deeper connection with the divine and often rely on the protection of higher powers.[20] (5) Righteous and sinless devotees of Lord Shiva residing in the hermitage.[21]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Individuals who are deeply spiritual and principled, providing inspiration and guidance.[22] (2) Spiritual individuals characterized by their serene and peaceful souls, akin to the calmness of the autumnal sky.[23] (3) Individuals who have attained a sanctified state and live according to spiritual principles.[24] (4) Individuals who embody spiritual knowledge, reflecting Brahma within themselves and serving as reminders of divine presence.[25] (5) Spiritual individuals engaged in meditation and seeking enlightenment in the heavens.[26]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the Rishis present, who are seekers of spiritual truth and knowledge.[27]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Individuals who are recognized for their piety and righteous actions and resort to sacred places like Yamatirtha.[28]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The Rishis, seen as virtuous individuals who aimed to maintain piety and worship.[29]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Spiritual individuals regarded for their piety and connection to the divine, often forming a community of worshippers.[30] (2) Individuals recognized for their spiritual purity and authority, whose actions can bring about healing.[31] (3) Pious individuals that are to be revered and are recommended as mediators in worshipping the Supreme Lord.[32] (4) Vedic scholars who recognize Lord Shriman Narayana as the Supreme God, and whom the mate advises the elders to worship for a true remedy.[33]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Individuals, including sages and jogees, who meditate on Shri Krishna Chund with profound attention and seek to understand his nature.[34] (2) Individuals regarded as sacred, whose presence is believed to purify the environment.[35]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Individuals who are considered spiritually advanced or pious and are expected to adhere to strict etiquette.[36]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Individuals who conduct sacrifices and rituals in accordance with Vedic prescriptions.[37] (2) Sages and wise practitioners who have deep knowledge or insight into the spiritual and physical aspects of existence.[38]
Jain concept of 'Holy men'
Holy men in Jainism are revered spiritual figures, often seen as masters with divine powers, reflecting both societal respect and transcendental wisdom within the religious framework of Jain beliefs.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Spiritual figures like the Master who are respected in society and are believed to possess divine powers.[39]
The concept of Holy men in local and regional sources
Holy men are revered individuals with spiritual authority, essential to pilgrimage, embodying virtue and enlightenment. They influence communities positively, oppose suicide, and offer guidance, fostering a profound connection to the divine through their teachings and practices.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This refers to individuals who are revered and to whom the author expresses reverence, as suggested by a specific prayer mentioned in the text.[40] (2) Holy men are those in whose company one should live constantly to realize the Realisation, even if it involves undergoing physical hardships or austerities.[41] (3) People who are not babies and do not try to throw the blame on someone else, who are trying to make him leave the world altogether.[42] (4) In India, there are numerous individuals, known as holy men, who embody the principles of detachment, often enduring extreme conditions without visible discomfort.[43] (5) Holy men are essential to a place of pilgrimage, according to the provided text.[44]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This refers to the religious figures, including Germanus, who were met by Elafius, and who were involved in spreading religious teachings.[45] (2) Ethelwin and Aldwin, the sister's brothers, where one was a bishop and the other an abbot, and the sister was the abbess.[46] (3) Individuals recognized for their piety and virtue within the Christian faith, often serving as examples for others to follow.[47] (4) Individuals dedicated to a life of spirituality and reverence, often discussed in the context of imitating virtuous predecessors.[48]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Individuals who are considered virtuous and spiritually enlightened, often rejecting material gifts in favor of spiritual devotion.[49] (2) Spiritual practitioners who are engaged in austerities and deserving of generosity from devotees.[50]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Spiritual figures characterized by their enlightened status and teachings, often sought for guidance.[51]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Individuals venerated for their spiritual authority, as inquired about by the king of U-chang.[52]