Significance of Noble One
Synonyms: Nobleman, Patrician, Lord, Gentleman, Lady, Blue blood
In French: Noble; In Swedish: Noble One; In Dutch: Edele; In Finnish: Jalo Yksi; In Spanish: Noble Uno; In German: Edler; In Malay: Yang Mulia
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Noble One'
The keyphrase "Noble One" in Buddhism encompasses arahants and enlightened beings recognized for their virtuous qualities and spiritual achievements, demonstrating deep understanding, moral integrity, and leadership in following the Buddha's teachings on the path to enlightenment.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Individuals who have reached enlightenment and do not commit wrongdoings.[1] (2) Individuals recognized within certain traditions as being virtuous or spiritually advanced, such as Buddhas and Bodhisattas.[2] (3) Individuals who possess special insights and abilities, particularly concerning the contemplation of objects as desired.[3] (4) A term used to refer to the enlightened beings who follow the teachings of the Buddha.[4] (5) Individuals established in the Path, including arahats and others who adhere to the teachings of the Buddha, recognized through Sarana-gamana.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Individuals characterized by mindfulness, concentration, and a deep commitment to overcoming defilements, as depicted in Dhammapada verse 181.[6] (2) A term referring to individuals who have achieved a high level of spiritual development and can transcend worldly suffering.[7] (3) Refers to the arahants who conduct their lives righteously and are revered for their virtuous teachings.[8] (4) Individuals who have attained a high moral and ethical standard, and have overcome their flaws and negative traits.[9] (5) Individuals who embody characteristics of virtue, self-control, and detachment from worldly desires.[10]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Individuals who have attained a higher level of understanding and can apprehend Nibbana through specialized knowledge.[11] (2) Noble Ones are individuals who have attained significant spiritual insight and accomplishment, particularly in producing the eight attainments and developing concentration towards ultimate goals like Nibbana.[12] (3) Individuals who have reached higher paths in asceticism and are capable of attaining noble fruit.[13] (4) Individuals who have achieved a significant level of spiritual development, including Buddhas and their enlightened disciples.[14] (5) Individuals who have attained an elevated understanding and practice of virtue, admired and emulated in spiritual traditions.[15]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Individuals who have attained high states of realization through practicing the Buddha's teachings.[16] (2) An Arahat, a person who has reached the highest state of being free from defilements and is deserving of honor.[17]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Refer to individuals who are enlightened, starting with the Sotapanna and leading to higher levels such as Arahat.[18] (2) Individuals who have made significant progress on the path to Enlightenment, including stream-enterers and arahats.[19]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A representation of a person who possesses moral strength and virtue that should be cultivated.[20] (2) A title for those who lead a life of righteousness following the teachings of the Buddha, often in reference to the monastic community.[21]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Refers to the members of the Samgha who are considered virtuous and uphold the teachings of the Buddha.[22]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Referred to as ariyas, these individuals belong to the supramundane sphere after attaining certain levels of spiritual development.[23]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Noble Ones are individuals who follow the teachings of the Buddha and renounce sensual pleasures, aiming for higher spiritual goals.[24]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks� rules)
(1) A reference to individuals who have attained a high level of spiritual realization, recognized in the context of the teachings.[25]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Enlightened beings or saints who embody the true wealth of spiritual teachings and compassion.[26] (2) Highly realized beings whose bodhicitta is deeply rooted in their understanding and practice.[27] (3) A respectful term used to address Maitreya, signifying his elevated status and compassion.[28] (4) Individuals who have progressed beyond defilements through their practice, embodying wisdom and insight in both meditation and post-meditation.[29] (5) Individuals who have achieved a high level of spiritual understanding or enlightenment.[30]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) A classification of advanced practitioners, including stream enterers, once returners, and non-returners, who have deep insight into the Dhamma.[31]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Individuals who have evolved through good deeds and mindfulness, leading to a higher state of being.[32]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to enlightened beings or the morally upright in Buddhism who reject harm caused by improper actions, such as Devadatta's consumption of food obtained through wrong means.[33]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) An ambiguous title referring to either Jayadeva or Manjushri, illustrating the interconnectedness of their roles in Shantideva's education.[34]
Hindu concept of 'Noble One'
In Hinduism, "Noble One" serves as a term of respect for individuals of high moral standing, including deities like Krishna and Rama, highlighting their virtues and esteemed qualities in various contexts and relationships.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A respectful reference to Sita, acknowledging her worth and dignity.[35] (2) A term of respect used by Shatrughna when addressing Bharata.[36] (3) An honorific used by Lakshmana when addressing his brother Rama.[37] (4) A term of respect referring to Ikshvaku, highlighting his esteemed character.[38]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Refers to individuals who exhibit virtue, wisdom, and spiritual integrity.[39]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A term Rama uses to address Yamuna, reflecting his respect towards her despite their tumultuous interaction.[40]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A title attributed to Rama, suggesting his inherent virtue and qualities that are expected to govern his actions amidst challenges.[41]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A term of endearment or respect used by the speaker to address the person she is pleading with, highlighting their perceived noble qualities.[42] (2) A respectful address used to refer to an esteemed individual, indicating their character or status.[43]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A term of respect for the deities being addressed in the prayers, emphasizing their esteemed status.[44]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A term used to address Brahmins, recognizing their esteemed position in society.[45]
Jain concept of 'Noble One'
In Jainism, the keyphrase "Noble One" signifies individuals of wisdom and moral integrity, guiding others toward righteousness, embodying higher virtues, and preaching the law impartially while often facing misrepresentation through fallacious arguments.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Individuals who have declared the law without bias or partiality.[46] (2) Individuals who have attained wisdom or high moral standards and provide guidance on the path of righteousness.[47] (3) Individuals regarded for their wisdom and moral integrity, whose insights guide others toward righteousness.[48] (4) Individuals viewed as virtuous and morally upright who preach the law fairly and justly.[49]
The concept of Noble One in local and regional sources
Noble One denotes both a royal title embodying integrity and honor, likely pertaining to a king, and individuals of high moral value who merit respect and dedicated service.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Individuals of high moral standing deserving of respect and service.[50] (2) A title that likely refers to the king, indicating his integrity and honorable qualities.[51]