Difference between revisions of "Bhagavān"
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| − | '''[[Bhagavan]]''', also written [[Bhagwan]] or [[Bhagawan]], from the [[Sanskrit]] nt-stem bhaga-vant- (nominative भगवान् [[Bhagavān]]) literally means "possessing [[fortune]], blessed, [[prosperous]]" (from the noun '''[[bhaga]]''', meaning "[[fortune]], [[wealth]]", cognate to Slavic bog "[[God]]", Russian богатый (boga'ch) "wealthy"), and hence "illustrious, [[divine]], [[Venerable]], holy", etc. | + | '''[[Bhagavan]]''', also written [[Bhagwan]] or [[Bhagawan]], from the [[Sanskrit]] nt-stem bhaga-vant- ({{Wiki|nominative}} [[भगवान्]] [[Bhagavān]]) literally means "possessing [[fortune]], blessed, [[prosperous]]" (from the {{Wiki|noun}} '''[[bhaga]]''', meaning "[[fortune]], [[wealth]]", {{Wiki|cognate}} to Slavic bog "[[God]]", {{Wiki|Russian}} богатый (boga'ch) "wealthy"), and hence "illustrious, [[divine]], [[Venerable]], {{Wiki|holy}}", etc. |
| − | In some [[traditions]] of [[Hinduism]] it is used to indicate the Supreme [[Being]] or [[Absolute Truth]], but with specific reference to that [[Supreme Being]] as possessing a [[personality]] (a personal [[God]]). This personal feature indicated in [[Bhagavan]] differentiates its usage from other similar terms such as [[Brahman]], the "Supreme [[Spirit]]" or "[[spirit]]", and thus, in this usage, [[Bhagavan]] is in many ways analogous to the general {{Wiki|Christian}} conception of [[God]]. | + | In some [[traditions]] of [[Hinduism]] it is used to indicate the Supreme [[Being]] or [[Absolute Truth]], but with specific reference to that [[Supreme Being]] as possessing a [[personality]] (a personal [[God]]). This personal feature indicated in [[Bhagavan]] differentiates its usage from other similar terms such as [[Brahman]], the "Supreme [[Spirit]]" or "[[spirit]]", and thus, in this usage, [[Bhagavan]] is in many ways analogous to the general {{Wiki|Christian}} {{Wiki|conception}} of [[God]]. |
| − | [[Bhagavan]] used as a title of veneration is often translated as "[[Lord]]", as in "[[Bhagavan]] {{Wiki|Rama}}", "[[Bhagavan]] {{Wiki|Krishna}}", "[[Bhagavan]] {{Wiki|Shiva}}", "[[Bhagavan]] Swaminarayan", etc. In [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]], [[Gautama Buddha]], Mahavira and other Tirthankaras, [[Buddhas]] and [[bodhisattvas]] are also venerated with this title. The feminine of [[Bhagavat]] is [[Bhagawatī]] and is an [[Epithet]] of Durga and other [[goddesses]]. | + | [[Bhagavan]] used as a title of veneration is often translated as "[[Lord]]", as in "[[Bhagavan]] {{Wiki|Rama}}", "[[Bhagavan]] {{Wiki|Krishna}}", "[[Bhagavan]] {{Wiki|Shiva}}", "[[Bhagavan]] Swaminarayan", etc. In [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]], [[Gautama Buddha]], [[Wikipedia:Mahāvīra|Mahavira]] and other [[Tirthankaras]], [[Buddhas]] and [[bodhisattvas]] are also venerated with this title. The {{Wiki|feminine}} of [[Bhagavat]] is [[Bhagawatī]] and is an [[Epithet]] of {{Wiki|Durga}} and other [[goddesses]]. |
| − | The title is also used by a number of contemporary [[spiritual]] [[teachers]] in [[India]] who claim to be [[Bhagavan]] or have [[realized]] impersonal [[Brahman]]. | + | The title is also used by a number of contemporary [[spiritual]] [[teachers]] in [[India]] who claim to be [[Bhagavan]] or have [[realized]] {{Wiki|impersonal}} [[Brahman]]. |
Definitions | Definitions | ||
| − | The {{Wiki|Bhagavata purana}} (1.2.11) states the definition of [[Bhagavan]] to mean the supreme most [[being]]: | + | The {{Wiki|Bhagavata purana}} (1.2.11) states the [[definition]] of [[Bhagavan]] to mean the supreme most [[being]]: |
| − | The Learned [[Know]] the [[Absolute Truth]] call this [[nondual]] [[substance]] [[Brahman]], Paramatma or [[Bhagavan]]. | + | The Learned [[Know]] the [[Absolute Truth]] call this [[nondual]] [[substance]] [[Brahman]], [[Paramatma]] or [[Bhagavan]]. |
| − | The [[Sanskrit]] [[word]] [[bhagavan]] is explained in the [[Vishnu]] {{Wiki|Purana}} (6.5.79) by the great authority, Parashara Muni, the father of Vyasa [[Deva]], defines [[Bhagavan]] as one who possesses six opulences completely, as follows: | + | The [[Sanskrit]] [[word]] [[bhagavan]] is explained in the [[Vishnu]] {{Wiki|Purana}} (6.5.79) by the great authority, [[Parashara Muni]], the father of [[Vyasa]] [[Deva]], defines [[Bhagavan]] as one who possesses six opulences completely, as follows: |
The Supreme [[Personality]] who possesses all riches, all strength, all [[Fame]], all [[Beauty]], all [[knowledge]] and all [[renunciation]] is called [[Bhagavan]]. There are many persons who are very rich, very powerful, very [[beautiful]], very famous, very learned, and very much [[detached]], but no one can claim that he possesses all riches, all strength, etc., entirely. | The Supreme [[Personality]] who possesses all riches, all strength, all [[Fame]], all [[Beauty]], all [[knowledge]] and all [[renunciation]] is called [[Bhagavan]]. There are many persons who are very rich, very powerful, very [[beautiful]], very famous, very learned, and very much [[detached]], but no one can claim that he possesses all riches, all strength, etc., entirely. | ||
[[File:Buddha12.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Buddha12.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Early epigraphical evidence | + | Early epigraphical {{Wiki|evidence}} |
[[Bhagavat]] | [[Bhagavat]] | ||
| − | The Bhāgavat [[religion]] of early [[Hinduism]] is documented epigraphically from around 100 BCE, such as in the inscriptions of the Heliodorus pillar, in which Heliodorus, an Indo-Greek ambassador from Taxila to the court of a Sunga [[king]], describes himself as a [[Bhagavata]] ("Heliodorena bhagavatena"): | + | The [[Bhāgavat]] [[religion]] of early [[Hinduism]] is documented epigraphically from around 100 BCE, such as in the {{Wiki|inscriptions}} of the Heliodorus pillar, in which Heliodorus, an {{Wiki|Indo-Greek}} ambassador from [[Taxila]] to the court of a {{Wiki|Sunga}} [[king]], describes himself as a [[Bhagavata]] ("Heliodorena bhagavatena"): |
| − | This Garuda-standard of Vasudeva ([[Vishnu]]), the [[God]] of [[Gods]] was erected here by the [[Bhagavata]] Heliodoros, the son of Dion, a man of Taxila, sent by the Great {{Wiki|Greek}} ([[Yona]]) [[King]] Antialcidas, as ambassador to [[King]] Kasiputra Bhagabhadra, the Savior son of the {{Wiki|princess}} from [[Benares]], in the fourteenth year of his reign." | + | This Garuda-standard of [[Vasudeva]] ([[Vishnu]]), the [[God]] of [[Gods]] was erected here by the [[Bhagavata]] Heliodoros, the son of Dion, a man of [[Taxila]], sent by the Great {{Wiki|Greek}} ([[Yona]]) [[King]] [[Antialcidas]], as ambassador to [[King]] [[Kasiputra Bhagabhadra]], the Savior son of the {{Wiki|princess}} from [[Benares]], in the fourteenth year of his reign." |
| − | (Archaeological Survey of [[India]], Annual Report (1908-1909)) | + | ({{Wiki|Archaeological}} Survey of [[India]], Annual Report (1908-1909)) |
In [[Buddhism]] | In [[Buddhism]] | ||
| − | The [[word]] "[[Bhagava]]" is used many times to refer to The [[Buddha]] in the [[Pali]] [[suttas]]. The term "[[Bhagava]]" has been used in [[Pali]] [[Anussati]] or recollections as one of the terms that describes the "[[Tathagatha]]". | + | The [[word]] "[[Bhagava]]" is used many times to refer to The [[Buddha]] in the [[Pali]] [[suttas]]. The term "[[Bhagava]]" has been used in [[Pali]] [[Anussati]] or [[recollections]] as one of the terms that describes the "[[Tathagatha]]". |
In The [[Buddha]] [[anussati]], [[Bhagavan]] is defined the following way: | In The [[Buddha]] [[anussati]], [[Bhagavan]] is defined the following way: | ||
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1) [[Arahaṃ]] - [[deserving homage]]. | 1) [[Arahaṃ]] - [[deserving homage]]. | ||
2) [[Sammā-sambuddho]] - [[perfectly awakened]]. | 2) [[Sammā-sambuddho]] - [[perfectly awakened]]. | ||
| − | 3) [[Vijjā-caraṇa sampanno]] - perfect in true [[knowledge]] and conduct. | + | 3) [[Vijjā-caraṇa sampanno]] - {{Wiki|perfect}} in true [[knowledge]] and conduct. |
4) [[Sugato]] - [[well gone]] (to [[Nibbana]]) | 4) [[Sugato]] - [[well gone]] (to [[Nibbana]]) | ||
| − | 5) Lokavidū - knower of the [[worlds]] | + | 5) [[Lokavidū]] - knower of the [[worlds]] |
| − | 6) Anuttaro purisa-damma-sārathi - incomparable leader (lit. charioteer) of persons to be tamed. | + | 6) [[Anuttaro]] purisa-damma-sārathi - [[incomparable leader]] (lit. charioteer) of persons to be tamed. |
7) Satthā [[Deva]]-manusānaṃ - [[teacher]] of [[gods]] and [[humans]]. | 7) Satthā [[Deva]]-manusānaṃ - [[teacher]] of [[gods]] and [[humans]]. | ||
| − | 8) Buddho - [[awakened one]]. | + | 8) [[Buddho]] - [[awakened one]]. |
| − | 9) Bhagavāti - [[Blessed One]]. | + | 9) [[Bhagavāti]] - [[Blessed One]]. |
| − | Sākamunisa bhagavato is recorded in the kharoshthi [[dedication]] of a vase placed in a [[Buddhist]] [[Stupa]] by the {{Wiki|Greek}} meridarch (civil governor of a province) named Theodorus (Tarn, p391): | + | Sākamunisa [[bhagavato]] is recorded in the [[kharoshthi]] [[dedication]] of a [[vase]] placed in a [[Buddhist]] [[Stupa]] by the {{Wiki|Greek}} meridarch (civil governor of a province) named Theodorus (Tarn, p391): |
| − | "Theudorena meridarkhena pratithavida ime [[Sarira]] sakamunisa bhagavato bahu-jana-stitiye": | + | "Theudorena meridarkhena pratithavida ime [[Sarira]] sakamunisa [[bhagavato]] bahu-jana-stitiye": |
| − | "The meridarch Theodorus has enshrined [[relics]] of [[Lord]] [[Shakyamuni]], for the welfare of the mass of the [[people]]" | + | "The meridarch Theodorus has enshrined [[relics]] of [[Lord]] [[Shakyamuni]], for the {{Wiki|welfare}} of the {{Wiki|mass}} of the [[people]]" |
| − | (Swāt [[relic]] vase inscription of the Meridarkh Theodoros | + | (Swāt [[relic]] [[vase]] inscription of the Meridarkh Theodoros |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Bhagavan]] | [[Category:Bhagavan]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:08, 17 April 2024
Bhagavan, also written Bhagwan or Bhagawan, from the Sanskrit nt-stem bhaga-vant- (nominative भगवान् Bhagavān) literally means "possessing fortune, blessed, prosperous" (from the noun bhaga, meaning "fortune, wealth", cognate to Slavic bog "God", Russian богатый (boga'ch) "wealthy"), and hence "illustrious, divine, Venerable, holy", etc.
In some traditions of Hinduism it is used to indicate the Supreme Being or Absolute Truth, but with specific reference to that Supreme Being as possessing a personality (a personal God). This personal feature indicated in Bhagavan differentiates its usage from other similar terms such as Brahman, the "Supreme Spirit" or "spirit", and thus, in this usage, Bhagavan is in many ways analogous to the general Christian conception of God.
Bhagavan used as a title of veneration is often translated as "Lord", as in "Bhagavan Rama", "Bhagavan Krishna", "Bhagavan Shiva", "Bhagavan Swaminarayan", etc. In Buddhism and Jainism, Gautama Buddha, Mahavira and other Tirthankaras, Buddhas and bodhisattvas are also venerated with this title. The feminine of Bhagavat is Bhagawatī and is an Epithet of Durga and other goddesses.
The title is also used by a number of contemporary spiritual teachers in India who claim to be Bhagavan or have realized impersonal Brahman.
Definitions
The Bhagavata purana (1.2.11) states the definition of Bhagavan to mean the supreme most being:
The Learned Know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Brahman, Paramatma or Bhagavan.
The Sanskrit word bhagavan is explained in the Vishnu Purana (6.5.79) by the great authority, Parashara Muni, the father of Vyasa Deva, defines Bhagavan as one who possesses six opulences completely, as follows:
The Supreme Personality who possesses all riches, all strength, all Fame, all Beauty, all knowledge and all renunciation is called Bhagavan. There are many persons who are very rich, very powerful, very beautiful, very famous, very learned, and very much detached, but no one can claim that he possesses all riches, all strength, etc., entirely.
Early epigraphical evidence
Bhagavat
The Bhāgavat religion of early Hinduism is documented epigraphically from around 100 BCE, such as in the inscriptions of the Heliodorus pillar, in which Heliodorus, an Indo-Greek ambassador from Taxila to the court of a Sunga king, describes himself as a Bhagavata ("Heliodorena bhagavatena"):
This Garuda-standard of Vasudeva (Vishnu), the God of Gods was erected here by the Bhagavata Heliodoros, the son of Dion, a man of Taxila, sent by the Great Greek (Yona) King Antialcidas, as ambassador to King Kasiputra Bhagabhadra, the Savior son of the princess from Benares, in the fourteenth year of his reign."
(Archaeological Survey of India, Annual Report (1908-1909))
In Buddhism
The word "Bhagava" is used many times to refer to The Buddha in the Pali suttas. The term "Bhagava" has been used in Pali Anussati or recollections as one of the terms that describes the "Tathagatha".
In The Buddha anussati, Bhagavan is defined the following way:
Iti pi so Bhagavā
Thus is Buddha,
1) Arahaṃ - deserving homage.
2) Sammā-sambuddho - perfectly awakened.
3) Vijjā-caraṇa sampanno - perfect in true knowledge and conduct.
4) Sugato - well gone (to Nibbana)
5) Lokavidū - knower of the worlds
6) Anuttaro purisa-damma-sārathi - incomparable leader (lit. charioteer) of persons to be tamed.
7) Satthā Deva-manusānaṃ - teacher of gods and humans.
8) Buddho - awakened one.
9) Bhagavāti - Blessed One.
Sākamunisa bhagavato is recorded in the kharoshthi dedication of a vase placed in a Buddhist Stupa by the Greek meridarch (civil governor of a province) named Theodorus (Tarn, p391):
"Theudorena meridarkhena pratithavida ime Sarira sakamunisa bhagavato bahu-jana-stitiye":
"The meridarch Theodorus has enshrined relics of Lord Shakyamuni, for the welfare of the mass of the people"
(Swāt relic vase inscription of the Meridarkh Theodoros
